Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro

When we arrived we were allocated Room 103. It was a dump, at ground level with security grills on the door to the veranda. It looked like a jail cell. I refused to accept the room. After making a fuss, I was allocated Room 301 on the third floor. This met my expectations. The room was adequate, clean but with a relatively small bathroom but had a good sized veranda with a superb view over the city of Malaga.

We love Malaga and have stayed in the historic centre on a number of occasions. This short trip was a birthday treat and was well worth staying at the Parador. The views from the balcony were wonderful. The room was spacious as was the bathroom. The matresses were extremely comfortable. For those not aware the Parador is at the top of a hill and not an easy walk to and from the centre but that should not put you off staying there. We walked down the hill but got a taxi back which cost about €6. We are already planning to return next year.

Anyone that has visited this hotel simply for a drink and the iconic views will know that it occupies a privileged position that the new wave of Málaga hotels can only dream about. The rooms are large, comfortably furnished in a traditional Spanish style, with spacious bathrooms and I believe every room has balcony with a table and chairs. The well-stocked bar is popular with locals as well as residents and the restaurant offers inventive twists on the Spanish classics. With fantastic views of the city, the superyacht-laden port and the coastline - in both directions - it really is the perfect base from which to explore the city and its hundreds (thousands?) of bars and restaurants and many cultural attractions. The hotel also offers free parking but for those without transport, the heart of the city is a gentle stroll down hill on the scenic path past the Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba (somewhat like a mini Alhambra). If the thought of walking back up to the hotel is too much to contemplate after dinner, there is a regular bus service which stops at the entrance to the hotel, while night owls will find Uber competitive. In short, almost the perfect hotel.

Superb location high above the city, next to the Gibralfaro castle, with great views. All the rooms, as far as I can tell, have the same view of the port and old city. Bedroom was large and very well appointed, with chairs and table on a small private terrace; roof-top pool; large bar with inside and outside sitting areas; very good breakfast choice. For what you get, it's decent value too.

Room was very comfortable and very clean. Large Bathroom with excellent shower water pressure. No bath. Reception very friendly and the room was offered on our arrival, even though we arrived before check-in time. Lovely view and every room has a balcony. Pool was lovely - we were at the time of the year were it was likely a bit fresh for most people, and as a result it was not busy, The hotel provided towels for the pool. Good WIFI connectivity. Excellent breakfast, buffet with many choices.