Parador Malaga Gibralfaro
The Parador of Malaga Gibralfaro is surrounded by pine trees on Mount Gibralfaro and faces the Alcazaba, from where it is possible to view the Bay and the city of Malaga from a unique perspective.
Constructed from stone alongside the Gibralfaro castle, its position allows guests to visit Malaga and is suitable for the practice of an infinity of sports activities, golf, tennis… at the nearby facilities of the Parador Malaga del Golf.
The public spaces of the hotel, as well as the rooms and the attic swimming pool enjoy beautiful views over the city and the sea, while offering an excellent level of comfort and convenience. With a magnificent display of Andalusian gastronomy, the restaurant offers fried ‘pescaitos a la malaguena’, among other dishes.
Information and reservations at Parador of Malaga Gibralfaro
Parador quality as you would expect- hotel has a great view of Malaga which is an underrated city- with excellent choice of beaches,seafood restaurants, cafes, historical sites ,shops. From our room we had an excellent view of the port and city. Breakfast in the hotel was excellent with friendly service. Dinner good but served too late as in many places in Spain.
Cheap airline connections make this a good location for a short city break or/and visit Granada, Gibraltar and Cordoba to name a few.
Only one drawback- the hotel is a popular place for cruise ship visitors to visit!
We stayed for 2 nights at Gibralfaro in march 2011. Excellent location and the wonderful view over Malaga.
Both the breakfast and dinner was really superb.
We took the path to the Alcazaba – a lovely walk. You can take the bus for returning.
Malaga is a overlooked city in andalusia, really worth exploring.
The Gibralfaro Parador is certainly recommendable.
Take a cheap flight to Malaga for an expanded weekend and use some of the good offers from the Parador.
Kirsten Pierobon, Aarhus, Denmark
In July 2011, we stayed 4 nights at the Parador. It was splendid: The room, the view, the restaurant and food, the sorrundings etc. We can recommend it strongly. We visited Malaga city by walk and Alhambra/Granada by car.
Unfortunately we only stayed one night but what a beautiful hotel, wonderful staff, fantastic location, superb views and food to die for. Will definately stay there again and recommend to friends and relatives. Thank you
No help was offered on arrival
The bedroom was pleasant, as was the view , but interupted.
The public rooms were good, particularly the dining room.
The restaurant staff were very pleasant and helpful. The breakfasts were very good and we enjoyed dinner on the first night.
There was no noise.
The location was very pleasant with good views, it was a way from the town, but the walk was pleasant and good exercise.
We visited the Castillo, but not the Alcazar.
We stayed at the parador our first night in Spain and it was the weekend before Easter. It was wonderful. The food was terrific, the weather was warm and we ate lunch on the terrace overlooking the harbor. Breakfast was an incredible array of Spanish treats and dinner in the dining room was lovely. We toured the castillo and took the local bus into town and visited the central market. I fully intend to return.
Our room was on the same floor as the reception area and had a partially obscured view of Malaga. This was not a problem as any view is better than none (something that has occured many times in lesser hotels), room and facilities were up to standard but no mini bar (we use the fridge for cooling our own drinks).
Staff were polite and helpful although as it was Easter weekend they were somewhat rushed off their feet in the bar (which was full of ‘locals’ which is always a good sign).
Breakfast was a large selection and it would be hard to find something wrong with a spread that catered for every need (yes, even vegans, vegetarians and various allergy sufferers). Excellent coffee (ask for an American if you like it strong and black).
It would be churlish to attempt to compare this hotel (or indeed any Parador) with the same old worldwide hotel chains, Paradors cater for ‘old world’ style and it shows. So, if you want ‘plastic’ surroundings with the same old same old and boring international food, don’t stay in a Parador.
Yes, it is at the top of a very steep hill but there is a bus service (roughly hourly with a two hour break each afternoon) and a taxi should cost about ten Euros. It is an interesting walk down, don’t attempt it in the dark or if raining!
Welcoming reception on arrival. Spectacular views, especially at night and a good place to stay in Malaga. If you have a room in the lower floor nothing of the spectacular view from the room. We were the second time in the Gribalfaro and the first time we had such a good room. This was also the reason we were back. In the meantime the rooms are a bit shabby, needs some update especially the bed.Also breakfast and food were better two years ago. We think the Gribalfara at the present is on the limit concerning the price und what you get back.
We had a good stay and at an other opportunity we return
Unfortunately we only stayed for one night on this occasion, but from arrival until departure we found everything about the hotel to be of the highest standard. The staff were most courteous and helpful, the room and facilities perfect and the views exceptional. Food and catering were also faultless and we shall doubtless be returning, if only for another overnight stay on our next visit to the region.
Magical! We stayed on the top floor, 2 rooms side by side as we had my parents with us – huge rooms, private balcony, immaculate house-keeping, superb views. You need a car to get into town or really to get anywhere, but you won’t want to, the views are so lovely, the paradore itself is delightful and the castilla next door is more than enough for 2 days. Food is not great but different and tasty and the atmosphere is so lovely, the staff so good that it doesn’t matter! Have told lots of people about it and will definitely go back!
My husband and I stayed in this Parador 23rd/24th February 2011. The hotel was just as I had imagined, rather old worldly (in comparison to the one in Antequera, where we went after the Gibralfaro, which was absolutely stunning for a modern built hotel) but what I expected. The position is brilliant as the sounds from the busy city of Malaga are muted. Being a light sleeper this was its great advantage.
The breakfasts were good and as the hotel is a 15 minute walk away rather essential to have one at the hotel.
The only disappointing part of our stay was the evening meal we had there on the second night. The starter was fine but the main courses were really not up to the standard we would have expected. My husbands rabbit was coated in a massive amount of batter and fried. When he opened the casing the rabbit was almost raw! The dish was taken back as the waiter agreed it was not good, but even the returned food was disappointing.
We would stay here again, but will not be eating in the restaurant, which even before our traumas we thought was expensive for both wine and food.
Beatiful hotel, fantastic view. A little shabby, needs some updating. Close to town, but hard climbing back. Very hard bed. Nice friendly service, but slow in restaurant. The food and wine was excellent. Would definitly return.
We stayed in numerous paradores in Spain, but this one superseded all the others in regard to its location. A fabulous view over the bay and the city and the presence in the immediate vicinity of a 1000 year old Moorish castle. We loved walking down the hill into the city albeit we took a cab (less than 10 euro) to come up again. A memorable stay in a hotel with kind and helpful staff. Even the lady who made up our bed was smiling and friendly! Lunch on the terrace was simple but agreeable and only the dining-room was somewhat austere, and the food good but not outstanding. We had the most wonderfull of rooms, but are keeping the number secret as we plan to go back soon!!
I stayed here over Christmas. The hotel was very comfortable and relaxing. My room was lovely with a superb view over the bay and I found the staff friendly and helpful. I only ate breakfast at the hotel, and this was adequate rather than inspiring, although there was plenty of it if you were willing to try things you might not have eaten (at least for breakfast) before. The fresh juice was a plus.
It is a bit of a hike down to town (and particularly back up!) though, and I wouldn’t recommend the footpath at night. The bus is useful but infrequent and stops quite early in the evening.
I would stay at this hotel again, but I’d probably hire a car to be able to get about more easily and explore more of the Malaga region.
Our stay was great. Everything was perfect: the rooms, the attention, breakfast, meal…
And the view is fabulous.
Stayed for 4 nights in November 2010 with 90 year old father-in-law and my brother-in-law in 3 adjacent rooms on the 1st floor. Superb views and very comfortable rooms/bathrooms. The staff were very helpful and allowed me to continue in my limited Spanish, realising I could understand most of what they said.
The path down the hill into the city is steep but I used the trail several times, taking about 15-20 minutes going down and 15 minutes coming back. Yes, it’s easier uphill! Bus service outside hotel very useful and without maps, we easily found the hotel on the first day.
I would certainly return to this Parador. Its situation, views and levels of service are excellent.
wonderful location, wonderful views, perfect atmosphere, dont change anything and just remain typical as you are!
if one has the choice always take a room 3rd or 4th floor..!
We spent one night here on the day of our arrival in Spain – an excellent location (but difficult to find if using the sea-front road from the airport – the signposting could be better) but the hotel is well worth finding! Our room was excellent with a superb view over Malaga, and a view of the bull-ring from the terrace. The staff were most accommodating in both the reception and the restaurant, where we had an excellent meal with good advice from the waiting staff.
We hope stay here again, and would recommend this Parador to anyone.
We don’t wish to leave any specific comments but we had a wonderful time
at all the 8 Paradors we stayed in and would definitely recommend them.
They mostly exceeded our expectations. We will be back.
Hi,
during my staying for one night on 13/14 September we appreciated the nice big room, clean and comfortable. On the other hand the breakfast was nothing special for a 4 star Hotel. The buffet didn’t have an appropriate choise and the fruit based food wasn’t fresh.
Best regards
Beat Kilcher
Pros: Magnificent views, lovely open air porch and outdoor dining
On site parking- not always the case at hotels in Spain
The pool is small but nice and features the view
Breakfast buffet was wonderful and over abundant- best of the 3 meals
Do explore the adjacent fortress-more views and quite interesting
Staff was friendly and helpful
16 year old son particularly enjoyed the views at the nearby topless beach
So-So: Our rooms were on the bottom floor and lacked a view. However, they were clean and comfortable. We spent very little time in them.
Had to obtain pool towels from the front desk and return them- they were provided in room at the parador in Ronda. ( a must visit location).
Agree with others, the walk down and back to the city is not for the feint of heart. Internet only available in the lobby
Menu offerings for lunch and dinner are very Spanish- but hey, when in Rome….( or Malaga…)
Overall, a wonderful, memorable accommodation and do recommend!
We had a great stay here, paid for a superior room which was brilliant. Great views, air con and private balcony. Only down we had booked a twin and it was actually a super king size but we managed, what are friends for!
Food was excellent and the service A*, I have booked to return again in November with my hubby
Would recommend this hotel to everyone who wants an elegant and friendly atmosphere for their stay in Malaga
We spend a wonderful time in this hotel. During the summer, this hotel is the only place where you can breathe some fresh air at any time.
Moreover, this is a very quiet hotel with nice and very polite employees.
Bedrooms are just very comfortable.
Very nice w.e.
Spectacular views, and probably the best place to stay in Malaga; the alternative being some a place in the town, with no views, no cool breezes or feeling of being in the country. Within 30 min walking of Picasso museum – worth a visit – but steep hill. Would be good for Paradores to publish a map of location (for all Paradores) with recommended routes of access. Description very vague in brochure. But Sat Nav got us there OK once we had worked out on Google earth where it was.
It is a beautiful hotel – the ambience and location couldn’t be better. However, the cheaper rooms have a limited view so please watch out if requesting packages such as “Golden” ones.
We also had 2 other problems that marred our recent stay. The hot/cold shower did not balance – too hot or too cold. The management was aware of the issue but it would require major plumbing overhaul so we had to live with this major inconvenience! Also the wait staff could be nice but some of them were arrogant and unhelpful – particularly in the upscale dinner restaurant upstairs.
Der Ausblick vom Parador war klasse, leider lag unser Zimmer im Erdgeschoß, so dass wir vom Zimmer den Ausblick nicht genießen konnten. Der Poolbereich mit dem ebenfalls tollen Blick lädt ebenfalls zum relaxen ein. Ein großes Lob auch für das Frühstück, das besonders durch die Präsentation der einzelnen Speisen 5 Sterne Niveau hatte. Das Frühstück draußen auf der Terasse mit dem Blick toll. Ideal auch, wenn in der Arena Stierkampf ist, man hat vom Parador einen tollen Blick auf die Arena. Durch den Besuch des Paradors sind wir auf dem Geschmack gekommen, anstelle eines Hotels auch mal alternativ nach einem Parador Ausschau zu halten.
We stayed at the beginning and end of our trip at the paradore in Malage, we also enjoyed the ones in Carmona and Ronda. I absolutely loved the experience. The restruants were great. Hotel staff all very accommadating. I can’t wait to go back again and when i do I will make sure we stay at paradores.
A wonderful stay in DECMEBER 2009 – a return visit
PARADOR in wonderful position – room with balcony (standard) is excellent and views superb
FOOD and service in restaurant friendly and helpful- the staff have been there a while and are great at their jobs
enjoyed the wide range of food and wine and the PARADOR “GASTRONOMIC” SPECIALS” fo the 80 year celebrations were a wonder
RECEPTION staff helpful efficient and always had an answer to a question however badly put in SPANISH – an ENLGISH reply was given!
i hope to make my 5th visit later in the year
We spent two wonderful days and nights in this spectacular hotel,it was worth every cent. The superior room with the view overlooking Malaga
was one you would not forget. Staff very friendly and efficient, food and
wine to our liking. We are sold on the Parador ethos and have already
started to plan our summer vacation around the Parador group of hotels.
Management and staff of ‘Gibralfaro’ take a bow, we shall return to your hotel with pleasure.
I arrived tired after handing over a 3 year appointment in Gibraltar en route for England and found this parador ideal for relaxing and winding down. The room was comfortable, supper on the outside terrace well served and good to eat and breakfast (as I have found in most paradors) excellent. I also thoroughly enjoyed touring the neighbouring fortress after I had checked out.
we had a very pleasant stay ,enjoyed the tough walk to the town…
staff and restaurant personnel very kind and helpful.
the food in the restaurant is not 4 star what the parador claims to be.
some manning in the kitchens and less pre prepaired (even a la carte)
dishes please.
We enjoyed our stay at the Gibralfaro in gorgeous sunny weather in mid-November.
The hotel is wonderfully situated with a spectacular view across the city to the sea and mountains beyond. My only grumble about the location is that to the unitiated finding the road to the hotel from the city was a major tactical exercise. The directions that we were given were next to useless and there are very few signs to the hotel.
The room was comfortable but not special. Its major plus point was the balcony enjoying the view. The bathroom was also rather dull.
The restaurant is very lovely – bright, white and nicely furnished and with the same spectacular view. The food is, well … Spanish. That is a bit stodgy and old-fashioned. After a few nights you would be struggling to find some variety on the menu available to those staying half-board. You could of course pay extra – 45 euros for a modest plate of prawns seemed a bit steep though. The better wines, by which I mean a rioja or the like, were prohibitively expensive, but there were plenty that were drinkable at 15 euros. (The same wine costs £5 in Sainsbury’s.)
The walk down into the city is beautiful – but not for the old or feeble. The descent is long and steep; the ascent never-ending and exhausting.
We enjoyed staying at this hotel and enjoyed wandering around Malaga, but this is not a cheap place to stay and for the money the rooms are a bit lacklustre. The location is all.
The restaurant staff were attentive and very professional. But one lunchtime we tried to get a pre-lunch drink (along with a number of others). The bar was completely unstaffed and it was a good 20 mins before someone was finally summoned from other duties. No doubt there was some reason for this – but it was a bit odd that a smart hotel couldn’t provide a drink on demand.
Jeremy Lynn (London)
My husband and I spend a very pleasant first night at this hotel at the start of a seven day tour of Andalucia. The weather was glorious despite it being late October. It was reasonably easy to find in our hire car from the airport, satnav would have helped.
Staff were welcoming and very helpful at all times. The hotel and our bedroom had a glorious view especially as the sun went down. We sipped drinks on the terrace and watched the sun fade over the city. We ate out that evening.
The restaurant offered a splendid selection at breakfast and we ate far more than we intended.
Malaga town is within easy walking distance down but it’s a steep walk and I would recommend the bus back! Cathedral, bullring and museums all close by.
I thought it good value for money but we were on a special offer rate – bit pricey if not!
Spectacular views from this parador, but the accommodation lacks the ‘wow’ factor provided by the historic paradors and the bedrooms and little verandahs are small. On previous visits for dinner, the food was superb and the staff very helpful. However, this year we were left to our own devices in the dining room a bit with restaurant staff serving us and then not reappearing to pour wine or offer more. Friends who stayed later experienced the same, and were not even offered the 80th Anniversary meal which we had recommended highly and they had intended to have. We have had wonderful parador experiences, but this was not one of them. And I was amazed that there is no wifi facility for guests. Far cheaper establishments offer wifi in every room.
A group of four male golfers stayed there in September for three nights. The accommodations were perfect. The rooms were great with nice views. Even has a very nice, but small swimming pool. The dining, both breakfast and dinner, was superb. We ate all meals out side and they were terrific. Location and parking were also very good.
The only down side is that if you want to wander the streets of Malaga you will either need to drive down or take a bus.
Orverall, I highly recommend this parador.
Everything about our stay was wonderful. The view was superb and the food good. We appreciated the ability to park our car easily. The “farewell” fruit platter was a nice touch.
This was our introduction to Paradors – we enjoyed so much that we changed our arrangements so that we could return to spend the last night of our holiday.
All of the staff we encountered were extremely helpful & very pleasant.
The restaurant food for both evening meal and breakfast was of a very high standard, delicious local/regional cuisine – although guests planning dinner & breakfast need to pace themselves!
The Parador was easy to find and its location, wonderful, especially at night.
We particularly enjoyed the roof-top pool.
Our room doors were tricky to close without making a great noise but maybe we were more concerned than other guests?
Thank you for a truly wonderful start & end to our holiday.
Spectacular views of the Sea from almost everywhere in the parador. Rooms were comfortable and spacious with excellent views. The rooftop pool was adequate and had same great views. Breakfast was good. Service was excellent. The front desk staff were very knowledgeable and helpful. The internet had to be accessed in the lobby area only. There needs to be internet in the rooms. The beach was within sight but very hard to get to, especially if you are trying to find a spot to park. Beach sand was very dusty/dirty. Location is within 2-3 hours of other interesting places to visit. We stayed for five days and took three day trips within that time. Would recommend this parador for all types of travelers.
This Parador was my first experience of my first visit to Spain.
What a beautiful location for a hotel. My room for one night was good, large and well equipped. The breakfast was excellent with a magnificent view of the city. Lunch on the main floor was also excellent. Lovely grounds and gardens surround the hotel.
Staff were very attentive and prompt.
If I have the good fortune to visit Spain again, I would go out of my way to find Paradors throughout the country.
My husband and I spent 3 very delightful days at this Parador. We can find no fault We actually came to enjoy the walk up the hill (really needed after all that food). The last night we had dinner on the patio and enjoyed the sunset.
The young lady at the desk was very helpful: arranged a car for us to rent and made reservations at another parador.
The parador itself was ideally located for us: walking distance of both the old town and the beach.
Before we came home, we stayed at two more paradores: Cádiz and Antequera.
We totally enjoyed our stay at the Paradore de Malaga Gibralfaro. Our
room was delightful, overlooking the city from our balcony, the
breakfast was amazing and plentiful, we used and enjoyed the roof top
pool. All in all we really enjoyed our stay.
Wherever we travel in Spain in the future we will seek out the Paradores.
Pros: The parador was in a great location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Terrific view, especially at night. Rooms are quiet, spacious and comfortable. Food was great in the restaurant – breakfast buffet was enjoyable. Great place to relax.
Cons: Room door wouldn’t shut without having to pull it hard, causing a loud bang every time. View is great but the port is a little unsightly in the daytime. Service was extremely slow upon checkout due to language barrier, and service in the restaurant/cafe can be slow/snooty. Wish there was a direct shuttle to the beach.
Overall an extremely pleasant stay. Would love to visit again.
May 8.th
No better way to end a vacation in Andalucia than to stay at Malaga Gibralfaro. Do remember to book a superior room and have the view of the bay. The room was spacious and nicely decorated.
Sitting on the terrace we had a lovely meal and splendid vine looking at the Mediterranian Sea and the sparkling ligths of Malaga City belove.
The staff was friendly and helpful.
We will certainly return.
We arrived late at night and were thrilled with the view of Malaga at night from out bedroom. Very comfortable hotel in an excellent location.
Disappointing. View w/ an industrial site of the coast. Room is mediocre. It is not worth to the price you pay.
Superb hotel. Restaurant excellent but wines pricey
Staff very friendly, efficient and welcoming.
Rooms good rooftop pool has superb views over Malaga and is fine for cooling off.
All in all dsifficult to fault. Very Spanish in rooms food etc which is as it should be. Breakfast gargantuan in range.
Quite expensive compared to say a Marriott in Europe.
Excellent and welcoming reception on arrival. Good size bedroom with a view of Malaga. The service in the restaurant was excellent and the food fantastic.
The location of the hotel is superb with amazing views across Malaga and it is within a couple of minutes walking of the Caste.
All in all, a fabulous parador.
Location, Location, Location. Can’t beat the the view. The staff was excellant. The room a bit too “American” Ramada Inn. They need too upgrade the carpets in the halls. The lunch area on the ground floor, where got a quick bite after arriving, needs be non-smoking!! Other than that, a good/great stay.
We had a lovely room unfortuntely we received bad news the night of our stay ,the staff were extremely kind and helpful -they were lovely and helped us through a really hard time
thankyou
An excellent hotel with friendly service and a splendid restaurant.
We had a great stay and intend to return.