The decor at the low-frills Venecia is not much to write home about. The hotel’s long and narrow entryway is decorated with square slabs of marble on its walls, which clash with the scuffed gray granite floor tiles, while mirrored walls reflect the whole affair. Things calm down a bit by reception with sleek dark wood adorning the walls, and the hotel’s breakfast space is the most contemporary, outfitted in metallic tables and chairs, sot-purple backlighting, and a tile mural of Venice behind an espresso bar. The Venecia attracts mostly budget-seeking couples looking to spend more time exploring Malaga than lingering in the hotel.

Easily the strongest aspect of the Venecia is its location. The hotel is a three-minute walk away from the Calle Marques de Larios and the streets around it, an area of elegant, covered shopping arcades, which are home to some of the smartest shops and best restaurants in this part of Spain. The Muelle Uno, a large shopping center, and the Center Pompidou Malaga, an offshoot of the Paris art gallery, are a 10-minute walk in the other direction, as is the Alcazba. Guests will have to walk some 20 minutes to reach the Playa la Malagueta. Centro Alameda station, for regional trains, and Malaga Maria Zambrano station, for RENFE services around Spain, are a three- and an eight-minute drive, respectively. Malaga Costa del Sol Airport is a 20-minute drive away, or 45 minutes by public transport.

The 47 neutral-tone rooms at the Venecia hotel are on the basic and traditional end, but they're clean and air-conditioned. They either have a single, double, or two twin beds, as well as a small wooden desk -- some painted baby blue -- and chair. Hardwood floors, brown accent walls, and nautical artwork add attractive touches. That said, they tend to be cramped and some past guests have complained of noise issues. Bathrooms are equally petite, with cheerful teal tiles on the walls, shower/tub combos that are half the size of normal bathtubs, bidets, toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and safes, as well as free Wi-Fi. 

The Venecia hotel does not offer its guests very much in the way of amenities. Visitors do get free breakfast served in the hotel’s sleek dining room, but some are disappointed by the limited offering of a croissant or a sandwich, yogurt, and a cup of coffee, tea, or juice. A bar with outdoor seating is a pleasant spot. Those arriving by car should note that the hotel does not have its own parking, and spaces in this part of town are costly and difficult to come by. The hotel has reliable and free Wi-Fi throughout.