Luxury bespoke hotel holidays to Palacio Solecio, Malaga
Facts in brief
Official star rating 4
Location In Málaga’s historic Old Town on Calle Granada, opposite the Santiago Church where Picasso was baptised.
Annual opening All year
Closest airport Málaga Costa del Sol Airport
Distance from airport 20 minutes by car
Closest railway station Málaga Centro-Alameda
Distance from railway station 15 minutes walking or 10 minutes by car
Hotel facilities and services
Balausta Restaurant, Balausta Bar, La Terraza de Solecio rooftop bar, seasonal rooftop plunge pool, 24hr fitness centre, 24hr reception, concierge, room service, dry cleaning and laundry service, and parking.
Complimentary
Wi-Fi
Out and about nearby
The 15th century Santiago Church stands directly opposite the hotel, where Pablo Picasso was baptised in 1881, its former minaret now a baroque bell tower. The Picasso Museum Málaga, housed in the beautiful Buenavista Palace just steps away, presents over 200 works from the artist’s family collections. Málaga Cathedral, affectionately known as La Manquita (the one-armed lady) for its unfinished second tower, sits four minutes’ walk from the hotel, offering rooftop viewing platforms with spectacular city views. The 11th century Alcazaba fortress and 1st century Roman Theatre lie within comfortable walking distance, whilst the elegant pedestrian boulevard of Calle Marqués de Larios, one of Europe’s most important commercial streets, is just minutes away. The dramatic hilltop town of Ronda, famous for the spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge spanning a 98-metre gorge, lies approximately two hours away by car – it is, however, worth the trip to see this enchanting, quintessentially Andalusian town. The coastal town of Nerja, with its famous Balcón de Europa viewpoint and spectacular caves showcasing Jurassic-period stalactites, can be reached in under an hour, whilst the white village of Frigiliana, voted prettiest in Andalusia, sits just beyond. The Caminito del Rey aerial walkway, suspended 100 metres against gorge walls, provides a thrilling experience approximately one hour from Málaga.
Sports nearby
Walking, cycling, and hiking.
We had a wonderful holiday which exceeded our expectations. Great hotels with a good itinerary. We wouldn't hesitate to use your services again.Mrs J, June 2025
From about
Holiday Code EXH49731
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke hotel holidays to Palacio Solecio, Malaga
The four-star Palacio Solecio stands within a magnificent 18th century palace in the heart of Málaga’s historic Old Town, where the legacy of merchant prince Félix Solesio lives on. Originally constructed in 1789 as the residence and warehouse for a Genoese playing card manufacturer who supplied the Americas, this architectural treasure was designed by José Martín de Aldehuela, the celebrated architect responsible for Ronda’s iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. Restoration in 2019 rescued the palace, highlighting original elements, including the grand staircase portico, courtyard columns, and wrought iron features. The palace’s exterior is decorated with trompe l’oeil mural paintings characteristic of 18th century Málaga, whilst sun engravings on the façade pay tribute to the Solesio family coat of arms. The 116 rooms and suites blend historical character with present-day luxuries through exposed beams, high ceilings, and carefully chosen period details alongside modern amenities. The design, by Antonio Obrador, respects the building’s Moorish arches and double-arched courtyards, whilst incorporating bright, playful Andalusian touches, from pebble floor mosaics to specially commissioned leather artworks. Balausta Restaurant occupies the interior arcaded courtyard beneath a glass-domed roof that floods the space with natural light. Created under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred chef José Carlos Garcia, the restaurant celebrates Andalusian gastronomy through seasonal Mediterranean cuisine prepared with local ingredients. The intimate Balausta Bar provides a sophisticated setting for cocktails and regional wines. Above the historic palace, La Terraza de Solecio crowns the building with a serene rooftop retreat offering panoramic views across Málaga’s terracotta rooftops to the cathedral dome and Santiago Church tower. This intimate terrace, framed by striking blue-tiled walls, features a seasonal plunge pool, cushioned loungers, and a refined bar serving cocktails inspired by the four civilisations that shaped Andalusia. The hotel’s facilities and thoughtful amenities ensure guests experience impeccable modern service within an authentic Spanish setting.
Room descriptions
Palacio Solecio has 116 rooms, each with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, TV, minibar, Nespresso machine, safe, desk, down duvets and Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, and daily turndown service.
We had a wonderful holiday which exceeded our expectations. Great hotels with a good itinerary. We wouldn't hesitate to use your services again.Mrs J, June 2025
From about
Holiday Code EXH49731
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke hotel holidays to Palacio Solecio, Malaga
The journey and how you get there
For a holiday to Palacio Solecio, fly to Málaga Costa del Sol Airport and take a train to Centro-Alameda station or a private transfer direct to the hotel. As the hotel is located on a pedestrianised street, all major attractions are within walking distance. A hire car is not essential, but recommended if you plan to explore the towns, beaches, and natural attractions of Andalusia.
Additional information
Children: Palacio Solecio welcomes children and offers family room options accommodation up to 5 guests (in a Palacio Family room).
We had a wonderful holiday which exceeded our expectations. Great hotels with a good itinerary. We wouldn't hesitate to use your services again.Mrs J, June 2025
From about
Holiday Code EXH49731
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke hotel holidays to Palacio Solecio, Malaga
About Andalusia
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Andalusia offers the chance to explore a holiday destination famed for its indulgent climate and coastal appeal. The region cannot deny its fair share of sun, sea and sand, but what is often neglected to mention is the region's immense variety. Comprising of eight unique provinces, Andalusia spans west to east from the wetlands and the Atlantic Ocean to the deserts and the popular Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea. Poised at the southern-most tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia acts as a gateway between the European and African continents, harbouring a myriad of influences that speak of the layers of civilisation that have roamed and inhabited the land. From the vibrant cities to the tiny white-washed villages, from vast sierras to the extensive coastline, Andalusia is a region of contrasts which promises an authentic luxury holiday.
Highlights of Andalusia
With 800km of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from - facing the Atlantic are the long, sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz, extending south from the Portuguese border to Tarifa; covering the area between Malaga and Gibraltar is the famous Costa del Sol, known for its numerous beach resorts which range from the cheap and cheerful to exclusive luxury; to the south of Granada is the Costa Tropical, a stretch of coast with sandy coves and a pleasant microclimate; and to the east is the more rugged Costa de Almeria. A number of luxury resorts and hotels are located along each of these coastlines. Surrounding Granada is the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range where the Spanish mainland's highest peak can be found and home to white-washed mountain villages. In the far east of Andalusia is the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, the largest protected area in Spain where you can find hiking trails, mountain villages and many wild animals. Further south is The Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a land and sea reserve near Almeria which is home to unspoilt scenery and an abundance of wildlife. In the west of the region is the Doñana National Park, an extensive area in the delta of the Guadalquivir River which includes marshland and sand dunes and is a breeding ground of the endangered Iberian Lynx. Thanks to the region's great variety in landscapes, culture and cuisine, a luxury holiday to Andalusia is sure to be a delightful experience.
Cultural highlights of Andalusia
Many of the Andalusia's cultural highlights can be found in the three Moorish cities of Cordoba, Granada and Seville, all of which are home to a number of excellent luxury hotels. Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former centre of Muslim control during Andalusia's colonisation by the Islamic Empire. At the city's heart is the astounding Mezquita de Cordoba, a mediaeval mosque turned Catholic cathedral with endless Moorish arches, columns and glinting tiles of vibrant hues. Other highlights include the fascinating Jewish quarter and Roman ruins galore. Nearer the coast is Granada, where Islamic rule endured the longest and the magical Alhambra remains as a monument to this legacy. A 9th century palace fortress, it guards over the city from an elevated crag amongst vast, aromatic gardens. To the west, on the peaceful plains of River Guadalquivir, Seville quietly awaits discovery along with its three World Heritage Sites: the Alcazar palace, the gothic Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. Other towns and cities of interest in Andalusia include Jerez de la Frontera, where you can visit the sherry bodegas which make the city famous and watch the dressage displays which are held at The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art; Cadiz, the oldest city in Europe which is surrounded almost entirely by water; Ronda, a spectacular city which is split in half by a narrow gorge; Malaga, birthplace of Picasso and home to a Museum which displays a collection of his work; the small town of Baeza, where you can find stunning examples of Renaissance architecture; and Almeria, a coastal city which is dominated by the Alcazaba, the largest Moorish fortress in Spain. During your stay in Andalusia make sure to witness the seductive art of flamenco. Alluring, passionate and cathartic, it's easy to understand how this gypsy tradition has become one of the most familiar emblems of Spanish culture.
Festivals in Andalusia
There are a huge number of local festivals held in villages, towns and cities throughout Andalusia, many of which have a religious significance. 5 January: Three Kings parades, February: Shrove Tuesday Carnivals, February: Seville Tapas Fair, February to March: Jerez Flamenco Festival, March/April: Holy week celebrations, April to October: Seville Bullfighting season, April/May: Seville Spring Fair, April/May: Úbeda Classical Music Festival, Mid May: Jerez Horse Fair, June to July: Granada Music & Dance Festival, June - July: Cordoba Guitar Festival, August: Malaga Summer Fair, September: Ronda bullfighting festival, November: Granada Jazz Festival.
Gastronomy in Andalusia
Cuisine in Andalusia is diverse, varying throughout the region and combining Arabic flavours with more common Mediterranean ingredients such as seafood, olive oil and an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. As the birthplace of tapas, Andalusia is an excellent place to try the snacks which are often served free with drinks in Granada. Other Andalusian specialities include Serrano ham from the Sierra Nevada and sherry from Jerez de la Frontera, as well as dishes such as ‘Ajo blanco’ (a white gazpacho), ‘Espetos de sardina’ (roasted sardines), ‘Huevos a la flamenca’ (baked eggs with vegetables) and ‘Fritura de pescado’ (mixed fried fish).
