The ultra-modern, stylishly designed, just plain fun 221-room Barcelo Malaga is located in the same building as the Malaga high-speed rail station, making it ideal for travelers on a layover or in town for work. The large, tricked-out convention and meeting facilities, combined with a handy location, make it a great spot for business travelers -- and the cool bars and restaurants are ideal for client meetings.

Bigger than other hotels in the area, NH Malaga is an upper-middle-range, chain hotel within a 10-minute walk of Calle Marques de Larios, a pedestrian street famous for its restaurants, bars, and shops. The hotel has a Spanish restaurant on-site and offers a breakfast buffet (for a fee) that earns glowing reviews from guests. Its 133 rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, but the hotel has no swimming pool, and the fitness center, which has about a dozen cardio machines, hand weights, and a sauna, is small. With 10 conference rooms, the hotel suits business travelers, but some guests have complained that the free Wi-Fi is inadequate, and that it's necessary to upgrade for a fee. 

The 214-room AC Hotel Malaga Palacio frequently accommodates meetings and conferences thanks to its central Malaga location, sleek rooms with free minibars, and rooftop restaurant and bar with floor-to-ceiling windows. There is also a rooftop pool offering spectacular views of the city (it is sometimes closed for parties). Parking is expensive, but an airport bus stops directly in front of the hotel.

Hotel Zenit Malaga is a 62-room, mid-range property with a simple style, just a 10-minute drive from the beach, old town, and marina. As such, it's a more peaceful option than other Malaga hotels, since it’s away from the hustle and bustle. Air-conditioned rooms are clean and modern, but plain, and the bathrooms are a bit small. Some have balconies, though the street view below is lackluster, and all include free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s restaurant, open several days a week, serves authentic Mediterranean and Andalusian cuisines in a bright dining room, and a generous breakfast buffet.