The Glamorous Gran Hotel Palacio Miramar, Malaga: My Review

Out of the few five-star hotels in Malaga, Gran Hotel Miramar is the one with a true old-fashioned charm and glamour.

I booked a night at Gran Hotel Palacio Miramar as a treat for my husband’s birthday (what a cheap date he is right?).

It has been the first taste of what Malaga has to offer in terms of luxury accommodation. Happy to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

It was the middle of September and the summer was still on. Malaga was busy with life but noticeably more quiet than you would expect it to be this time of the year. Covid has taken a toll on the tourist numbers here too.

Gran Hotel Palacio Miramar counts itself among one of the oldest hotels in Malaga and has an interesting story to tell.

With the history of the building dating to 1926, it has evolved with time and so has its purpose.

Previously known as Hotel Principe de Austrias, it has been used for a short period as a hospital during the Spanish civil war. After that, it has been converted to ‘Hotel Miramar’ until 1967.

Until 2007 it has served its duty as Malaga’s Palace of Justice, being home to judges, lawyers, and criminals, instead of hotel guests. A massive redevelopment followed a result of which you can admire today.

Sitting on the seafront with easy access to the old town and harbour, it boasts lush old gardens, a spacious pool with sea view, and a taste of an old-fashioned luxury you only see in movies.

But enough with the words, let me take you out for a stroll. In the end, pictures tell the story better than words.

Table of Contents

Location

The hotel is located close to the old town, within walking distance to the Alcazaba and other attractions in the city. Right opposite the hotel is a beautiful and stylish Chirringuito offering you to taste some of the Andalusian classics.

The hotel has parking options and finding your way here from the train station is a matter of a few minutes taxi ride.

There are small shops on the side road should you run out of any essentials.

Gardens

The driveway to the hotel is lined by palm trees which are part of the historic gardens of the hotel and form a beautiful welcoming arch leading you to the entrance.

It feels a bit like a private botanical garden.

Some of the trees here looked like they are certainly at least a hundred years old.

Main Hall & Reception

Upon entering through the main revolving door, you are greeted by the reception on your right and a beautiful main hall opens up right in front of you.

The traditional courtyard is covered by a glass roof letting in lots of natural light and dominated by a glorious crystal chandelier.

A grand piano in the corner and comfy sofas are spread throughout the hall, with an upper gallery walkway overlooking the space below.

Breakfast Room

The breakfast room on the ground floor overlooks the gardens by the pool in front of the building.

Due to covid restrictions, the breakfast buffet was rather limited and you had to point to a member of staff each time you wanted something and they would pick it up for you to be placed on the plate.

A strange breakfast experience for sure.

Deluxe Sea View Room

From the variety of rooms available, I picked the deluxe sea view room because of its size and of course the sea views.

It was so big that it felt like being in a private apartment.

Upon entering and walking through a small hallway, you would see a toilet door in front of you and the room opens up on your right.

A spacious wardrobe has been set up just behind the bed, divided by a partition. The bedroom was huge, with a spacious table next to the bed, a comfy sofa in the corner, and even a little dining table with chairs.

The decor style seen in the main hall is beautifully translated into the rooms too, with accents of gold, the crystal in lamps and chandeliers, and luxurious materials used throughout.

Whether it’s your style or not, it truly feels like you’re sleeping in a castle or chateau.

Bathroom

The bathroom had a huge lit-up mirror, walk-in shower, and plenty of space to roam around. With luxury toiletries and fluffy cotton towels, it’s everything you need a bathroom to be.