Hotel Soho Boutique Castillo Santa Catalina - Adults Recommended

Our room was spacious and well equipped, with a separate bathroom and living area, sinks for both of us, and a stunning view over the Port of Malaga at Muelle Uno. The staff were attentive and polite. Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina sits on a wooded hill in Malaga’s upscale El Limonar neighbourhood. Its 24 individually decorated rooms combine modern comforts with details like marble floors and decorative plasterwork. The property brings together remnants of a 17th-century stronghold and the glamour of a 1930s Moorish Revival palace. It has sweeping views over the Bay of Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea, with a chic, romantic feel. Depending on the season, there’s a heated infinity pool overlooking the bay, a rooftop terrace, and a courtyard restaurant. We didn’t eat there, though it serves Spanish food with seasonal twists, and breakfast can be enjoyed on the patio with mountain and sea views.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and we enjoyed our stay. The castle setting is really cool, with great views from the garden and our room. It’s out of the way, though, and we needed a taxi every time we wanted to get into town for sightseeing. The room was great apart from the noise. We could hear staff getting breakfast ready in the morning and people talking in the courtyard or restaurant at night. It was a little warm, and we couldn’t open the windows. The bathroom had everything we needed, and the robes were comfortable. The fridge in the closet smelled a bit moldy.

I came expecting five-star service, rooms, and food, but the welcome was horrible. They handed me an envelope with the property history and Wi-Fi details, but you can’t use the Wi-Fi without a room. The staff were no help at all. From the moment we arrived, there were excuses about the room not being ready. I understood it was an early check-in, but first we were told it would be ready in less than an hour, and then the wait stretched past three hours. A five-star resort should be much more accommodating. At this point I’m afraid to see the rooms. I’ll report back after my stay, if I last a night here.

Staff were friendly and prompt, no complaints there. The location is also a drawback: it’s a 20-minute drive from Malaga city, with no good bars or restaurants within walking distance. You’ll have to rely on taxis, and the older neighborhood around the hotel feels quiet. Food was the real letdown. We had two dinners, spending 100€+ each time, and both were extremely disappointing. The meals were expensive and tasteless, with flavorless, dry, chewy steak. The chicken sandwich at lunch was good, but everything else felt like a rip-off. The plate in the photo cost 30€ and had raw cauliflower and half a peach.