After spending three days in Malaga soaking up sun, culture and tapas, I can confidently say that Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar is the perfect base.
Full disclosure: I stayed at this hotel during a press trip with Jet2. However, this review wasn’t required – I wanted to share my experience because the hotel genuinely impressed me from the moment I arrived.
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Location
Your holiday in Malaga city centre is just twenty minutes drive from the airport!
Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar is perfectly located in the very heart of Malaga. It’s tucked away just behind one of the city’s main streets – quiet enough for a peaceful night’s sleep, but close enough that you can reach everything on foot.
The legendary central markey, Mercado de Atarazanas, is just around the corner, as is the legendary Casa Aranda – perfect for your morning coffee and churros. Malaga’s main attractions, the Alcazaba, Cathedral and waterfront, are all within a ten minute stroll, as well as virtually every restaurant you could want.
In short, this centrally located Malaga hotel is ideal for first-time visitors who want to stay in the heart of the action and walk everywhere.
Design & atmosphere
One of my favourite parts of Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar is the vibe – it’s not often I get to stay in such a stylish hotel! The reception set the tone immediately, with a sleek yet cosy design that feels both impressive and welcoming.
Read my Nativo Hotel Ibiza review, an equally beautiful design hotel in Santa Eulalia!
With polished wood, concrete and multi-layered lighting, the elegant finishes give Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar a boutique feel without a super hefty price tag.
The hotel team were super friendly and helpful, getting us checked in efficiently and bringing an iron to my room within five minutes of me calling down to reception. This extended to the breakfast and bar team in the equally stylish restaurant, who always had a smile for us and were happy to help.
The rooms
Since working in Marketing for a luxury hotel years ago (Cheshire’s Carden Park Hotel if you’re interested – The Spa at Carden is unreal!), I always feel excited to walk into a new hotel room.
My double room didn’t disappoint – especially as a solo traveller. It was fairly compact, but well designed with plenty of space to move around and store all my belongings out of the way.
The clever built-in arrangement of desk, minibar and hot drink area worked really well and there were a nice selection of teas on offer, including a green and fruit option – something I don’t often see! My wardrobe had plenty of hanging space for three days worth of outfits and space to store my suitcase too.
The incredibly plush bed and pillows were an absolute highlight for me: I couldn’t help but sigh comfortably every time I snuggled in after a busy day of sightseeing. The blackout curtains also did their job exceptionally well and the air conditioning was easy to control – both a huge bonus for summer travellers!
I love it when the bathroom design feels considered too and this beautiful vanity area hit the spot. Plenty of storage space, fluffy towels and a frosted swing door between the toilet & shower area means one person can get ready while the other showers.
The shower itself had two heads – a rainfall and hand held – with great water pressure that meant I didn’t dread my holiday hair wash.
If you’re not staying at Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar solo or as a couple, this is something to keep in mind as it’s not a fully private door, but it’s at least it’s not see through like some hotels!
The food
We enjoyed a daily breakfast at Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar and it was exactly what I look for in a breakfast buffet: abundant, varied and full of local flavour.
There was a huge spread of Spanish meats and cheeses, including a local goat’s cheese specialty called Payoyo, along with granola, pastries and a full cooked selection. I honestly can’t get enough of fresh orange juice in Spain so imagine my delight when they had self-service machine – a taste of sunshine to start the day.
I also love it when hotels put effort into making the little touches look beautiful, like the pretty setups below. Much nicer than garish cereal boxes (first world problems)!
While I didn’t spot any live cooking options (if you like made-to-order eggs for example), this never bothers me when there’s enough variety. We left each morning feeling well-fuelled for a busy day exploring Malaga!
Who Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar is best for
This hotel would suit couples looking for a stylish, convenient city break, solo travellers wanting to stay safe and central or friends on a girls trip!
Families with small children might prefer a property with a pool or play facilities, but for most adult travellers, this location and comfort combo is spot on.
If I had to be picky about Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar, it would be an awesome addition if the hotel had a rooftop pool – especially in the hot summer months! However, with the coast and beach so nearby, it really doesn’t take anything away from the experience at all.
Verdict: Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar review
I couldn’t have asked for more for our three days exploring Malaga: a tucked away retreat when you close your room door, with the ability to step out into the heart of the action.
The elegant interiors, generous breakfast and genuine team made it feel like an oasis every time we stopped by to freshen up before dinner.
If you’re planning a short break and want to stay in a stylish yet relaxed location, I’d recommend Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar in a heartbeat.
Laura x
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