We had a great stay at Barceló Hotel Málaga. The hotel is very clean, check-in was smooth and easy, and the staff were all very friendly and welcoming. The terrace pool is a nice bonus for relaxing after exploring the city.
Two things to keep in mind: parking is €22 per day, and while the location is convenient next to the train station, it’s about a 12–15 minute walk to the old town and around 25 minutes to the marina. That said, the walk felt safe and was easy to do even with young kids (ours are 5, and we managed fine without strollers).
Overall, a comfortable, modern hotel with good amenities and great service.