HOTEL CORTIJO LA REINA
Surrounded by orange, almond and kiwi trees, this converted 19th-century cortijo (farmhouse) stands in the beautiful Montes de Malaga just 20 minutes' drive from the city centre.
It has 32 rooms decorated in an elegant, traditional style with wood-panelled ceilings, grand fireplaces and sumptuous floral fabrics.
Many also have their own private terrace and hot tub.
Relax by the pool, have afternoon tea in the gardens or go on a ramble from the doorstep. The food is top-notch, from the charcuterie, pastries and cheeses at breakfast, to the imaginative local dishes at dinner (mains from ?3).
Hotel Cortijo La Reina (dialling from UK: 00 34 951 014 000/www.hotelcortijolareina.com) offers doubles from ?6 per night (two sharing), B&B.

ROOM MATE LOLA
Situated in the heart of the old city, close to the main shopping street Calle Marqués de Larios, the Lola is one of Malaga's funkiest hotels.
It is part of the inexpensive - yet cool - Room Mate hotel chain (one of two in the city) and underwent a complete revamp in 2007.
Its 50 minimalist bedrooms are connected by open-plan glass-and-chrome staircases and corridors which are the work of esteemed interior designer Lorenzo Castillo.
Whether you choose a standard, suite or executive room you can expect striking decorative paint effects, mirror-fronted wardrobes and a mix of ultra-modern and retro furnishings.
The hotel also has a chill-out area with plump white leather sofas and, although there's no restaurant, a buffet breakfast is served until noon.
?Room Mate Lola (952 579 300/www.room-matehotels.com) offers doubles from ?4 per night (two sharing), B&B.

HOTEL DEL PINTOR
This is not so much a hotel as an avant-garde gallery where you sleep among the art.
Designed by local artist Pepe Bornoy, its striking black, red and white interior is filled with 80 artworks, many of which are for sale, spread throughout the public spaces and 17 individually decorated bedrooms. While the bold colour scheme may not be the most calming, the rooms have comfy beds and soundproof windows. There's no separate restaurant but breakfast is served in the lobby lounge.
Within walking distance of the Picasso Museum the hotel offers special packages including tickets to the Spanish Master's exhibition.
Hotel Del Pintor (952 060 980/www.hoteldelpintor.com) offers two nights from ?32 (two sharing), B&B. Price includes entrance to the Picasso Museum.

HOTEL PALACIO BLANCO
This gem of a hotel is located in Velez-Malaga around 30 minutes east of the city.
Created and run by British couple Nick and Lesley Vallance, the riad-style hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century bishop's palace. Step through the heavy wooden doors into a tranquil colonnaded courtyard then climb to the rooftop spa pool and terrace for sweeping views of the old town.
It has just eight rooms, each designed in Moorish style with elegant wrought-iron furniture, chandeliers and gorgeous bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the courtyard; and this is a good time to chat to your hosts who can help plan sightseeing trips. There are many restaurants and bars within easy walking distance.
Hotel Palacio Blanco (952 549 174/www.palacioblanco.com) offers doubles from ?6 per night (two sharing), room only.

CASTILLO DE SANTA CATALINA
Wonderfully stylish with some of the best sea views in the city, Castillo de Santa Catalina is essentially a boutique hotel inside a castle which dates back to 1624.
It was built as a fortress to defend Malaga from attacks.
It is situated atop a steep hill just outside the city centre and, despite its towers and turrets, has an intimate feel with just eight bedrooms. The elegant, spacious rooms mix original 1930s features with antique tiles in the bathrooms.
Wind down after a day's sightseeing with a stroll through the tranquil gardens - a sequence of patios, terraces and pathways with Moorish fountains which all have fabulous sea views - and head to one of the nearby restaurants.
Castillo de Santa Catalina (952 212 700/www.castillodesantacatalina.com) offers doubles from ?8 per night (two sharing), B&B.
THE KNOWLEDGE: easyJet (0843 104 5000/www.easyjet.com) offers return flights from London Gatwick to Malaga from ?0. Spanish National Tourist Office: 0207 486 8077/www.spain.info