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The city of Malaga is the gateway to Andalucia and the Costa del Sol. It’s the city many people see going to or from popular destinations such as Seville, Granada, and Marbella. To start or end a trip right, the best Malaga luxury hotel for pampered seclusion is Castillo Santa Catalina, with remnants of a historic castle making up part of the property.
The full name of the property is Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina, that first part being the corporate parent company that runs multiple hotels in 15 locations in Spain. They’re especially prevalent in Malaga, where they have eight hotels in addition to this one. The 5-star castle hotel is the most exclusive option though and is the best bet in the city for those who love a luxury hotel with real personality.
Malaga Boutique Hotel on a Hilltop
Castillo Santa Catalina is on the site of a real castle and part of the original structure is still intact. The old stone arches, walls, and patios look out over the bay and its port, which has seen several booms and busts throughout history. Now the city is as famous for its beaches as its commerce and it’s definitely on the upswing, with a lively centro area, great beaches, and the excellent Picasso Museum. (The prolific artist grew up here.)
The city is properly spelled as Málaga, pronounced with a stress on the first syllable. It has been around since before the Moors ruled Anadulcia so you could consider the castle here a newcomer by Spanish standards: it was built as a fancy home overlooking the water in 1625. Like many a historic castle around the world, it didn’t remain a residence much past the founder’s life and the building served as a hospital, a squatter’s refuge, a family house again, and a tourism bureau office.
Now it sits in a prime position in a wealthy neighborhood full of gated villas and condo complexes that you wind past in a taxi or in your own car that you can park in the secure lot after going through a stone archway. A bellman will help you with your bags as you gaze up at the structure and then enter a small lobby area for a welcome drink and check-in.
If you venture out on foot, a short downhill walk brings you to the malecon following the curve of the sea. It extends to the port area and the oldest part of the city, where there’s a much bigger castle and fort complex built by the Moors. There’s no pool at Santa Catalina Hotel, but the beach is waiting not far away.
The old and new parts blend into each other well and there’s a strong mix of Andalucian elements in the architecture, the light fixtures, and the fountain that’s the centerpiece of the outdoor area.
Dining and Drinking at Soho Boutique Santa Catalina
You can enjoy two different restaurant areas at this Malaga castle hotel. One is the outdoor area that’s very romantic and evocative, with the old stone walls, mosaic inlays, and a gurgling fountain. With blooming flowers and a view of the water, you really feel like you’re on the Mediterranean.
Sometimes it rains though and sometimes it can be too hot to eat lunch outdoors though, so on those occasions the attractive indoor dining room is a better choice. It’s an elegant space with flattering lighting that feels like a true “special occasion” high-end restaurant.
Meals here do feel special, starting with breakfast. You won’t go away hungry, but it’s not a buffet. Instead the waiter or waitress keeps bringing platters of food around and asks you what you would like from it. Iberian ham and sausage, of course, local cheeses, fresh bread and pastries, and different kinds of fruits. Then you order eggs the way you would like or pick an alternative such as yogurt or oatmeal.
The lunch and dinner menu is refined, with a mix of continental and regional Spanish dishes. Plenty of seafood items are featured, as well as steak, foie gras, and that ubiquitous Iberian ham. With advance reservations, you can set up a chef’s tasting menu with or without wine pairings.
The drinks list is even more extensive than the food one, with a variety of interesting cocktails and an admirable focus on the wines from Andalucia. You can order and sit where you’d like to share drinks with your companions as there’s not a proper bar. Either in the Moorish lounge, at the dinner table, or outside with the twinkling lights from the city and ships in the distance.
Rooms at Castillo Santa Catalina
This hotel in Malaga has some of the plushest rooms on the coast, outfitted with the finest linens, nice robes, and a variety of pillows on the welcoming bed. With creamy marble, architectural inlays, and columns, the spaces feel quite elegant.
The 24 rooms at this 5-star Malaga hotel all have comfortable baths with rain shower and Chopard toiletries, crisp air-conditioning, minibar, and fast included WiFi. Most have a sitting area, desk, or both. Room service is available if you find you don’t want to leave.
The smallest rooms are the regular doubles and they’re a bit tight, so move up to a Deluxe Double or beyond to have more room to spread out. Next up is a junior suite with a sea view through French doors that open to a standing balcony.
The best choices for a splurge are the two suites on the top floor that open to their own expansive terraces with lounge furniture and the best view in the building. These have a separate living room with TV in addition to the outdoor space and a full bathtub in addition to the shower.
Booking a Malaga Luxury Hotel Stay
The Castillo Santa Catalina hotel website is better than most and it’s easy to add on extras you need for your stay, including a transfer to or from the airport by regular taxi, van, or spacious Mercedes sedan.
Rates run €235 to €749 including taxes depending on the room class, time of the year, and day of the week. Book direct at the hotel website or check rates online at Hotels.com.
Review and photos by Hotel Scoop editor Tim Leffel who was hosted at the property as part of a travel tour with Visit Costa del Sol. (Visit that website to see a welcome message from local son Anthony Banderas.) As always, all opinions are his own.
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