Stayed here for 4 nights in June 2014, with my husband, whilst on a city break and sightseeing tour of the surprisingly beautiful city of Malaga. Here's my review:
Negative:
Nothing negative specific to the actual hotel. The one thing that was a bit irritating for me, but which I couldn't have anticipated until being at the hotel, was the early morning noise level caused by the unloading of delivery vehicles right outside the main entrance. This related to the nearby commercial premises. Had our room for example been in another part of the hotel, it probably wouldn't have been as noticeable. But no big deal as it only lasted for about 1 hour each day.
Positive:
A super and what I would class as a boutique hotel, having around 60 rooms. Ideal for our requirements and exceptional value for a budget break. It exceeded our expectations.
Our en-suite room was comfortable and with large and very comfortable twin beds pushed together. Additional pillows and bedding was available f required, stored in the wardrobe. Sufficient storage space, a convenient mini-bar fridge that we used to store our own bits and pieces too, fresh and clean bathroom with daily complimentary toiletries. Excellent housekeeping services; perfectly ironed bedding every day and thoroughly clean room.
We booked independently rather than using an Agent, and included a buffet breakfast in our stay which was available from around 7am to 10 or 10.30 a.m. The dining room / restaurant was bijou and comfortable with a large muted sound with Spanish subtitles TV on the wall. (Nice touch for those of us who prefer calm but like to see pictures of the world in a morning!)
The daily breakfast was both plentiful and tasty. Both of us always eat a good breakfast to set us up every day, whether at home or abroad, preferring to eat smaller meals throughout the remainder of a day.
The breakfast at Hotel Zenit was excellent, and staff replenished unobtrusively as necessary. My husband and I favour more savoury / cereal / fruit / yoghurt / eggs etc; we found lots to choose from. But had we wanted to go for the equivalent of a full English, all the components were there! For other guests who prefer sweeter options such as pastries and cakes, there was also a large colourful selection each day.
General:
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this hotel to anyone taking a short break in Malaga. It's excellent value, scrupulously clean throughout, bright and airy with pleasant helpful staff. Yes, it's outside of the centre of Malaga, but we found it convenient and top value.
If, like us, you enjoy taking a stroll rather than a bus, then the walk into the city is straight forward and takes about 20 minutes.
If on the other hand you want speed and ease of transport, the No 1 bus stop is about a 2 minute walk from Reception. It cost us Euro1.30 each into the city and it's a frequent service of about every 10 minutes on week days. A bargain!
If you want to go beyond the city, say out to the incredibly beautiful Botanical Gardens,( highly recommended) you can get the No 1 into the city and then pick up the No 2 bus for just Euro 2.30 each to the last stop San Jose. A further 15 minute walk will get you to the Botanical Gardens.
Give the Hotel Zenit a visit if you're going to Malaga. I don't think you'd be disappointed in the slightest.