Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro
Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain, 29016
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expert-rated hotels in Malaga- Recommended for:
- Couples, Culture vultures, Honeymooners, Mature travellers, Seasoned travellers, Art, Design and architecture, Great views / scenery, History, Shopping
Expert review of Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro
Set high-up next to the fortress, it has the unparalleled views over Malaga.
I love the old-school Mediterranean grandeur of the hotel which towers high above Malaga, affording it the best views down to the cathedral and maze of lanes that make up the historic quarter. Even if you don’t stay here, do as I do and head up to the parador (the type of hotel) in the early evening for a drink in the bar and watch the sunset; breathtaking. Somehow the hotel feels timeless, in both character and look, most probably as the building is made from the same stone as the ancient fortress next door.
Location:
Set amidst the pine trees next to the Phoenician-built Alcazaba fortress and the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, from which it takes it name, the hotel is a five-minute drive into the buzzing heart of Malaga, or you can walk down the ancient steps, which will take about 10 minutes. I’d get a cab back up though.
Bedrooms:
Want a room with a spectacular view? If so, this is the hotel for you, as even on the lowest levels you’re guaranteed a panoramic vista of Malaga. The dark wood furniture would be outdated in modern hotels but feels right in the historic, semi-rustic setting. The bathrooms are modern, clean and simple.
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Public areas:
The walls are a bit scuffed, the thick, deep-red rugs are fraying a little, the hand-painted tiles are gently faded and the chairs are a little creaky. All those things are the reasons I love this parador. It’s simultaneously steeped in history yet somehow as fresh as dawn in a 'shabby chic' way.
Eating and drinking:
The restaurant specialises in typical Malaga fayre including gazpacho and pescaíto frito. Personally, I’ve found the set menu isn’t up to much (quality-wise) and prefer to venture into the city for dinner. Breakfast is expensive for the city at 18 euros a head.
Leisure facilities:
Even if it had a flashy gym and spa centre, I’d never leave the pool area. Being so high, and with unrivalled views, it’s sort of a natural infinity pool.
Service:
The reception staff are polite and willing to help, and completely unflustered. The same cannot always be said for the restaurant/bar team, who I’ve found to be slow and dismissive on occasion.
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Who stays there:
Typically ‘middle class’ Spaniards from out of town plus European and American couples wanting a slice of the ‘high’ life, without the fuss.
Price advice:
Breakfast is not included in the price of the room and isn’t the cheapest.
Pros:
Views, views, views
Lots of character
Cons:
Food and service could be better
More information on Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain, 29016
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
