Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton

Situated in a quiet residential area, the modern Reserva del Higeuron certainly stands out. From the street, the quirky style of the building is already evident in the sporadic bright-green and red glass panels on the balconies. Walking into the lobby, the space feels a bit stark and industrial due to large gray concrete columns and sparse furnishings. Slate-gray cement cubes make up the reception area and there are a few beanbag chairs off to the side. The lobby has avant-garde artwork on display throughout -- paintings, sculptures, and unexpected pieces such as a wooden boat hanging over the spiral staircase and a vintage car in the entryway. This certainly gives guests a teaser of the uber-modern aesthetic found throughout the property and guest rooms. Due to its removed location and sleek spaces, guests are overwhelmingly couples.

Though the hillside and water views are idyllic, previous guests have noted that the somewhat isolated location of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Resort & Spa Reserva del Higueron can be a bit of an inconvenience. There isn't much in the area that is within walking distance from the hotel, and previous guests suggest taking a taxi to other areas, or renting a car. The hotel does offer a free shuttle down to the beach for guests, however. Malaga Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Other notables in the area that are an easy drive away include the popular Fuengirola Street Market (11-minute drive), Miramar Shopping Centre (10-minute drive), Speakeasy Jazz Club & Cocktails (15-minute drive), Bar Elements (10-minute drive), and Museo Automovilistico (25-minutes away and offering an impressive display of classic cars). 

The interior design of the rooms is similar to that of the lobby; they are all minimally furnished, quirky, and have an uber-modern aesthetic. Rooms are mostly decked out in neutral tones -- with white furniture and bedding, gray floors, and natural-wood accents -- though all have a bright accent color, be it a piece of furniture, an accent wall, or colored-glass shower doors. All rooms have a furnished balcony, but some have less-than-stellar views of the street. Additional standard amenities include free WiFi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and minibars.Though layouts vary room to room, bathrooms have an open concept with just a half wall separating the sink and tub from the rest of the room. All have walk-in showers and bathtubs, hairdryers, and free bath products. Suites have sitting areas with sofa beds.

This hotel has plenty of features that will keep guests busy, but some come with a price tag attached. The garden pool is a lovely area with free loungers on green lawns. The rooftop pool is much more noteworthy, though -- the infinity pool offers impeccable water and hillside views. The general vibe of this pool area is more chic, partly thanks to lush, round Bali beds. Guests must be 16 or older here, and lounger rentals does come at a price. Included in that price, though, is towels, slippers, fresh fruit, and a bottle of cava. A sleek spa offers multiple pools, a sauna, steam room, and massages, though guests have to pay to use them. Use of tennis courts requires a fee, but the well-equipped gym is free for guests to use. An outdoor kids' play area is available. There are multiple dining options for guests -- five, in fact. A standout is the Michelin-starred Sollo, which is only open for dinning tasting menus. A buffet and tapas-style eateries are also on-site.