With a hotel there's no need to ask for the heating or look after the pool: you just go down for a swim. In Málaga, villas with a heated pool are mostly up in the hills, a few minutes from the beach and the centre. Here are the 3 hotels I've selected in Málaga, all rated at least 8/10; I particularly recommend Áurea Palacio de la Tinta, ILUNION Málaga and Room Mate Valeria.
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
3 places shown
The pool. Heated indoor pool in the wellness area, presented as usable year-round; small outdoor pool from April to October.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. One guest finds the rooftop pool small.
Guide's tip. The thermal circuit costs extra (€25 for hotel guests): ask whether the indoor pool is part of it. The hotel opened in 2026 and still has few reviews.
The pool. Heated indoor pool open from October to mid-May; the rest of the year, the outdoor pool takes over.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi and hammam.
Mixed reviews: the pool scores only 4/10 in the category ratings, with some guests regretting the lack of sun and atmosphere. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The heated pool is mainly a winter thing; don't pick this hotel for sunbathing by the pool.
The pool. Small pool on the roof terrace with a bar and sea views; the kimkim guide describes it as heated.
Lots of guests love the rooftop pool and bar, but some regret the shortage of sun loungers. Oyster thinks the pool is very small. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is for hotel guests only, but the rooftop bar is open to the public: get there early to bag a lounger.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Áurea Palacio de la Tinta (Hotel), with 9.8/10 (62 reviews · Wotif). Next come ILUNION Málaga (8.7/10) and Room Mate Valeria (9.1/10).
Yes at Áurea Palacio de la Tinta: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. At ILUNION Málaga, heating is seasonal (october to mid-may). Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
None of the places selected in Málaga gives a precise temperature. Ask the property before booking, especially out of season.
Yes: ILUNION Málaga also has a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Hotel Miramar | Seasonal outdoor pool; reviews of the pool are mixed (6/10). | 9,2/10 | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool only) |
| Sol Guadalmar | Beach hotel in Guadalmar, outdoor pool open from May to October. | 4,2/5 | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool only) |
| Only YOU Hotel Málaga | Rooftop infinity pool, on the 8th floor. | 9,1/10 | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool only) |
| NH Málaga | Outdoor pool open every day, even out of season, but no heating advertised. | 9,0/10 | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool only) |
Sources: Kayak, Hoteles.net, Meliá, Kayak, NH Hotels.
