AC Hotel Malaga Palacio Rooftop Pool

The rooftop pool at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio sits 15 floors above the old town, level with the cathedral spires. It's one of Málaga's most exclusive swimming spots, and one of the few you can't talk your way into.

I went up mid-morning in June, when the loungers were still empty and the water hadn't warmed. From the edge you look straight across the port to the sea. It's a compact pool, but the perspective does the work.

Important: This pool is for hotel guests only. No day passes are available. If you're looking for the rooftop bar (which is open to everyone), see our AC Hotel Malaga Palacio rooftop bar guide.

Pool Access: Hotel Guests Only

Let's be clear upfront: this rooftop pool is not open to the public. You must be a registered hotel guest to swim here.

• ❌ No day passes available
• ❌ No visitor access (even for lunch/drinks by the pool)
• ✅ Included free with your room booking
• ✅ Towels provided at poolside

If you want a rooftop pool without booking a room, the B-Heaven rooftop pool at Barceló Málaga sells a day pass from around €45 with lunch. See our full guide to Málaga rooftop pools with day passes for the rest.

Pool Hours

Opening times:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
• Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm

Hours may vary seasonally. Check with reception during your stay.

Best times to visit:

• Morning (10am-12pm): Quietest, best for a peaceful swim
• Late afternoon (5pm-7pm): Golden hour light, great for photos
• Midday: Can get busy during summer months

The Pool & Atmosphere

The pool itself is a compact round plunge pool, roughly 8 metres across and edged with a rope barrier. It's built for cooling off, not swimming laps. The water is unheated, so it's refreshing in summer and properly cold by winter.

The atmosphere is quiet and refined. No loud music, no party vibe. Just:

• Cushioned sun loungers arranged for privacy
• Shaded areas for those avoiding direct sun
• Soft ambient sounds of the city 15 floors below
• Attentive but unobtrusive poolside service

Even on busy summer afternoons the deck never feels packed. The guests-only policy keeps numbers low. For a wider choice of hotel pools at this height, see our guide to Málaga's hotel rooftop pools.

Poolside Food & Drinks

You can order directly from your lounger:

Drinks:

• Cocktails and mocktails
• Wine and beer
• Fresh juices and soft drinks
• Coffee and water

Food:

• Light snacks and tapas
• Salads and sandwiches
• Fresh fruit

Prices are typical for a 4-star hotel rooftop. Expect to pay €10-14 for cocktails and €8-15 for food items.

The View

The rooftop pool offers 360-degree views of Malaga's skyline:

• North: The cathedral's bell tower and old town rooftops
• South: The port, cruise ships, and Mediterranean Sea
• East: Gibralfaro Castle on the hill
• West: The city stretching toward the mountains

From the water, you're literally swimming at eye-level with the cathedral spires. It's a perspective you won't find anywhere else in the city.

Amenities

• Fresh towels provided
• Sun loungers with cushions
• Shaded seating areas
• Poolside drink and food service
• Changing facilities
• Wi-Fi access

How to Book

The pool is included with your room - no separate booking required.

To get pool access:

1. Book a room at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio
2. Check in and receive your room key
3. Head to the 15th floor - your key grants pool access

Book your stay:

• Marriott official website
• Phone: +34 952-215 185

Rates here are often comparable to central hotels without a rooftop pool. Factor in the pool and the views, and the value stacks up.

Photos of AC Hotel Malaga Palacio Rooftop Pool

Click to enlarge

Location & Map

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Calle Cortina del Muelle, 1, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga

Our Verdict

The rooftop pool at AC Hotel Málaga Palacio isn't about size - it's about exclusivity and views. This is where you come for a peaceful swim 15 floors above the city, with the cathedral as your backdrop and the Mediterranean glittering in the distance.

Book here if: You want guaranteed pool access without the crowds, and value views over pool size.

Look elsewhere if: You want a large pool for laps, or you're not planning to stay overnight.

For us, the combination of the private pool, the incredible views, and the convenient central location makes this one of the best hotel choices in Malaga - especially in summer when cooling off becomes essential.

Ready to swim with cathedral views? Book AC Hotel Málaga Palacio for exclusive rooftop pool access.

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Want the rooftop experience without booking a room? The AC Hotel Malaga Palacio rooftop bar is open to everyone and offers the same stunning views.

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