Hotel Palacio Blanco

A restful gem at the heart of an authentic Andalucian town, close to the sunny coast’s best beaches and Malaga’s arts and tapas scene

Down a cobbled street lined with ceramic-tiled Andalucian houses, a massive nail-studded door swings open to reveal 3 levels of rooms spread around a delightful colonnaded patio, surrounding a soothing, central fountain. Once an 18th-century Bishop's palace, the building was painstakingly renovated with lashing of TLC by its British owners Nick and Lesley, over the course of 12 hectic months. Décor is now a pleasing blend of modern and Moorish, with cool chequered floor tiles, comfy wing chairs, chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings and splashes of deep red and cerise for that extra touch of olé.

Popular with couples, but welcoming to families, too, Palacio Blanco is well located in a quiet neighbourhood of Velez-Malaga. You'll be warmly greeted by Nick and Lesley, and given a mini tour of the hotel, before being shown to one of their 8 suites. Decked out in Moorish tones of gold, silver, ox-blood red and crimson, they are nice and spacious with large beds, comfy canapé seating and capacious shower rooms. Hot from your journey? Don a soft waffle bathrobe and pad to the rooftop pool for a paddle. The views from here are stunning, over the town, castle and mountains beyond. Help yourself to a drink from the honesty bar and settle in for sunset.

Highs

• Sampling local tapas, or wandering around the buzzing backstreets of lovely Velez-Malaga
• Two well-stocked 24-hour honesty bars, so you can help yourself to tipples
• Long lazy breakfasts on the breezy patio and starlit nights on the roof terrace listening to the rumour of the city beneath
• Nick and Lesley are always around, and are a mine of information on places to eat, or things to do; they'll help you get the best out of your stay
• Taking a tram to the superb beaches of Torre del Mar

Lows

• Not enough shade by the pool but sail shades over the bar area
• Noise from the street in rooms at the front; light sleepers should choose rooms 2, 5 and 6, which face the side and rear
• Parking is difficult. With trams to the beach, a regular bus service to Malaga and everything else within easy walking distance, you may prefer not to bring a car
• Rooms get a bit hot in summer; phone ahead to give your arrival time so that air con can be put on in advance