Room Mate Larios

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


A DIFFERENT VIEW OF MALAGA.......

Owing to the mass tourism of the Costa del Sol, Málaga is a city that has been too often overlooked. Touists who fly into Málaga airport do not realise that the cultural capital of the coast lies just 10 minutes to the east! This typically Spanish city is undergoing a renaissance. Often labelled and lumped together with many other overcrowded ¨no longer Spanish¨ tourist resorts on the coast, when it comes to Málaga, nothing could be farther from the truth. With the inauguration of the Picasso Museum in 2003, housing the largest collection of the native born artist´s works worlwide, came the rebirth of this vibrant city. On the up and up ever since, Málaga is now being recognised as a ¨hip¨ destination. The labrynth of intertwining streets in the old town are one by one becoming pedestrian areas. A trendy café society has appeared and designer shops are opening on a regular basis. A vast amount of money has been spent on reviving Málaga´s aesthetic appeal, and I am not the only one to notice that the hard work has more than paid off.

Upon entering Room Mate Larios from the most beautiful shopping street in the heart of the old town, a marble staircase (there is also a lift) takes you up to the 1st floor reception. Black and white tiles cover the floor like a chessboard, leading your eye into the café with its bistro tables overlooking Calle Larios – a fabulous front-row seat for watching the world go by whilst enjoying a light lunch or sipping a café con leche.

The 40 bedrooms, comprised of 34 Standard Doubles and 6 Junior Suites, are found over three floors. Some overlook the lovely Plaza de la Consitución, some the Calle Larios, and others a small side street opening onto a little square – views are most enjoyed from small balconies on the 2nd and 3rd floors, which are also non-smoking. All are equppied with en-suite bathroom (some with bath, others with shower), heating and air-conditioning, double-glazed windows, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, safe, and hair dryers. You will have to fight for your Junior Suite in Easter Week – Antonio Banderas books his three well in advance before returning to Malaga, his hometown, to participate in the spectacular processions.

Simple yet sufficient buffet breakfasts are served in 1st floor Bistro Lounge and are included in the room prices. Mediterranean Cuisine is on offer for light lunches and dinners.

The Hotel does not have private parking and it is very difficult to reach by car as it is on a pedestrianised street. A large underground car park is available at he end of Calle Larios some 600 metres away.

An ideal citybreak Hotel from which one can discover Málaga´s wealth of museums and monuments, and the shopping – oh, the shopping – you may just wish to up your credit card limit! The August fair and Holy Week processions are of the best in the country and cannot be missed! You would need to make a reservation well in advance. The rates do soar for Holy Week, but you won´t get a better view of the processions!