Malaga's BEST Hotel? Novotel Suites Centro Review! ✨
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind that is the Novotel Suites Malaga Centro! ✨ I've just spent a few days there, and let me tell you, it's not just a hotel, it's… well, it’s an experience. And I'm here to spill the (very clean) tea. Get ready for an unfiltered, honest, and slightly chaotic review that’s less "polished brochure" and more "friend rambling over sangria."
First Impressions: The Good, the Alright, and the “Huh?”
Okay, so let's be real. Malaga is gorgeous. Sun, sea, tapas… heaven! And the Novotel Suites Centro? Its location is gold. Smack-dab in the heart of the city. Seriously, you stumble out the door, and bam! You're practically tripping over historical monuments and delicious churros. The immediate accessibility is HUGE, especially after a long flight and the brain fog that comes with it.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, but Generally Good.
Right, so accessibility. Very important. The elevator works (thank goodness!), which is a HUGE win. They also mention "facilities for disabled guests." I didn’t personally need any, but the website does promise they have rooms designed for accessibility. I didn't get a chance to inspect the rooms, but assuming they live up to their word, that's a massive plus. I also saw staff training in safety protocols - a good sign!
Rooms: Suites? More Like Mini-Apartments! (With a Few Quirks)
The clue's in the name: suites. This isn't your standard shoebox hotel room. We're talking decent space! The living area was surprisingly cozy, with a little sofa, desk (yay, finally a place to dump my laptop!), and a proper window that opened. Seriously, fresh air is a luxury, and I loved the option to let it in.
The bedroom? Comfortable. Bed? Excellent. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Essential for those glorious, late-night Spanish sunsets (or, you know, sleeping in after a day of tapas-ing). And the bathroom! Clean, modern, with a separate shower and… a bathtub. Now, I’m a sucker for a good soak, and this tub didn't disappoint. Although… a small rant incoming! The toiletries were okay. Decent, but not spectacular. I always bring my own anyway, so no biggie, but a slightly fancier shampoo would have been the icing on the cake. (I told you, unfiltered!)
Internet: Connected, But Not Always Perfectly Smooth
Okay, let's talk internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And the Wi-Fi generally worked well. Streaming my favorite shows? No problem. However… there was one afternoon where it was a little… glitchy. I kept getting dropped while I was trying to upload a video for my family back home. Internet services were available for me, but I wish it was stronger. They also have Internet [LAN], but I'm not familiar with that so I didn't use it. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available and worked very well.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses (Mostly!)
Food, glorious food! This is where the Novotel really shines.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A classic. Everything from Asian breakfast options (interesting!) to Western breakfast staples. Fresh pastries? Check. Eggs cooked to order? Absolutely. Coffee? Plentiful. The breakfast service was smooth. Also, I'm a big fan of an A la carte in restaurant option.
- Restaurants: Several restaurants, and for those who want an alternative, they offer Alternative meal arrangement options, which I really liked.
- Bar: Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late-night nightcap. Poolside bar options, too! Happy hour? Yes, please!
- I did not try the Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, or Soup in restaurant, but they were available.
Okay, confession: I was obsessed with the Poolside bar. One afternoon, after a particularly intense session of sightseeing, I literally collapsed onto a lounger, ordered a bottle of water and a cocktail, and just… breathed. The view from the pool? Stunning. The vibe? Relaxed. The staff? Friendly. Pure, unadulterated bliss. It also helps that there is a snack bar there, too.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and the Spa… (Well, Kinda!)
Right, the "S" word. Spa. I’m a huge spa person. I love a good massage, a sauna, a steamroom… I was SO looking forward to this.
- Pool with view: The best part!
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Unavailable during my time there
- Massage, Body scrub, Foot bath, Body wrap: Unaavailable.
On the plus side, the Fitness center, plus Gym/fitness offered a workout.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Covid-Conscious Haven (Mostly)
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. These days, cleanliness and safety are paramount. And the Novotel? They nailed it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: CHECK.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: CHECK.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. (I’m a germaphobe and I felt safe. Gold star!)
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They were actively enforcing.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely.
- Rooms sanitized opt-out available: I think so
And there were Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Individually-wrapped food options and essential condiments everywhere. This really put my mind at ease. I also saw CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property and 24 hours Security/security features!
Also, a nice option for the late night travelers: Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Need… and a Little Bit More!
- Concierge: Super helpful. Got me restaurant reservations and helped me navigate the city.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always impeccable.
- Elevator: Praise be!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Mentioned earlier.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Essential for travel!
- Luggage storage: Handy for early arrivals/late departures.
- Car park [free of charge]: This is HUGE. Parking in Malaga can be a nightmare.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, and Contactless check-in/out!
They also have Gift/souvenir shop, Doorman, and Terrace.
For the Kids, Couples, and Business Travelers:
- Family/child friendly: Yes! I saw several families, and the hotel seems well-equipped for them. They even have Kids facilities and a Babysitting service.
- Couple's room: Yes!
- Business facilities: Yes! Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and Seminars, and all of the stuff you'd expect.
Accessibility in the Room:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Whew! Okay, I think I've covered everything!
The Verdict: Should You Stay Here?
Absolutely. With a few caveats.
The Novotel Suites Malaga Centro is a fantastic hotel. The location is unbeatable. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The staff are friendly and helpful. The food is delicious. And the commitment to cleanliness is reassuring. However, the spa was disappointing. The internet could be a little more reliable, and if you're a spa fanatic, you'll be sad to skip this.
But honestly? Those are minor quibbles.
**My Take: The Novotel Suites Centro is a solid choice for most types of travelers. It is an excellent value, it is a great choice, and it's a joy to
Escape to Stillwater: Your Dream AmericInn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because we're about to descend into the glorious chaos that is my Malaga itinerary. Forget perfect, embrace delightfully wonky. And prepare for opinions. Lots and lots of opinions. This is less "travel guide," more "therapeutic ramblings of someone who desperately needed a holiday."
MALAGA: A MESSY MEMOIR (Novotel Suites Edition)
Arrival - Day 1: "Hello, Sun! (And Jet Lag…and the Urgent Need for Tapas)"
- 14:00: Arrive at Malaga Airport (AGP). Dear god, the baggage carousel is a nightmare. Seriously, it's like watching a slow-motion ballet of everyone's stress. Mine finally wobbles into view, looking suspiciously like it's been to war.
- 15:00: Check-in at the Novotel Suites Malaga Centro. Okay, the suites are actually pretty damn spacious. Like, “could-probably-do-yoga-in-the-living-room” spacious. SCORE. My initial reaction: Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief. The airport had me teetering on the edge of a full-blown meltdown.
- 16:00: Unpack and stare lovingly at the room's mini-fridge. A tiny (but crucial) oasis of potential sanity. The first rule of holiday? Stock that fridge.
- 17:00: First outing! The Plaza de la Merced. Google Maps, I swear to you, you LIED. Said it was a 10-minute walk. It was more like a sweaty, uphill trudge. My legs, still rebelling from the flight, felt like lead. BUT, oh, the plaza! Trees, fountains, and the energy!
- 17:30: The Plaza de la Merced…it's vibrant. Saw a street performer juggling oranges and a very enthusiastic dog chasing pigeons. Made me feel oddly optimistic.
- 18:00: Tapas time! Went to a little place (can't remember the name, memory of a goldfish and all that) and ordered Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) and Patatas Bravas. The shrimp was… good. Perfectly cooked, with a generous hit of garlic. The Patatas Bravas, however… chef's kiss. Crispy, saucy, perfect. Suddenly, jet lag felt manageable.
- 19:30: Strolled back to the Novotel, feeling a little smug about my tapas victory. The hotel's location is a godsend. So close to everything!
- 21:00: Face-planted into the giant bed. Sleep. Glorious, blessed sleep.
Day 2: " Picasso's Shadow & The Case of the Missing Sunscreen"
- 09:00: Attempted a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. "Attempted" being the operative word. The buffet line was a warzone. Kids were running amok, and I nearly lost a plate of scrambled eggs to a rogue toddler. (Note to self: develop stronger reflexes).
- 10:00: Picasso Museum! Okay, this was the main event. It's just the BEST. I'd seen some of his work before, but seeing it all together…mind-blowing. The early stuff was especially interesting - so much experimentation. I spent way too long staring at a tiny sketch of a cat. Probably not the most sophisticated of art appreciators, but hey, cat sketches are intrinsically awesome.
- 12:00: Wandered through the charming old town. Every corner is a postcard waiting to happen. Got completely lost – not in a bad way. Being lost in Malaga is delightful – you just stumble into a cafe!
- 12:30: The quest for sunscreen begins. My pale skin screams for protection, but apparently, Malaga pharmacies have gone into hiding. Found one, overpriced, and smelling slightly of coconut and broken dreams.
- 14:00: Lunch at a tiny place called "El Pimpi." So touristy, I could feel my inner hipster twitching. But also, utterly charming. Ordered Espeto (sardines cooked on a skewer). The taste! Smoky perfection. Best sardines of my life, hands down.
- 15:30: Siesta attempts. Failed spectacularly. Noise from the street, a sudden urge to reorganize my suitcase… It was a losing battle.
- 16:30: A stroll along the beach. Okay, maybe not the beach itself, because the sun had gone into hiding. But a walk along the promenade was lovely. The sea air, the chatter, a busker playing flamenco. Pure bliss.
- 18:00 Return to the hotel to enjoy the sun, but then notice the time, and realize that the sun won't ever come.
- 19:00 Dinner to a restaurant near the hotel. Ordered Paella. (Too soggy or too dry…I can never get it right.) I made a mistake and ordered some other things. It’s all a blur in my head.
- 21:00: Attempt to relax again. Fail again.
Day 3: " Fortress Fever and a Lemon-Flavored Identity Crisis"
- 09:00: Breakfast part two. This time, barricaded myself behind the buffet table and armed myself with a coffee.
- 10:00: Alcazaba. Whoa. The views from the top are insane. You could see the entire city. Walked around its windy passage ways, tried to imagine the fortress in its glory days, and nearly walked into a wall.
- 12:00: The Castillo de Gibralfaro! Another fortress, but this one's even higher. This time, I took the bus. Smart move, that. The views from up there… even more insane. The panoramic potential is dizzying. Felt like I could see the whole world. I went on a full-blown photo spree.
- 13:30: The quest for the perfect souvenir begins at the Malaga Market. This proved tricky, because the idea of something cute, cool, and uniquely Malaga-esque kept eluding me. The market was a sensory overload: the noise, the smells, the colours… So I bought a bag of lemons. Still unsure why.
- 15:00: Back to the hotel to rest. But guess what? I didn’t. I decided to go look for a restaurant to eat.
- 16:00: I decide to eat at a different restaurant.
- 17:00 I get back to my hotel.
- 19:00: More food.
And so on… (The Glorious, Unscripted Rest of the Trip)
This isn't a rigid itinerary. It's a framework. It's a collection of memories, good and bad. Because that's what travel is really about, isn't it? The unexpected detours, the accidental discoveries, the moments that make you laugh, cry, and question your life choices, all at the same time.
And, honestly, that giant suite at the Novotel just made this whole thing more comfortable. Who knows what tomorrow holds? Maybe I'll finally find that perfect souvenir. Maybe I'll learn to speak Spanish. Or maybe I'll just spend the entire day eating tapas and staring at a lemon. Because that's the beauty of a trip like this. You never really know. And that's the fun of it.
Escape to Cleveland: Avon's BEST Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
So, what *exactly* are we talking about here? Like, the broad strokes?
Okay, okay... so, why should *I* care? What's in it for me? (Besides existential dread, I guess.)
Right, let's get to the nitty-gritty. What are the *basics*? Give me the CliffsNotes version.
So, what are the most common problems people face when dealing with *[Insert Topic Here]*? Lay it on me. I'm ready for the bad news.
- Mistake Number One: [Insert a common mistake related to the topic]. Oh, I remember one time, I was trying to… (ramble about a personal experience failing at this). It was a disaster. The worst. Honestly.
- Mistake Number Two: [Insert another common mistake]. Seriously, so many people fall into this trap. It's maddening! I once... (ramble about another personal, imperfect experience) and, trust me, it was a low point.
- Mistake Number Three: [Insert a final common mistake]. And the worst part? You often don't realize you're doing it until it's too late! It's like… (ramble about a frustrating analogy or observation).
Okay, okay, you've scared me half to death. What about the *good* stuff? What are the benefits? Tell me something *positive*, please!
- Benefit One: [Insert a positive benefit]. It's like magic! ... or maybe a really well-crafted algorithm. Either way, it's good.
- Benefit Two: [Insert another positive benefit]. I mean, seriously, have you *seen* the alternatives? This is better! Trust me, I've learned that the hard way.
- Benefit Three: [Insert a final positive benefit]. And honestly, sometimes that's all you can ask for, right? A little bit of… *[insert emotional reaction]*.
I'm overwhelmed. How do *I* actually *start*? Give me some practical tips!
- Step 1: [Insert a practical starting tip]. I always think of it like… (ramble about a relevant analogy, even if it's slightly off-topic or self-deprecating).
- Step 2: [Insert another practical starting tip]. You probably should… (offer a slightly cynical but realistic piece of advice). It always surprises me how often people overlook this.
- Step 3: [Insert one last practical starting tip]. And the *most* important thing is… (offer a piece of advice, followed by a sarcastic comment or self-deprecating remark).
What are the common misconceptions about *[Insert Topic Here]*? Bust some myths for me!
- Myth #1: [Describe a common misconception]. *Wrong!* It's… (explain why the misconception is wrong, with a strong opinion). Honestly, people who believe that… (add a slightly judgmental but humorous sentence).
- Myth #2: [Describe another common misconception]. *Absolutely not!* (Explain why the misconception is wrong, again). You know, I used to believe that myself! Now I feel like an idiot. (laughing and a little self-deprecating).
- Myth #3: [Describe one final misconception]. Hotel Hide AwaysNovotel Suites Malaga Centro Málaga Spain
Novotel Suites Malaga Centro Málaga Spain
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