Hotel Mariposa Malaga Review: What It’s Really Like

Hotel Mariposa Malaga is a four-star boutique property in the city’s Soho district, where street art and independent galleries set the tone. This review draws on guest scores from Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and editorial assessment from The Telegraph to give you a clear picture of what the property actually delivers — from its rooftop bar to its paid parking — before you book.

Last checked: 2026-09-12

Property name: Mariposa Hotel Malaga · Location: Soho district, central Malaga · Star rating: 4-star · Standout features: Rooftop terrace & bar, free WiFi, fitness centre, bicycle parking · Nearby attraction: 1,312 ft from Calle Larios (main shopping street) · Tripadvisor rating: Ranked #7 out of 119 hotels in Malaga

What amenities does Mariposa Hotel Malaga offer?

In-room amenities

Each room at Hotel Mariposa Malaga includes air conditioning, a minibar, and a flat-screen television as standard. The Expedia property description confirms free in-room WiFi, and TripAdvisor listings note that rooms come equipped with a private bathroom, safe, and desk. Multiple guest reviews describe the rooms as comfortable and modern, though several reviewers on TripAdvisor note that the rooms are not large — a trade-off typical of central boutique hotels where space is at a premium.

Common facilities

The hotel operates a fitness centre with gym equipment — described as a small but functional gym — plus a solarium and massage services including foot, back, full-body, and neck treatments. The rooftop bar, Le Rooftop 17, is the property’s signature leisure feature and earns frequent praise in guest reviews aggregated by KAYAK. Beyond leisure, KAYAK’s amenity list includes a business centre, concierge service, meeting and banquet facilities, and a 24-hour front desk. Bicycle parking and rental are available, and the hotel offers walking tours and car hire.

The Telegraph’s editorial review notes that the hotel has limited public space and no restaurant, which frames it as a stylish base for sightseeing rather than a destination with extensive on-site facilities. Paid private parking is available but should be reserved ahead of busy periods.

The bottom line: Amenities focus on quality over quantity — strong WiFi, a well-regarded rooftop bar, and a compact gym cover most city-break needs, but travellers wanting a pool, full restaurant, or spacious lounges will need to look elsewhere.

How far is Mariposa Hotel from the airport?

Distance by car / taxi

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) sits roughly 8 km (5 miles) southwest of the hotel. A taxi from the airport to Calle de Casas de Campos, 17 typically takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic, and the journey follows the MA-20 coastal motorway for most of the route. Rideshare services are also available from the airport forecourt.

Public transport options

The nearest metro station to the hotel is served by Line 2, which connects directly to the airport. From the airport station (estación de aeropuerto) you ride toward the city centre and alight at Guadalmedina or El Perchel, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the Soho district. A single metro ticket costs roughly €1.40. Regional Cercanías train service also runs from the airport to Málaga Centro-Alameda station, approximately 600 metres from the hotel.

What this means: Whether you take a 15-minute taxi or a €1.40 metro ride, the hotel is conveniently close to the airport — a clear advantage for short stays or late arrivals.

Where is the nicest area to stay in Malaga?

Soho district: the hotel’s home

The Soho district — officially known as Barrio de las Artes — is Malaga’s contemporary arts and culture quarter. It earned its nickname from the street art murals that cover many building facades, and it hosts independent galleries, pop-up exhibition spaces, and a handful of creative studios. Hotel Mariposa sits at the heart of this neighbourhood, within a five-minute walk of the Calle Larios shopping axis and the edge of the historic old town.

The Telegraph describes the hotel as “a stylish hotel in Malaga’s arty Soho area,” and guest reviews consistently highlight the walkability of the location — you can reach the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba fortress, and the port in under 15 minutes on foot.

Other recommended neighbourhoods

For first-time visitors, the historic centre (old town) remains the most popular base, with its dense concentration of tapas bars, cathedral, and Moorish landmarks. La Malagueta, the beachside neighbourhood east of the centre, suits travellers who prioritise sea access. Travel guides generally advise against staying in the outlying industrial or residential zones on the city’s northwest periphery, where public transport is less frequent and there is little of pedestrian interest.

The pattern: Soho offers a middle ground — calmer than the historic core yet close enough to walk to every major sight. Hotel Mariposa’s location reflects that balance well.

Does Mariposa Hotel Malaga have a restaurant?

On-site dining options

Hotel Mariposa does not operate a full restaurant. The property runs a bar and lounge plus the rooftop bar Le Rooftop 17, where drinks and light snacks are served. A breakfast buffet is offered each morning — typically from 07:00 to 12:00 — but it is a separate service rather than a full restaurant kitchen. Guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor mention the breakfast as a positive feature, particularly the selection of fresh pastries, fruit, and Spanish charcuterie. Whether breakfast is included depends on the rate booked.

“With limited public space and no restaurant, it suits people who want a chic base for sightseeing and nightlife rather than loads of facilities.”

— The Telegraph, editorial review

Nearby restaurant recommendations

The absence of a restaurant is mitigated by the hotel’s location in a food-rich neighbourhood. Within a five-minute walk you will find a cluster of tapas bars and casual eateries along Calle del Cobertizo del Cristo and Calle Santa María. Travellers searching for the local celebrity connection often ask about Antonio Banderas’s favourite spot: El Pimpi, a historic bodega near the Roman Theatre that serves montaditos and local wine, is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. For a typical Malaga breakfast — churros with chocolate or tostada with tomato and olive oil — head to Café Central in the Plaza de la Constitución, roughly 500 metres from the hotel door.

“Guests praised the excellent staff and comfortable rooms in a walkable location.”

— Expedia, guest review summary

The trade-off: No on-site restaurant means you will walk to every meal, but the Soho and historic-centre dining scene is dense enough that you will rarely need to go more than a few blocks.