September 2026
We arrived in Málaga on a notably hot and humid day in late September to kick off a month-long adventure in the Iberian Peninsula. In our typically stubborn way, we decided to find our own way to the hotel rather than jumping in a taxi, even though one of our small roller bags had been replaced by a significantly larger suitcase. After a subway ride with a missed stop (usually we’re pretty good at navigating public transport; we’ll blame it on the jet lag) and a walk through the shiny cobblestone streets of the historic center, we arrived at Palacio Solecio ready for some cool air and a cold drink.
Happily, even though it was only midday, our room was ready. Once we were checked in — not the most efficient process, but we’re sure the heat was making us a little antsy — we were escorted to our room by a helpful staffer who offered an introduction to the hotel along the way.
Palace turned hotel
Málaga is a port city with a beach right near its core, and we considered an oceanside hotel. But we were intrigued by the London Telegraph’s description of Palacio Solecio: “A luxe revamp of an intriguing 18th-century palace-mansion in the heart of Málaga’s lively old town.”
In fact, the hotel now encompasses two buildings: the original 1789 palace (the Palacio) and another building (the Solecio) across a narrow, pedestrianized lane. The Solecio added rooms that the hotel describes as a “contemporary interpretation of the same Andalusian identity” as well as a rooftop cocktail and tapas bar and a pool.
The hotel’s website has a history of the palace well worth the read, including details on its 8-year restoration, which begin in 2010 after the building had lain dormant for years.
A lovely room if light is not a priority
We chose a deluxe room in the Solecio building, which opened in 2023. Part of our choice was driven by the description of these rooms as “spacious and filled with natural light.” The room was certainly spacious — even with our over-abundance of luggage — but it couldn’t be described in even the most generous terms as light-filled. While it had large windows on two walls, two of them were situated quite high (above eye-level) and the third looked out to a lightwell. These windows, coupled with the long, narrow floorplan of the room made it feel a bit tomb-like to us.
That criticism aside, the room was lovely, and it was a welcome retreat from the Málaga heat. The room felt a little moody (in a good way) to us. The end with the tall windows had a vaulted ceiling, and recessed lighting gave everything a warm glow. The mostly neutral color scheme accented with deep blue features was luxurious, and the parquet floors were laid in a fun pattern. For both of us, the bathroom was a highlight. We loved the stone tiles, the double sink and the deep tub (even though we didn’t use it). The best part, however, was the lotion and soap, which smelled AMAZING — something with a lemongrass essence; we intended to inquire whether it was a bespoke scent but never did.
And one important note about our criticism of the light in the room: We did share our concerns and received a helpful response that the hotel would have been happy to accommodate our preferences if they had known before we checked out. Each room in the hotel is different and not every room in the category we chose had the same high-set windows. Should we return — and there are many reasons to return — we’ll be sure to note our preference for a room with more natural light.
No need to go far for food and drinks
We chose Málaga as our first destination for this adventure primarily because it provided easy access to Granada, which would be our home base for the month. Quite honestly, we didn’t much know what to expect from the city and, upon arrival, were surprised at how filled with tourists it was — crawling with tourists, in fact. Of course, we were also tourists, but we weren’t disembarking from a cruise ship to spend half a day in the city with a group tour and then depart en masse.
All to say, when we needed a break from the crowds or some nourishment, Palacio Solecio provided a perfect refuge. We had drinks in the bar (our first Cava was complementary), breakfast on one morning, beer and tapas on the rooftop, and a delicious dinner in Balausta, the restaurant in the hotel’s beautiful, arcaded courtyard.
A bonus: On our first visit to the hotel’s bar, the bartender gave us excellent ideas for things to see and do in Málaga.
Stay details:
- Palacio Solecio Hotel, Malaga, Spain
- 2-night stay: September 29-30, 2026
- Solecio Deluxe, Room 235
What we did; where we ate:
- El Parque de Málaga (and Monk Parakeets)
- Dinner at Bodega El Pimpi
- Breakfast at hotel
- Atarazanas Market
- Málaga beach
- Picasso Museum
- Castillo de Gibralfaro and Alcazaba
- Roman theatre
- Dinner at Balausta
- Coffee at Daily Koffee (on Plaza del Merced)
- Museo del Patrimonio (contempary art)
- Museo de Málaga (and lunch at museum restaurant Blossom)
