Avda. De Ferrara s/n, Torrox, Spain | (251) 219-4428
On the gray-sand beach
Variety of all-inclusive options
All rooms have private balconies, some with dramatic ocean views
Large outdoor pool, children's pool, and indoor pool
Lush, manicured gardens on grounds
Plenty of activities for kids, including a mini-disco for older children
Live entertainment at night, including musical acts, from May to October
Private indoor parking (fee), free public parking next door
Some Senior Suites have rooftop terraces
A car is needed for exploring other area towns
No free Wi-fi in rooms
Not much entertainment in surrounding area
Can get crowded at high season
Hotel charges for use of safe
The hotel lacks rainy day activities
The Iberostar Malaga Playa, part of the Iberostar chain, has 319 guest rooms and 94 one- or two-bedroom apartments. The Moorish-themed hotel sits right on the grey-sand beach, separated only by the lovely Torrox-Costa Promenade. The resort has plenty of all-inclusive options (guests can choose rates that include free breakfast, half board, or full board), and offers activities and sports geared toward families with small children, as well as choices for the senior contingent. The clientele is largely Europeans drawn to the near-perfect, sunny climate.
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Scene
Over-the-top Moorish-inspired decor, three bars, groups of travelers
The architecture and design at the Iberostar Malaga Playa is Moorish-inspired, with arches and balconies, and colorful mosaics and tile-work. The decor can feel overwhelming: the enormous lobby has elaborately carved wooden ceiling beams hung with Moorish lanterns and chandeliers, while checkerboard floor tiles and striped walls throughout the hotel give off an Alice in Wonderland vibe. Elsewhere, however, the decor is more subdued-chain-hotel than Moorish. In the lobby bar, for instance, matching mauve chairs look institutional, not festive. Large groups tend to vacation here together, so the social scene is lively, cocktails flow at three different bars, and the buffet dining room has a festive dining hall feel.
Location
On the gray-sand beach in an area known for great weather, near Roman ruins
The Iberostar Malaga Playa is located in the Torrox Costa neighborhood, a residential area with few entertainment options but access to a lengthy grey sand beach -- Ferrara Beach and El Morche Beach are both just a short distance away. The nearby supermarket is convenient for those who want to cook in their apartments rather than opt for the all-inclusive board plans. A fast, inexpensive bus to Nerja stops at the hotel, but a car is needed for exploring area towns and historic sites, such as the Roman ruins at the Torrox Lighthouse and in the city of Caviclum.
Rooms
Clean but worn, with Mediterranean views and sunny balconies
Many rooms at the Iberostar Malaga Playa have gorgeous Mediterranean views and all have private balconies. When booking, specific requests can make for a better stay: ask for a view of the sea, or risk seeing the neighboring parking lot; opt for a higher floor to insure a full day's sun; and request a room away from the outdoor bars, which can be noisy come evening. Rooms continue the hotel's blue and yellow Moorish color scheme, but are more subdued than common areas, with a chain-hotel vibe. Most guest rooms could use an update -- some sofas are stained and bathrooms slightly worn -- but are clean. Apartment kitchens have two-burner cooktops, microwaves, dishes, and cookware.
Features
Three pools, kids' activities, caviar for breakfast
The Iberostar Malaga Playa has three pools: a huge adult pool ringed with lounge chairs and lush landscaping, a small kids' pool, and an indoor pool for colder weather. The Moorish-themed spa offers massage, beauty treatments, and sauna, and there is a spacious fitness center -- although the striped walls can be distracting. Kids can hang in the kids' club, use the playground, or dance the night away at the mini disco. The lively dining room serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with Cava and caviar on the line in the morning; men must wear long pants to dinner. The lobby and snack bars serve light Andalusian fare all day long.
