7th December 2023 
Leave a commentAs many of our readers may already know, this year has been a historic one in Malaga in terms of holiday visits.
Many may have not yet tried it, we cannot stress enough that you should visit the Costa del Sol in winter. You will love it, with its mild spring weather far away from the cold and snow.
Increasing trend to travel outside high season
There is as well clearly a new trend to travel to Malaga also outside the classic summer high season.
According to recent figures, hotels on the Costa del Sol closed November with an occupancy rate of over 71%. 10% more than last year.
As always, it is worth highlighting the large presence of international tourism, which accounted for 75% of the total.
With regard to the tourist places that have had the highest hotel occupancy during November:
Frigiliana-Torrox leads the data for the whole province of Malaga with 76.88%. It is followed by Benalmádena, with 71.67%, Nerja, with an occupancy rate of 70.25% and Mijas, with 62.19%.
By the end of the year, forecasts point to almost 80% hotel occupancy. The month of December is classically a second high season.
Many people take advantage taking a trip to sunny Malaga: Whether to play golf in Malaga or to see the beautiful Christmas lights in Malaga. Or simply to enjoy relaxation and wellbeing in the best climate in Europe.
If you are one of those who still haven’t made up your mind and are waiting to book at the last minute, here are some of the best rated hotels on the Costa del Sol that open in December.
Which hotels in Malaga open during winter?
In general, it can be stated that, due to their excellent condition, basically all 5-star hotels in Malaga are open during the winter months.
Note that December counts as high season. However, if you want to stay in a first-class hotel for a very reasonable price, you can choose to book in January or February, when prices are considerably lower.
Returning to the subject: Many of these first-class hotels offer their guests gala Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a luxurious and elegant setting.
Some of the best Hotels in Malaga open in December
We do not claim this selection to be exhaustive. We just want to give you an impression of what is available in the most popular towns along the Costa del Sol.
Hostal MB Hostels Premium, Nerja
The Hostal MB Hostels Premium “Eco” Adult Only, is a small and luxurious Hostal with 12 rooms (recommended for over 13 years old) eco-sustainable.
It is located in one of the most exclusive areas of Nerja, in a quiet residential area. Only 250 metres from Burriana beach and 10 minutes walk from the famous Balcon de Europa.
Vincci Larios Diez, Málaga
4* Hotel located in Calle Larios, one of the most emblematic areas of the city. It is one of the most elegant and relevant historical, commercial and cultural streets of Malaga.
Vincci Selección Aleysa 5*, Benalmádena
The Hotel Vincci Selección Aleysa is one of the most sophisticated 5-star hotels in Benalmádena, just 11 km from Malaga International Airport. It is a boutique hotel on the beachfront.
Higueron 5*, Fuengirola
The hotel features the Michelin-starred Sollo restaurant and one of the best spas on the Costa del Sol. Located 1.2 km from Carvajal Beach, it offers a free shuttle service to the beach.
The Hotel has prepared a New Year’s Eve Gala by its Michelin Star chef Diego Gallegos. There will be live music and DJ, open bar until the early hours of the morning and Brunch Buffet in the morning.
La Zambra Resort 5* GL, Mijas
Recently completely renovated, this is a 5 star GL resort in Mijas situated in the Mijas Golf Urbanisation. Within a short buggy ride of the hotel are several excellent golf courses.
The Hotel offers a Mediterranean Christmas dinner, a spectacular brunch on Christmas Day and an elegant New Year’s Eve gala dinner.
El Fuerte 5*, Marbella
El Fuerte is a historic establishment on the Costa del Sol, now transformed to 5 stars, located on the city centre’s beachfront and only 5 minutes’ walk to the old town.
For Christmas Eve, El Fuerte will offer a buffet of traditional Andalusian dishes and sushi corner among others.
On the 26th of December, the Hotel celebrates Boxing Day with a Christmas brunch.
And on New Year’s Eve, El Fuerte will offer a gala dinner with a six-course menu. Enlivened by a selection of musical classics performed live, followed by a cotillion where guests can eat their lucky grapes overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Marriott’s Playa Andaluza 4*, Estepona
Marriott’s Playa Andaluza is located in Estepona, close to the exclusive “Millionaire’s Paradise” of Puerto Banús, Marbella.
The Estepona beach resort offers exclusive private flats.
