Málaga is a great city for families: beach, castles and ice cream, all within walking distance. Children love the gardens and fountains of the Alcazaba, the boats in the port and a swim at La Malagueta. These five hotels have pools, room for families and locations that make the most of it.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gran Hotel Miramar ★★★★★ | La Malagueta | Couples, Families, Luxury |
| 2 | AC Hotel Málaga Palacio ★★★★ | Port & Muelle Uno | Couples, Families |
| 3 | Vincci Selección Posada del Patio ★★★★★ | Historic centre | Couples, Families, Luxury |
| 4 | Barceló Málaga ★★★★ | María Zambrano station | Families |
| 5 | Hotel Ilunion Málaga ★★★★ | Western seafront | Families |
How we chose these hotels
We looked for space for families (family or connecting rooms), a pool, and a location close to the beach or the old town. No hotel paid to appear here, and we never quote prices: they change every day, so check availability with the button under each hotel.
1. Gran Hotel Miramar
For a beach holiday in style: gardens with two pools, the Malagueta beach across the road and the old town 15 minutes away.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- La Malagueta
- Location
- Paseo de Reding 22, 29016 Málaga
- Best for
- Couples, Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- A 1920s palace facing the sea, steps from La Malagueta beach
- Gardens with two pools, one of them seasonal, and a spa
- About 15 minutes on foot from the old town
Good to know
- A large, formal grand hotel: not for those looking for a small boutique stay
- Pool opening times vary by season: confirm them when booking
2. AC Hotel Málaga Palacio
For the city and the port on foot: family rooms and a rooftop pool on the 15th floor, between the Cathedral and the Paseo del Parque.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- Port & Muelle Uno
- Location
- Calle Cortina del Muelle 1, 29015 Málaga
- Best for
- Couples, Families
Why we like it
- Between the Cathedral, the Paseo del Parque and the port
- Rooftop terrace on the 15th floor with a pool and views over the sea
- Family rooms and rooms with sea views
Good to know
- The rooftop pool is small and unheated; it can be busy or closed for events
- A busy junction outside: higher floors are quieter
3. Vincci Selección Posada del Patio
For a big rooftop pool in the centre: plus Moorish walls under the glass floors – a history lesson children will enjoy.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Historic centre
- Location
- Pasillo de Santa Isabel 7, 29005 Málaga
- Best for
- Couples, Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Remains of the Moorish city walls visible under glass inside the hotel
- Rooftop terrace with a pool and city views
- On the edge of the old town, near the Atarazanas market
Good to know
- The rooftop pool can be busy at peak times
- Rooms facing the main road are less quiet: ask for an inner room
4. Barceló Málaga
For fun from the first minute: a slide down to the lobby, a rooftop pool area and connecting rooms, next to the train station.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- María Zambrano station
- Location
- Calle Héroe de Sostoa 2, 29002 Málaga
- Best for
- Families
Why we like it
- Direct access to María Zambrano high-speed train station
- A slide from the first floor down to the lobby – a hit with children
- Rooftop pool area with city views
Good to know
- About 15–20 minutes on foot from the old town
- The rooftop is more lounge than water park: confirm pool times and rules for children when booking
5. Hotel Ilunion Málaga
For sea views and a pool all year: rooms facing the Mediterranean and an indoor pool, on the seafront west of the port.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- Western seafront
- Location
- Paseo Marítimo Antonio Machado 10, 29002 Málaga
- Best for
- Families
Why we like it
- On the seafront, with many sea-view rooms
- Indoor pool in the wellness area, usable all year
- Close to María Zambrano station and the city beaches
Good to know
- About 20 minutes on foot from the old town
- Family set-ups vary: confirm beds and cots when booking
Which one should you choose?
- For the beach at the door: Gran Hotel Miramar.
- For sightseeing on foot: AC Málaga Palacio or Vincci Posada del Patio.
- For arriving by train and a slide: Barceló Málaga.
- For a pool in any season: Ilunion Málaga.
Tips for families
- Confirm beds and cots when booking: family set-ups vary by room type.
- Ask about pool dates and rules: rooftop pools are often small and seasonal.
- Go to the beach early, and keep the hottest hours for lunch and a rest.
If you are still choosing a neighbourhood, read where to stay in Málaga, and plan your days with Málaga in 3 days.
