Áurea Palacio de la Tinta
★★★★★
Málaga, Spain
Boutique Hotel
A restored 1908 palace near La Malagueta, blending modernist architecture, Picasso-inspired interiors, rooftop views, and a serene spa.
About the hotel
Set on Málaga's Paseo de Reding, directly opposite La Malagueta and within walking distance of the historic centre, Áurea Palacio de la Tinta occupies one of the city's most distinctive early 20th-century buildings. The former railway headquarters places guests between the Mediterranean waterfront and Málaga's principal cultural landmarks, including the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, cathedral, and port.
The building dates from 1908 and was originally created for the Andalusian Railway Company. Its unusual name recalls the large quantities of ink once used inside to handwrite passenger tickets, while its subsequent restoration has preserved the architectural character of a rare example of European modernism in Málaga. Reimagined as a five-star hotel, the property now connects this railway heritage with a contemporary interpretation of the city's artistic identity.
Inside, Jaime Beriestain's design draws subtly on Pablo Picasso's Cubist period rather than reproducing his work literally. Geometric marble floors, layered forms, stained glass, soft blues, greens, and warmer tones run through the public areas, while the hotel's 141 rooms combine high ceilings and classical mouldings with contemporary furniture, natural materials, and restrained lighting. Accommodation ranges from Deluxe rooms to Junior Suites, larger suites, terrace categories, and family configurations.
The upper levels introduce a more contemporary side to the experience. La Danza Rooftop Bar overlooks the Mediterranean and Málaga skyline, while Asador Contrapunto centres its cooking on Andalusian produce, fish from the Málaga coast, Galician beef, and charcoal grilling. Below, the wellness area includes a heated indoor pool, treatment rooms, massages, and a modern gym, complemented by a seasonal outdoor pool on the rooftop.
Today, Áurea Palacio de la Tinta is particularly well suited to couples, design and architecture enthusiasts, cultural travellers, and luxury city-break guests looking to combine Málaga's museums and historic centre with the beach. Its appeal lies in the unusual overlap between a protected historic building, Picasso-inspired contemporary interiors, serious dining and wellness facilities, all within a highly walkable part of the city.
Historic palace façade showcasing grand neoclassical architecture and ornate balconies
Elegant living area with designer furnishings and contemporary artwork
Spacious bedroom featuring a sculptural headboard and refined modern design
Marble bathroom with freestanding bathtub and rainfall shower
Peaceful interior courtyard framed by elegant architecture and mature trees
Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by landscaped gardens and hillside views
Stylish rooftop terrace with colourful seating and panoramic city views
Modern fitness centre equipped with cardio machines and free weights
Serene spa relaxation lounge with contemporary loungers and ambient lighting
Indoor wellness pool beneath elegant illuminated arches and tiled walls
Creator experience
“Áurea Palacio de la Tinta felt like discovering a quieter, more elegant side of Málaga. I loved the character of the historic building and how its original architecture blended naturally with refined contemporary interiors. After spending the day exploring the city, returning to such a peaceful and beautifully designed space made the experience feel especially relaxing. The attention to detail, warm hospitality, and sense of history gave the entire stay a character of its own.”
captured by Rúben Alves
Know before you go
Features
Number of Rooms and Suites: 141
Historic 1908 Modernist Palace
Picasso-Inspired Interiors by Jaime Beriestain
Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites and Suites
Selected Rooms and Suites with Private Terraces
La Danza Rooftop Bar
Seasonal Rooftop Swimming Pool
Heated Indoor Pool
Wellness Area and Treatment Rooms
Modern Fitness Centre
Asador Contrapunto Restaurant
Meeting and Event Spaces
Good To Know
Check-In / Check-Out: From 3:00 PM / By 12:00 PM
Adults Only: No, children of all ages are welcome and family accommodation is available
Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted except where required for assistance animals under applicable regulations
Dining: Asador Contrapunto serves lunch and dinner with a focus on Andalusian ingredients, Málaga seafood and charcoal-grilled meats; La Danza Rooftop Bar offers cocktails, tapas and informal dishes
Parking: Paid on-site parking is available, with limited spaces and EV charging facilities
WiFi: Complimentary WiFi is available in guestrooms and public areas
Accessibility: Adapted guestrooms and wheelchair-accessible public areas are available, including accessible reception, restaurant, spa and pool facilities; guests with specific requirements should confirm the appropriate room in advance
Weddings / Events: Meetings, conferences, private celebrations and other events can be arranged across the hotel's dedicated function rooms; wedding-specific arrangements should be confirmed directly with the property
Best For: Couples, Luxury City Breaks, Architecture, Art and Culture, Gastronomy, Beach and City Stays
What To Do
Heated Indoor Pool
Wellness Massages and Body Treatments
Couples Wellness Treatments
Floating Wellness Experience
After Sun Málaga Treatment
Seasonal Rooftop Pool
Sunset Drinks at La Danza Rooftop Bar
Dining at Asador Contrapunto
Fitness Centre
Low Season: From €200/$230
High Season: *From €320/$370
Getting there
Áurea Palacio de la Tinta sits on Paseo de Reding in La Malagueta, around 8 km from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Its position between the beach, Muelle Uno, and the historic centre makes the hotel particularly easy to explore from without a car, with local buses and the Málaga Centro-Alameda rail connection providing access to the wider city.
Address
P.º Reding, 20, Málaga-Este, 29016 Málaga, Spain
How to get there
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Approximately 20-25 minutes by car.
Public Transport
Cercanías line C1 connects Málaga Airport with Málaga Centro-Alameda in around 12 minutes. From there, guests can continue by local bus or taxi to Paseo de Reding. Alternatively, the Airport Express bus runs directly between the airport and central Málaga, with Paseo del Parque providing a convenient city-centre arrival point.
Nearby
La Malagueta Beach - 2 minutes on foot
Muelle Uno - 8 minutes on foot
Alcazaba and Roman Theatre - 10 minutes on foot
Málaga Cathedral - 13 minutes on foot
Picasso Museum Málaga - 15 minutes on foot