Best hotels in Seville and Málaga: 9 places to stay in Andalusia

Seville and Málaga are only two hours apart by train, yet they are very different cities. Seville is the capital of Andalusia, with Moorish architecture, flamenco and one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Málaga has the beach, the port and Picasso, and is the gateway to the Costa del Sol.

Both cities are at their best in spring and autumn, when it is warm enough to eat outside but not too hot to walk around. These are the hotels we would stay in.

The hotel links are affiliate links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.

Seville or Málaga?

Choose Seville for culture, architecture and city life, and Málaga if you want to combine a city with the beach. Many travellers take the train between the two and spend a few days in each. From the UK there are usually more flights to Málaga.

• Seville: Santa Cruz and around the cathedral for the classic experience

• Málaga: the centre and Calle Larios for food and shopping

• Málaga: La Malagueta for the beach

• Costa del Sol: Marbella for luxury and golf

Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII: the grande dame of Seville

Hotel Alfonso XIII was built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and stands next to the Alcázar and the cathedral. Tiles, arches and courtyards make it a sight in its own right.

There are two restaurants and an outdoor pool in the garden, and guests especially love the location.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Alfonso XIII

Hotel Mercer: a rooftop pool by the cathedral

Hotel Mercer is in an old town house a few minutes from the cathedral, with a bright courtyard and a small rooftop pool.

Guests praise the staff. An intimate choice for staying in the heart of the old town.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Hotel Mercer Sevilla

EME Catedral: face to face with the Giralda

EME Catedral stands right opposite the cathedral, and from the rooftop terrace the Giralda tower feels close enough to touch.

There are two restaurants and a spa, and guests especially love the location.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at EME Catedral Mercer Hotel

Corral del Rey: a boutique hideaway in the old town

Corral del Rey is a small hotel in an old town house in the historic centre, a few minutes from the flamenco museum. The rooms are calm and cosy, and the terrace is perfect for a glass of sherry.

Breakfast is included, and there is a restaurant on site.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Corral del Rey

Málaga and the Costa del Sol

Gran Hotel Miramar: the palace by the beach

Gran Hotel Miramar is on La Malagueta beach, a few minutes from Málaga port. The 1920s palace has a large glass-roofed courtyard full of tiles.

There are three restaurants and a spa. Read more in our article on Gran Hotel Miramar.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Gran Hotel Miramar

Palacio Solecio: a palace by the Picasso Museum

Palacio Solecio is in an 18th century palace in the old town, a few minutes from the Picasso Museum. The courtyard with its columns and arches is the heart of the hotel.

Guests praise the breakfast, and there is a restaurant on site.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Palacio Solecio

Molina Lario: a pool with cathedral views

Molina Lario is right by Málaga cathedral, and from the rooftop pool you can see both the cathedral and the port.

Guests especially love the food, and the port is just a few minutes away.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Catalonia Molina Lario

Only YOU Hotel: design by Calle Larios

Only YOU is a few minutes from Calle Larios, Málaga's best known shopping street. The interior is modern and playful, and there are two restaurants and three bars.

Guests especially love the location.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Only YOU Hotel Málaga

Marbella Club: the legend on the Golden Mile

Marbella Club is on the Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banús, with gardens running down to the beach. It has been one of the most famous hotels on the Costa del Sol since the 1950s.

There are two outdoor pools, and every room has a deep bathtub. Wifi and parking are included.

Book the hotel: See available rooms at Marbella Club Hotel

When to visit Andalusia

Spring is the best time, with orange blossom, Semana Santa and the Feria de Abril in Seville. Autumn is lovely too, with a warm sea and fewer crowds. In summer Seville can pass 40 degrees, so choose Málaga and the coast instead.

• Book early for Semana Santa and the Feria

• Take the train between Seville and Málaga, it takes around two hours

• Avoid Seville in July and August if you do not like heat

See also where is hot in April and winter sun destinations in Europe.

FAQ: hotels in Seville and Málaga

Where should I stay in Seville?

Stay in Santa Cruz or around the cathedral to be close to the Alcázar, the Giralda and the tapas bars. Triana across the river is calmer and known for flamenco and ceramics.

Where should I stay in Málaga?

The centre around Calle Larios and the cathedral is best for food and museums. La Malagueta suits those who want the beach on their doorstep.

Is it easy to travel between Seville and Málaga?

Yes, the train between Málaga and Seville takes around two hours and runs several times a day.

When is it too hot in Seville?

In July and August it is often above 40 degrees in Seville. Visit in spring or autumn instead.

Which Málaga hotel is on the beach?

Gran Hotel Miramar is on La Malagueta beach, a few minutes from the centre and the port.

Read more

• Gran Hotel Miramar in Málaga

• Where is hot in April?

• Winter sun destinations in Europe

• Bilbao: 24 hours