The 109-room Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio is an upscale hotel that offers subtle, thoughtful decor; high-quality furnishings; and a chic gastrobar -- with the extraordinary added feature of archeological ruins preserved beneath the building. Remains of centuries-old sections of the city's Roman and Arab walls and other artifacts are on view, and the Wall Bar has a glass floor so patrons can gaze upon Malaga's past while sipping champagne.

Room Mate Larios is a mid-range boutique-style chain hotel in an excellent location near the historic and commercial center of Malaga. The hotel has 41 spacious rooms and suites with minibars and free Wi-Fi, and some have kitchenettes and balconies. Though there's no full restaurant, there is a breakfast buffet for a fee, a posh indoor bar, and a rooftop terrace bar, but guests complain about it opening later in the season than other nearby rooftop terraces. There’s no fitness center or pool, and parking is located a half-mile away. 

AC Hotel Malaga Palacio is part of the AC Hotel group, a European subsidiary of the Marriott chain with a focus on design. The 214-room hotel is an excellent anchor for exploring the city's vibrant street life. Rooms are bright and minimal with minibars and flat-screen TVs. The rooftop restaurant, bar, and pool offers spectacular views of the city (it is sometimes closed for parties) but parking is expensive and the pool lacks privacy.

The 103-room Hotel Molina Lario, which consists of two refurbished 19th-century buildings and one modern one, is a mid-range design hotel near the harbor. While the location isn't on the water, the port is within walking distance. A rooftop pool and bar offer great views of the city and its famous cathedral, which sits opposite the hotel, while Cafe de Bolsa serves a buffet-style breakfast and Spanish items a la carte for lunch and dinner, either indoors or on the gorgeous terrace.

Next to a bullring and a short walk to the beach, marina, restaurants, shops, and such cultural sights as the Picasso and Thyssen Museums, the upper-middle-range MS Maestranza is strategically situated. The 94 rooms of this Andalusian chain property pay tribute to Malaga's most famous painter -- Picasso --  with furniture inspired by his Paris era. They also come with free Wi-Fi and reasonably priced minibars. The on-site spa includes a gym, a sauna, Turkish baths, and whirlpools with scenic views over the city. The Camarote Bar is an elegant spot for cocktails, and the restaurant offers a seasonal, Mediterranean menu, along with Spanish classics. Guests recommend requesting higher-floor rooms, which offer views of the neighboring bullring or the marina and sea. 

Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro is a 38-room, three-and-a-half-pearl hotel on top of Mount Gibralfaro with great views across Malaga. It’s 10 minutes by car from the beach and historic city center, making it a nice respite from the busier pace in town. The air-conditioned rooms have a classic Mediterranean look, and some include balconies overlooking Malaga. Upgraded rooms have nice additions like Nespresso machines and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The rooftop pool is a highlight, with a cozy patio area and beautiful views. An on-site restaurant serves mostly well-liked Mediterranean and Andalusian cuisines and has a terrace that looks out onto the sea. 

The 11-room Villa Guadalupe is a family-owned boutique hotel perched high on a hill in a residential area outside of central Malaga. The charming, whitewashed property is bright, peaceful, and atmospheric, with an esteemed gourmet restaurant on the premises. Still, guests will need a car or be willing to take taxis to reach the beach, city center, or major tourist sights. The extraordinary views and tranquil surroundings make this a great location for travelers who don't need to be right in the center of things to have a good time.