Novotel Suites Malaga Centro

Despite its gray concrete-paneled facade, the smart, modern architecture of the Novotel Suites Malaga Centro is very 21st-century. In fact, the property opened in 2010 as part of a V-shaped block shared with an adjoining Ibis hotel. Inside, the feel is also sleek and trendy, with quirky, low-slung armchairs and contemporary lighting set against a monochromatic backdrop with stainless steel accents. There's no outdoor space and limited common areas other than the open-plan lobby lounge, which extends to a breakfast area in the morning. A pair of small elevators that are key-card activated connect to five floors above reception, with bland but tidy hallways. This all-suite property tends to attract a mix of clientele, including business guests, families with kids, and solo travelers. 

The hotel is located in the fairly charmless though central Perchel Norte neighborhood, within walking distance of most of Malaga's main attractions. Calle Marques de Larios, a pedestrian street lined with numerous shops, bars, and restaurants is a 10-minute walk, while quaint Old Town, with a 16th-century cathedral and the Picasso Museum, is 15 minutes on foot. More shopping opportunities can be found at the Corte Ingles department store a block away, or at Larios Centro Mall, roughly a 12-minute stroll. For those wanting some beach time, it's about five minutes by car to Malagueta Beach or a 15-minute drive to Playas del Palo. Centro-Alameda station is about five minutes on foot, with trains direct to Málaga - Costa del Sol Airport; alternatively, it's usually less than 20 minutes by cab.

There are 90 suites in total -- Superior and Executive -- all decked out with swish, contemporary styling and smart modern furnishings that includes floating shelves, fabric-lined walls, and carpeted floors. Rooms are spacious, with smaller Superiors measuring 323 square feet (30 square meters) and Executives slightly larger at 377 square feet (35 square meters). Views are mostly of the street and neighboring buildings, though good soundproofing means little noise from traffic, and some top-floor suites have glimpses of the cathedral and Giblalfaro Castle.

Amenities are impressive, with kitchenettes that include mini-fridges, microwaves, kettles, and sinks, plus free tea and coffee; Executive suites add Nespresso machines and minibars with soft drinks. Flat-screen TVs are on the small side though offer free movies on demand, and Wi-Fi is free of charge and generally reliable. Behind sliding doors, modern tiled bathrooms come with separate tubs and spacious walk-in rainfall showers, plus wall-mounted toiletries and hairdryers; toilets are separate from bathrooms. Lounge areas also come with one or two single sofa beds. 

Breakfast is served in a dining area off the lobby, with a continental buffet of pastries, fresh fruit, bread, pancakes, yogurt, and cold cuts, plus juices and filter or bean-to-cup coffee. Quality is good though there's no a la carte options and it's not included in the rate. The hotel doesn't have a full-service restaurant, but there's a bar that stays open late offering a solid range of drinks, and a 24-hour self-service snack bar where ready-made meals can be reheated in-room. There's a business center with two computers in addition to a tiny gym, but it only has a few pieces of equipment. The hotel provides some underground parking (though at a fairly pricey daily rate), and Wi-Fi is free throughout.