This is my first question on this board, but I've been reading here for a couple of years as we plan our open-ended vagabonding, and all you slow travelers out there have been invaluable. Thank you!
On to my questions: Can any recommend an inexpensive hotel (under $100 would be nice, would have to be under $150) within walking distance of the bus station in Malaga? Not the most beautiful place in Spain, I know, but we are only stopping in for one night (we have a rental ending on April 30 and the next not beginning till May 1). A place I could reserve online would be good since my rudimentary Spanish is not up to phoning (Rough Guide recommends Hostal La Hispanidad but I can't find it online). Also good (but not necessary) would be a place with wireless internet.
Also, any budget-to-midrange restaurant recommendations for Malaga? And if you had about 24 hours in the city, what would you do there?
I love Malaga!! It is a very interesting port city which is not as touristy as the rest of that stretch of coastline.
Last time I was there was also for an over night and i stayed at the AC Hotel which is beautiful and modern and very well located close to town. I just saw a rate of 100 Euros, which would be about 160 dollars, so just above your high budget, but maybe you can search the net for a better rate. It's definitely comfortable and actually luxurious for the money.
There are lots -- lots -- of great Tapas bars in Malaga and good shopping in the historic part of the city.
You can take a tour bus tour of the city which allows you to stop off at different locations along the way and jump back on.... then you can walk down by the harbor... you can visit the Picasso Museum... then you can do a little shopping in the old city and eat....then you can go relax at the lovely hotel bar...there is your day!!
I think you will find that Malaga is an underrated city. We stayed at the Hotel Roommate Larios about 3 weeks ago for our last night in Spain before flying home the next day. The hotel was wonderful with large rooms and pleasant staff. By booking the hotel over the internet you should be able to stay close to your budget. The hotel is within walking distance of the bus depot; but I must admit we took a taxi and the fare was quite reasonable. The hotel is on a pedestrianized shopping street in the center of the city near the cathedral and not far from the sea front. You will find there are many restaurants nearby.
Muchas gracias for your replies! And it's good to hear that Malaga will exceed our expectations. While I did indeed find the AC Hotel a bit steep for our budget, on following your link, Diana, I quickly discovered an inexpensive hotel nearby (with wireless even!)--for some reason, up to that point, I hadn't found anything suitable searching online.
We will enjoy a couple of afternoons and an evening strolling about the city, visiting the Picasso Museum, and eating tapas. Thanks for the suggestions!
Just one last thing --- if memory serves me, the tapas places are often packed in the evening. So my suggestion would be that if you see a nice looking place while strolling in the afternoon, make yourself a table reservation for the evening. Like that you won't be wandering around at 11 at night dying of hunger!!
