Palacio Solecio

About

Most visitors come to Málaga for Picasso, tapas and a few days of Andalusian sunshine. Palacio Solecio adds a different story. Behind its elegant façade lies the former residence of Félix Solesio, a Genoese entrepreneur who built his fortune in the paper trade during the eighteenth century, when Málaga was one of the Mediterranean’s busiest commercial ports. Before becoming a hotel, this was the home of a man whose business reached far beyond Andalusia and into the workings of the Spanish Empire. The palace spent decades hidden beneath later alterations before a meticulous restoration brought much of its original character back to life. Thankfully, the architects resisted the temptation to turn history into theatre. The building does not need much help. Wrought iron balconies, stone details and the graceful proportions of an Andalusian noble residence provide more than enough atmosphere. The location could hardly be better. Step outside and within minutes you reach the Roman Theatre, the Alcazaba and the cathedral. Yet the greatest pleasure is often found in the streets between them, where cafés spill onto small squares and Málaga reveals itself as something richer than a seaside city. The hotel itself follows the same philosophy. Rooms are comfortable and thoughtfully designed rather than extravagant. The central courtyard, now home to Balausta restaurant, is arguably the heart of the property. Around dinner time, guests mingle with locals beneath the arcades, giving the place a sense of life that many heritage hotels struggle to achieve. The restaurant benefits from the culinary guidance of José Carlos García, one of Málaga’s most respected chefs.