Gran Hotel Miramar is a five star gran lux hotel in Malaga – Spain’s highest hotel designation. It’s located within easy walking distance to the port and its boardwalk as well as the old town and its shops. You’ll also get great views of the sea. It has meeting spaces – indoor and out door, a spa, a gym, elegant dining and more. Staying here is special.
Malaga is in the heart of Andalucia and steeped in Moorish history – Gran Hotel Miramar pays homage to that. You approach an impressive and classically styled white hotel upon entry (with lovely gardens). The atrium lobby is quite impressive that stands two towering stories tall with a class ceiling. It’s surrounded by arched columns and this is definitely your meeting point throughout the day – with separate seating areas, piano music and lobby bar.
Though it opened in 2016, the hotel reflects Malaga’s 20th century history as well. It first opened its doors as in 1926, but then served a few other purposes. In 1936 it served as a hospital during the Spanish Civil War. In 1939 it opened as a hotel again, this time under the name “Hotel Miramar” until 1967 when it closed its doors. In 1987 it opened as Malaga’s Palace of Justice. It sat dormant for many years, until Hoteles Santos restored its classic style with a few contemporary enhancements.
Guest Rooms
The hotel offers several different styles for their guest rooms – Arabic, Mediterranean, Nasrid (which is a style of design that is based on Muslim art and the its geometric eight-pointed star), classic or modernist designs.
I stayed on the main floor in a comfortable Arabic room (premier category) that featured Arabic designs, marble flooring and a contemporary bathroom with a walk-in shower, Hemes Collection bath amenities, sink and toilet areas separated by glass dividers.
I get excited to check out my room to find the various pleasant surprises. You’ll enjoy that here. I particularly loved the crystal carafe of Malaga wine sitting on the table next to my chair. (And, yes, I wasn’t shy about drinking it!)
They include many amenities that give you a sense of being at home, such as a Nespresso coffee/tea maker (a marker of high-end hotels), mini-bar, flat-screen TVs, desks, safes, hairdryers, slippers and bathrobes. But Gran Hotel Miramar also offers a pillow menu, 24 hour room service and free wifi service. You can also grab some water or a juice from the front desk if needed.
Most guest rooms will offer either a view of the city, historic gardens, courtyard or sea view. There are four categories:
- Premier rooms (30 square meters/320 square feet)
- Deluxe rooms (37 square meters/400 square feet)
- Deluxe sea (37 square meters/400 square feet)
- Suite Deluxe rooms (60 square meters/645 square feet)
Dining
Gran Hotel Miramar has three restaurants and two bars – each with sea views and different cuisine options.
Principe de Asturias Restaurante is Gran Hotel Miramar’s finest dining option with Spanish cuisine. It has a few different spaces within it, and this is a perfect spot for an intimate dinner for one, two or a small group. The service there is perfect and no attention to detail is missed. It also has an outdoor terrace where I enjoyed a burger and wine – not so Spanish, but a blending of cultures that I appreciated one day.
Mediterraneo Restaurant is open for breakfast. It has indoor and outdoor seating and probably one of the best breakfast buffets with several different stations that you’ll find anywhere. You’ll find the full spectrum of Spanish items as well as international products. It has amazing views of the pool and city. And it’s certainly worth a morning walk outside to take in the breeze.
Botanico Pool Bar & Restaurant is an outdoor space on the pool terrace where you can enjoy fresh Spanish items, including fish, meat dishes and paella (it closes during the winter season).
Media Luna Chill-Out is located on the top floor. There’s an indoor bar and an outdoor patio that’s massive with seating and views. As weather permits, this is a great spot to grab a quick drink in the early evening hours.
The Royal Lounge Coffee and Bar in the lobby atrium is the perfect spot to relax to afternoon tea and evening drinks.
Meetings and Events
Meeting planners and business travelers who attend their programs will remember this hotel long after they leave. With 200 guest rooms, Gran Hotel Miramar is prepared to handle many medium-sized groups. It has 10 event rooms for a variety of business or social occasions. Some of the meeting rooms are modular and can create up to 17 rooms.
The meeting spaces are bright and there’s an impressive ballroom with outdoor patio space that’s covered. Evening receptions could easily take place by the pool or even at the rooftop bar, depending on size.
Other Features
The Gran Hotel Miramar Malaga Spa with a complete thermal circuit, Finnish sauna, hammam, ice fountain, Jacuzzi, a relaxation area and a pool. (See Gran Hotel Miramar Malaga Spa Review.)
Tried and Tested
Gran Hotel Miramar is more than a classic five star hotel. It offers a cultural experience that combines the best of Spanish and Moorish experiences. It’s also part of the Leading Hotels of the World. If you’re heading to Andalucia, don’t miss Malaga as part of your stay and definitely consider Gran Hotel Miramar.
Want to know more about Malaga? See our travel review of Malaga, Spain.
