Hotel Palacio Blanco, Velez-Malaga, Andalucia, Spain - Explore & Book
"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 courtyard. Once an 18th-century Bishop's palace, the building was painstakingly renovated with lashing of TLC and now has a pleasing blend of modern and Moorish decor, with cool chequered floor tiles, cushioned iron chairs, chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings and splashes of deep red in cushions and flamboyant art - olé! Popular with young couples, friends, groups and families, Palacio Blanco is well located in the heart of Velez-Malaga, a traditional Andalucian town yet to succumb to the flood of tourists elsewhere in the Costa del Sol. You'll be warmly greeted and given a mini tour of the hotel, before being shown to one of the 9 rooms. Decked out in tones of cream, gold and silver, or ox-blood red and crimson, they are contemporary and spacious with large beds, comfy 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 Wandering around the pretty backstreets of Velez-Malaga and sampling local tapas Long lazy breakfasts in the breezy courtyard and starlit nights on the roof terrace listening to the rumour of the streets beneath Good value for money, though note that prices don't include tax or breakfast Velez-Malaga is largely untouched by the Costa del Sol's tourist masses but is within easy reach of beaches and nightlife, and just half an hour from Malaga airport Lows Noise from the street in rooms at the front; light sleepers should choose rooms 2, 5 and 6, which face the side and rear, and if these are unavailable, bring earplugs Not enough shade by the pool but sail shades over the bar area Parking is difficult. With buses to the beach and 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" - Heidi Fuller-Love
