Malaga hotels sweep through for their cuisine: 14 nominations at the Hotel&Tablecloth Awards

Málaga's hotels have garnered 14 nominations at the Hotel&Mantel Awards by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine. The third edition of this event once again highlights the synergy between hotels and gastronomy, which is a significant aspect of the province's leading hotels. Traveler highly appreciates the culinary offerings—and their tablecloths—of Málaga's hotels, some of which have even been nominated in various categories, such as Marbella Club and La Zambra.

"We don’t know if we prefer sleeping in their rooms or enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner, room service, snacking between meals or by the poolside, having a cocktail… and a myriad of culinary possibilities," they comment about the selected hotels and their clear commitment to fine dining and gastronomy. Next, we review the nominations of Málaga's hotels in each category of these Hotel&Mantel Awards.

Best Traditional Cuisine

El Grill, Marbella Club

Among those selected for 'Best Traditional Cuisine' is El Grill at Marbella Club, known for its "hard to resist delicious meats and vegetables cooked on the grill and served at the table, which must be what happiness smells like."

El Jardín de Lutz, Finca Cortesin

El Jardín de Lutz at Finca Cortesin is another acclaimed restaurant in this category, where they praise Lutz Bösing for his deep understanding of local cuisine. "His menu includes familiar names such as garden chanquetes with fried free-range egg, tomato gazpacho with melon and Iberian ham, Mediterranean sole, or deboned suckling lamb leg," they recommend.

Best Gastronomic Resort

Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club, Marbella

In the 'Best Gastronomic Resort' category, three Málaga hotels are nominated, including Gran Marbella Resort & Beach Club: "Just fifteen minutes from the center of Marbella, this new oasis in the city offers a culinary range from Terraza, inspired by Mediterranean flavors (you won’t forget the linguine with seafood in garlic and lemon sauce or the Malaga-style tuna), the Garden Bar specializing in Andalusian soul cocktails, the Lobby Bar for the sacred aperitif, or the Pool Bar, for enjoying drinks and snacks in the best spot: the sun lounger."

IKOS Andalusia, Estepona

Another iconic hotel in this category is IKOS Andalusia, noted for its variety of options for guests: "Ouzo (Greek), Fresco (Italian), Anaya (Asian), Provence (French), Flavors (Mediterranean), Seasons (Asian-Mediterranean), Chiringuito (Spanish), Oliva (Spanish) and the Beach Club (international), a selection of restaurants with menus crafted by renowned chefs that take us on a culinary journey."

Puente Romano, Marbella

Also featured in this category is Puente Romano Beach Resort, recognized for being "a long-standing gastronomic destination," previously awarded on other occasions: "It boasts an extensive selection of up to 15 restaurants. Flavors ranging from Japanese-Peruvian to local or maritime are explored without missing any ingredient. Here, big names coexist such as Coya, NOBU Marbella, Leña by Dani García, the recent Pure Sushi, or the iconic Pimpi Marbella, to name a few."

Best Breakfast

El Fuerte, Marbella

It can be stated that the breakfast at El Fuerte hotel in Marbella is the best in Málaga. Traveler considers it the sole reference in the province for this category: "This Marbella hotel has opted for no less than three different breakfast concepts: Le Marché Buffet, Le Marché Selected, and The Art of Breakfast, the latter being the most exceptional, aiming to elevate breakfast to a true art form through three steps designed by the hotel's chef."

Best Brunch

Gran Hotel Miramar GL, Málaga

"A brunch overlooking the Mediterranean where every bite is a pleasure you don’t want to end," is how they describe the brunch offered at Gran Hotel Miramar, also the only representative from Málaga in this category, and for good reason.

Best Terrace

Solana by Juvia Group, ME Marbella

Another unique in Málaga, already categorized as the 'Best Terrace' in the province, we're talking about Solana by Juvia Group at ME Marbella, which they claim has both "a space bathed in light, rhythm, and warmth that turns each visit into a celebration" and a culinary offering that "blends fresh Mediterranean flavors with a cosmopolitan spirit, creating dishes that are pure harmony of textures and aromas."

Best Beach Club

Azure Beach, METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella Estepona

As the 'Best Hotel Beach Club,' two from Málaga compete. The first is Azure Beach within METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella Estepona, where you will find "a proposal that combines flavor and style next to its infinity pool, with direct views of the Mediterranean."

Beach Club, Marbella Club Hotel

Followed by the "legendary Beach Club at Marbella Club", as stated by Traveler, a nod to one of the hotels that "remains one of the most iconic spots in the Mediterranean, with its famous palapa and an aesthetic inspired by the Acapulco of the 50s—a refuge in its day for the international elite and Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe—, this space combines history, style, and flavor."

Best Team

La Zambra Resort Mijas - Marbella - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

A great hotel and a good gastronomic offering require a team, which is what they value in the 'Best Team' category, where La Zambra Resort Mijas - Marbella - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt appears: "Here, attention to detail is a philosophy: from a pilates class to a day of golf, a gastronomic tour, or a few hours at the spa, each experience is offered with precision, but also with a naturalness that makes the extraordinary feel close."

Best Interior Design

Kimpton Los Monteros, Marbella

The design says a lot about a hotel, which is valued in 'Best Interior Design' in these awards, where Kimpton Los Monteros stands out: "From the entrance, the retro spirit envelops guests in geometric shapes, vivid colors, and an artistic atmosphere. The walls are covered with colorful abstract works."

Special Editorial Award Sandwich Club

Don Carlos, Marbella

This category has a lot of substance... (get it?). Traveler awards the best Club Sandwich of all the hotels in Spain. Among them are two from Málaga, the first from Don Carlos hotel in Marbella, with a gastronomic offering that stands out, including this popular sandwich: "Los Naranjos, with a lavish breakfast buffet and delicate dinner proposals. At lunchtime, the focus is on Sol & Sombra, the poolside restaurant. A fresh and light menu brightens the day with recipes that include local vegetables and coast fish, but also options like its fabulous Club Sandwich."

La Zambra, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Mijas

You'll also find a good Club Sandwich at La Zambra, where they focus on compliments: "There are hotels that are liked (many) and others that move you (not so many). It doesn't even have to be the most striking, the best decorated, or the most venerable. It's a mix of the atmosphere, the people (so important), the sensations... And that's exactly what happens with La Zambra."