Hotel La Chancla, Málaga: Full review + tips for visiting
Dreamy sunset skies over La Chancla’s rooftop jacuzzi
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
During the three years I lived in Málaga, I often passed La Chancla while taking a stroll along the seaside promenade in Pedregalejo. I ate in the restaurant a couple of times, but never actually stayed here until one of my trips back to the city this year.
Its beachside location and small size (it has just nine rooms) mean it’s often fully booked, so when I saw a room was available I snapped it up! It immediately became one of my favourite hotels in Málaga.
Check availability on Booking.com
Check availability on Expedia
Background and location
La Chancla (its name is the Spanish word for flip-flop or jandal) is a locally-owned three-star boutique hotel right next to the beach in Pedregalejo, one of the eastern neighbourhoods of Málaga city.
Pedregalejo was a fishing village before it was absorbed into the wider metropolitan area as the city grew, and it still has a small-town atmosphere. Unlike some other parts of the Costa del Sol, there are no high-rise tourist hotel complexes here.
La Chancla is located on the seafront promenade among the restaurants and beach bars, and just in front of the narrow streets of the former fishermen’s quarter with its terraced cottages. You can enter the hotel from its restaurant in the front, or via a dedicated door for guests in the street behind the hotel.
What are the rooms like?
I stayed in one of the two rooms on the second floor, both of which open onto the roof terrace with the jacuzzi and honesty bar. The terrace is open to other guests but only from 10am-10pm, meaning you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. Should you want to request one of these rooms, they are number 20 and 21.
The entrance to my room on the second floor
My room was in a loft-style space with a slanted ceiling over the bed, but it felt spacious, with plenty of storage and a desk and chair. The adjoining en suite bathroom was light and had an exterior window.
There was a Velux-style window above the bed with a remote control to open and close the blackout blind and the window itself.
The soundproofing was decent, and I didn’t hear any noise from the nearby bars and restaurants during the night - just the muted sound of waves breaking on the shore.
The air conditioning was very good - efficient and quiet.
Hotel facilities
By far my favourite feature was the rooftop jacuzzi, which was the perfect spot to relax after a busy day of travelling. The self-service honesty bar works well - it’s a fridge with a selection of soft drinks, beers and mixers (there are also a few bottles of spirits on the shelf nearby), and the idea is that you make a note of what you’ve consumed then pay for it later in the bar downstairs.
The internet was fast and reliable, perhaps a fringe benefit of being such a small hotel.
The hotel has parking available, but I didn’t use it on this occasion. The bar-restaurant downstairs serves breakfast à la carte as well as lunch and dinner (and cocktails!).
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining options nearby. I’m a big fan of trendy El Kiosko, a hole-in-the-wall bar serving delicious tapas and sharing plates that pair brilliantly with their house vermouth.
For beach-goers
The beach in front of La Chancla first thing in the morning
La Chancla has its own sun loungers (called hamacas in Spanish) with umbrellas on the beach immediately in front of the hotel. These are available from 10am-8pm at a cost of €11 per person per day, and it’s best to reserve them in advance (minimum of two people per booking).
I was slightly disappointed that there was no option to rent a beach towel, so pop one in your suitcase (or buy one in a local shop and keep it as a souvenir) if you’re planning to use one.
Getting there and away
By public transport: There is no Metro or train on the this side of Málaga, but Pedregalejo is well connected to the central city by bus. The bus stop on Avenida Juan Sebastián Elcano is 5 minutes walk from La Chancla and served by several buses which will take you to the Paseo del Parque, handy for the Muello Uno waterfront bars and restaurants, and the Alameda Principal - the main transport hub for the old town.
Journey time is around 20 minutes. You can pay for your ride by contactless card/mobile phone wallet (€1.40 per journey) which makes it even more convenient to get in and out of the centre this way.
By car or taxi: It’s just 10-15 minutes by car to and from the centre. Uber and Cabify are available in Málaga, but I prefer using the local taxis. The journey usually costs around €10.
My overall verdict on La Chancla
La Chancla is pretty much unique in Málaga - I can’t think of another hotel that’s so close to the beach, and the boutique size and comfortable rooms make it perfect for a quiet escape. It’s a three-star hotel that feels like a 4-star, and I would definitely stay here again.
Check availability on Booking.com
Check availability on Expedia
