Best family hotels in Malaga for a child-friendly city break

Grand by name, grand by nature, the palatial five-star Gran Hotel Miramar Malaga is one of the most luxurious in all of Spain and has a colourful history. In between welcoming famous names including Ernest Hemingway and Elizabeth Taylor, this luxurious retreat functioned as a field hospital during the Spanish Civil War and as the headquarters for the Malaga law courts. 

Today it's back doing what it does best, ensuring that guests have a wonderful stay. The service is first-class, the rooms beautifully appointed (with connecting rooms for families), there are two outdoor pools for adults and children, and a kids’ club that opens during July and August. 

Nearest beach: Directly opposite Malagueta Beach 

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (8 miles)

Located in the heart of the city, the smart and modern NH Malaga is within walking distance of some of Malaga's most famous sights including the Picasso Museum and the cathedral. The Alameda train station is around the corner from the hotel with a direct line to the airport. 

A handful of light-filled interconnecting family rooms sleep up to four people. E-bikes are available to rent and covered parking is offered to guests for an additional charge. Best of all, however, is the rooftop outdoor pool (open June to September). 

Nearest beach: 15-minute walk to the nearest beach

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (5 miles)

Combine traditional seaside fun with your city break with a stay at the Sol Guadalmar. Located alongside Guadalmar beach but just a short bus or taxi ride from the heart of Malaga, this family-friendly hotel offers the best of both worlds. 

The hotel's Family Rooms come with two queen-size beds and bunk beds for children under 11. Additional touches include complimentary kids' toothbrushes and a surprise gift. Connecting Family Rooms are also available. 

There's a large outdoor swimming pool (open May to October) as well as a dedicated kids' pool and a heated indoor pool. During summer months the Mini Club welcomes children aged between 5 and 12 and while the kids are busy, you can practice your serve on the tennis court.

Nearest beach: The property sits alongside Guadalmar beach 

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (2 miles)

A great option if you’re visiting Malaga with teens is the buzzy Room Mate Valeria which occupies a prime position opposite the Muelle Uno marina in the city’s Soho neighbourhood. This is one of the city's coolest barrios, famous for its street art, cafes and galleries.

The 61 individually styled rooms at this designer hotel are decked out in bold turquoise, forest green or bright blue stripes with modern bathrooms, complete with rain showers. There are some interconnecting rooms for families. Breakfast is served until midday in the lower-ground lounge and cool cocktails and tapas can be enjoyed on the roof terrace with views across the city and port. 

Nearest beach: Malaga beach (less than a mile away) 

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (7 miles) 

We love the family rooms at Petit Palace Plaza Malaga. Spacious, light-filled and furnished with bunk beds for kids, this modern four-star hotel is one of the best family hotels in Malaga. 

The hotel has cots, highchairs and even pushchairs to borrow as well as family-friendly guides to the city. And teens will love cycling around the streets on one of the hotel bikes. 

Located around the corner from the main pedestrian street, Calle Larios, and opposite Málaga Cathedral, you could not be better positioned for making the most of the city.

Nearest beach: Malagueta Beach (1 mile) 

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (8 miles)

Minimalists look away now, the stylish four-star Barceló Malaga is riot of colour and futuristic design. The main lobby area, decorated in dusty pinks and deep teals with gold columns and accents is great fun - almost as much fun as the enormous steel slide that whizzes from the first-floor dining space to the lobby area. 

There are 221 large and modern rooms, all decorated with panoramic cityscapes above the beds. For families there are interconnecting rooms that sleep up to five people. Set yourself up for sightseeing at the impressive hotel breakfast buffet and when hunger strikes later in the day, order snacks at the ground-floor gastrobar or from the rooftop bar. This is also where you’ll find the small but perfectly formed swimming pool. 

Nearest beach: Malaga beach (2 miles)

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (6 miles)

It's not every day that you can say you’ve slept above an ancient city wall but check in to the five-star Vincci Selección Posada del Patio and you’ll have top bragging rights. This luxury hotel sits on the edge of Malaga’s old town, within easy walking distance of the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba and cathedral. 

Positioned within an old posada, the hotel oozes history, particularly in the stylish lobby where glass panels reveal a preserved stretch of ancient city wall crafted over centuries. A staircase provides direct access. The hotel has 106 bright and cheerful rooms, suites and junior suites, most with balconies and a handful that are interconnecting. Another hotel highlight is the rooftop swimming pool. 

Nearest beach: Malaga beach (1 mile) 

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (7 miles) 

The H10 Croma Malaga is a bold and modern whitewashed block that sits on the edge of the historic centre. It only opened a couple of years ago and is one of the latest offerings from H10, a top Spanish hotel brand. 

But where the exterior shares more than a passing resemblance to a giant LEGO block, the interiors are welcoming with traditional tiled floors, colourful artwork and cosy, light-filled communal spaces. 

The bright and spacious bedrooms are incredibly comfortable with family rooms sleeping up to four; most have private terraces with city views. If travelling with teens then the Corner2Rooms are connected by a private corridor. 

Nearest beach: Malaga beach (1 mile) 

Nearest airport: Malaga Airport (6 miles)