Mega hotel set to dominate

FOLLOWING another change of direction, plans for a luxury hotel in Malaga’s port have now been endorsed by the city council and will shortly be made public.

The development is being backed by the Qatar-based Al Bidda Group and is expected to require investment of close to €120 million, with around 1,300 jobs created during the construction phase alone.

Al Bidda executives intend the complex, currently dubbed ‘Suites Malaga Port’ to be a ‘destination hotel,’ in that its very presence will attract new tourism opportunities for the provincial capital, although critics have said that it will ruin the historic skyline.

The primary issue among sceptics is the proposed height, which at 135 metres will measure the same as nearby Mount Gibralfaro and dwarf every city structure. 

The 35-floor five-star hotel, expected to open by 2020, will feature 352 rooms, 485 parking spaces, a conference centre, luxury shopping mall, swimming pools, a spa, and possibly a  casino.

Architect Jose Segui opted for an elliptical design, to offer resistance to strong westerly winds which buffet the port.