Barcelo Malaga

The Barcelo Malaga offers much more than expected for a hotel connected to a railway station. Its super- trendy decor and modern design makes every spot a point of visual interest, from the lobby's high ceilings to the cotton-candy pink mosaic-tiled B-Bar and the looping metallic slide that dumps daring guests right in the bar's entrance. Interesting light fixtures (and lighting colors) hang throughout. Nothing is expected, which gives the hotel a special energy and sense of excitement. The effect could be cold and impersonal, but there is a sense of humor throughout, and plenty of cozy spots to sit for cocktails and conversation, or a good, healthy meal. Everything at the Barcelo Malaga is done with style.

The Barcelo Malaga is surrounded by city concrete, office and apartment buildings, but its location in the same building as the Malaga high-speed rail station makes it a very attractive option. Shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores abound, and visitors don't even need to go outdoors to get to the clothing stores, bars, and fast-food restaurants inside the station. The city's tourist center is a 15- to 20-minute walk; the port is 30 minutes on foot, and the beach a 40-minute walk.

Rooms at the Barcelo Malaga are playfully stylish and minimalist, with light laminate floors, bright armchairs, and huge comfortable beds. They are spotlessly kept but are on the small side. Furnishings are cleverly designed, however, to allow maximum floor space, keeping rooms from feeling cramped. Bathrooms have stylish glass pocket doors, and spa-like whirlpool showers or whirlpool tubs. Views are uninspiring, but city photographs are blown up on guestroom walls, giving the rooms a taste of old-world Spain in a post-modern way. Rooms have minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, and a menu offering a selection of pillows for the discriminating sleeper.

The most fun feature of the Barcelo Malaga is the long, twisting metal slide that drops from the first floor into the glittery, pink Bar-B Lounge, where guests can perch on mod white vinyl banquettes and drink sophisticated cocktails. The convention center meeting rooms are far more stylish and visually interesting than most. Health-minded guests will appreciate the fitness center and sauna, as well as the gourmet calorie-conscious menu in the restaurant. In addition to the Bar-B, there is a terrace bar, and the breakfast buffet is recommended, although there are plenty of breakfast options in the surrounding area.