Originally opened in 1926 by King Alfonso XIII, and at one time Malaga's law courts, this beautifully-restored hotel is set by the sea in the upmarket area of Caleta. The polished rooms have all the mod-cons; some have a Moorish theme or Mediterranean touches but only 25% have sea views. Amenities include a spa, a gym, a swimming pool and several restaurantsa.

Opposite the Cathedral, this 4-star hotel has elegant, contemporary rooms - the best have balconies and views of the Cathedral. Amenities include an outdoor garden-terrace serving tapas, a stunning rooftop pool with late night bar and a terrace grill restaurant.

Quite simply one of the finest hotels in Malaga, the Vincci Selección Posada del Patio encompasses the heart of the city with art, fashion and incredible fine dining at its core. The spacious rooms have mod-cons like LCD TVs, air-conditioning and floor to ceiling windows, as well as a rooftop plunge pool, a Mediterranean restaurant and a bar.

With direct access to Maria Zambrano station and the airport, Barcelo Malaga is a design hotel with luxurious rooms, free Wi-Fi and a helter-skelter slide down to the B-Lounge bar. Its healthy gourmet concept can be found in the El Andén restaurant.

Minutes from the city centre, and with sweeping vistas out across the Alboran Sea, Hotel Ilunion Malaga makes the most of its boardwalk location with spacious balconies and floor to ceiling windows. It also has a good indoor pool, small gym and spa, and a sauna.

Right on pedestrianised Calle Larios, in the heart of Málaga, this rebranded hotel, part of a chain of hotels around the world, has a light, stylish contemporary feel with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi and an impressive roof terrace with a late night bar. Breakfast is served until a civilized midday.

Clean, cheap and central, this hotel occupies the 8th floor of an apartment building and has obliging owners and free Wi-Fi. What it lacks in modernity, it makes up in personality, and all rooms come with private bathrooms. The views over the bullring are nigh on unbeatable too.

A short walk west of the centre, near the Alameda train station, this compact hotel only has 57 rooms but is modern and offers excellent value for money. Its sparkling cleanliness helps, but do try and get a room overlooking the River Guadalmedina.

Hidden in Pedregalejo, a small fishing community in Malaga, this tiny hotel only has nine rooms but it packs a punch with its outdoor hot tub and mini sauna. Rooms are a little on the pokey side, but the views over the Alboran Sea can't be beaten. Taxis take around 10 minutes into the city centre but a stroll along the beach is the most romantic route.