Room Mate Valeria

Room Mate Valeria, which opened in the spring of 2016, is one of the newest and certainly coolest additions to Malaga's slowly increasing collection of boutique hotels. While a smart and understated facade doesn't give much away, stepping inside guests are treated to a particularly eye-pleasing combination of polished black marble, zigzag herringbone flooring, tan leather sofas, and other on-trend, mid-20th-century furnishings. Veteran designers (and sisters) Victoria and Sylvia Melián have also introduced a tropical foliage motif on cushions and lining some hallways, echoing the neighboring Parque de Malaga gardens. A nod to the nearby sea can also be found in subtle maritime detailing, while brushed gold lighting and coffered ceiling add to the upscale feel. The atmosphere is pleasant and buzzy, with friendly staff and the intimate feel plus a delicious signature scent is diffused throughout the property. An Andalusian-style courtyard with tinkling fountain provides a peaceful spot to relax, while a sunny rooftop terrace (also open to non-guests) offers panoramic views over the port and Mediterranean Sea. Guests tend to be younger couples on a short stay, and while families with kids are welcome, it's more of a grown-up vibe.  

The hotel has a convenient location, set in a semi-residential neighborhood opposite Malaga's port and within five minutes' walk of Malaga's charming Old Town. As well as being within easy walking distance of numerous bars and restaurants, the long and sandy Malagueta Beach is about a 15-minute walk. Malaga's lush Parque de Malaga gardens is just three minutes away on foot, while attractions such as the 16th-century cathedral and Picasso museum are within 10 minutes on foot. A bus that connects to Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport stops about a minute’s walk from the hotel, or the Centro-Alameda train is five minutes on foot; alternatively it's roughly a 20-minute cab journey to the airport.

The hotel has 61 guest rooms, all strikingly decorated in broad, colorful stripes on walls and ceilings, with matching carpeted floors, tropical leaf patterned seating, and smart black wooden furniture. Cheaper rooms -- the basic and some standard-level -- overlook the small inner courtyard, or street to the rear. Others open to small unfurnished balconies with views of the iconic Ferris wheel and seaport beyond. Smaller rooms measure a modest 226 square feet (21 square meters) while Junior Suites double that. While street noise isn't generally an issue, some past guests have said that music from the rooftop bar can reach rooms.Standard amenities include 50-inch flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars, and digital safes, and all but the basic rooms also have kettles and free biscuits. Wi-Fi is free of charge, reliable and fast. Decked out in bold tiling and checked floors, bathrooms really stand out, and come with either shower/tub combos or walk-in rainfall showers (Junior Suites have both, plus bathrobes); hairdryers are proper full-strength and quality toiletries hotel-branded. Beds are generally larger than average, and lots of guests remark how comfortable they are. 

While the hotel doesn't have much in the way of common space, what it does have it certainly makes the most of. The crowning feature is the panoramic rooftop terrace, with daybeds, a bar serving excellent (if pricey) cocktails, and small pool; while the bar is open to the public the pool is just for guests' use. The cocktail bar is a popular and fashionable hang out among locals, and can get pretty lively some evenings, though not all guests enjoy this lack of exclusively. At the other end of the hotel is an attractive basement breakfast room, serving a buffet spread of hot and cold items, with self-service coffee and juice; breakfast is always included though there's no a la carte options. A restaurant fusing Japanese dishes with a Mediterranean twist can also be found on-site, though isn't run by the hotel. There's also a small gym with up-to-date equipment and three TVs. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property, plus guests also have use of a mobile internet device which means free roaming outside of the hotel.