Charming, budget-friendly hotel with friendly on-site owners
Central location in Nerja near ample restaurants, bars, and shops
Five-minute walk to the beach and Balcon de Europa
Attractive rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and safes
Most rooms have furnished balconies, some with sea views
Rooftop terrace with pretty vistas, potted plants, and seating
Well-reviewed continental breakfast served during warm months
Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas are available (at a cost)
No pool, full restaurant, or gym on-site
Two rooms don't have a balcony
Some previous guests have complained about nighttime noise
Breakfast isn't free and only available from April to October
No elevator
Hostal Don Peque is a charming, budget-friendly option in Nerja, located a five-minute walk from the beach and near ample shops, bars, and restaurants. All 10 guest rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and private bathrooms with stall showers. The homey rooms are spacious and comfortable, and all but two have balconies. Unsurprisingly, features are limited, but there's a rooftop terrace where a well-reviewed continental breakfast is served during warmer weather. The on-site owners and endearing design make this an excellent pick for value-minded adults, though it should be noted there's no elevator for the four-story building. Travelers looking for a few more on-site amenities may prefer Hotel Mena Plaza, which has a rooftop pool and all-day cafe, but less-charming rooms.
Scene
An unassuming gem with quirky, charming decor
Standing four-stories high and housing just 10 guest rooms, this hostel is as unassuming as it is small. It may be easily overlooked, as its signage is unobtrusive from the street, though red-brick and patterned-tile accents, plus flower planters hung on the balconies are attractive. Guests walk directly up a flight of stairs into a small reception area with terra-cotta floor tiles that compliment the Mediterranean decor. There are colorful paintings hung on the walls, and random tchotchkes throughout, such as a gnome on the reception desk, a himalayan-salt lamp, and aa bronze gecko on the wall. Other fun decor includes one wall lined with various types of hats, another with unsynchronized clocks, and hallways with pretty Spanish tile. Hostal Don Peque has a quirky aesthetic, but it's undeniably charming, even more so with the friendly French owners on-site. Note, however, that there's no elevator.
Location
Convenient, central location close to beaches and restaurants
Hostal Don Peque's location offers guests a prime spot in Nerja. There are plenty of shops within walking distance, as well as restaurants and bars. Guests are also within walking distance of various beaches: Playa De La Torrecilla is an eight-minute walk away, Playa de la Calahonda is a four-minute walk away, and Playa Burriana is a 23-minute walk away. Malaga Airport is 49-minute car ride. For those looking to explore neighboring cities, such as Granada (one-hour drive), a rental car would be beneficial.
Rooms
Guest rooms are warm and inviting with modern amenities
The hostel name can be misleading, as there are no bunk beds or shared bathrooms here. Instead, Hostal Don Peque offers 10 comfortable, homey, and surprisingly stylish rooms. Decor varies from room to room, but each is as charming and inviting as the next -- think terra-cotta tiles, warm linens and walls, lots of artwork, and leather or rustic-wood furniture. All but two rooms have a furnished balcony, and some even offer sea views. It's worth noting that some previous guests have complained of noise in street-facing rooms. Each room offers modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and an in-room safe. Bathrooms are contemporary and decorated in neutral tones; they all have small stall showers, plenty of towels, and free bars of soap. Hairdryers are available at reception.
Features
Features are limited here; no pool, but there is a rooftop terrace
Given that this is a hostel, there are few on-site features. The property lacks a pool, full restaurant, or gym, making it less suitable for families with kids. The rooftop terrace offers impeccable views of the city, lots of potted flowers, and both loungers and dining tables. From April to October, guests can purchase a highly regarded continental breakfast, which is served on the rooftop and includes homemade jams. Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas are available for a small fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.