The Hotel Residencia Miami, a historic hotel in La Carihuela

Just a stone’s throw from La Carihuela beach in Torremolinos, the Hotel Residencia Miami is much more than just a family hotel. Before becoming a place where travellers from all over the world enjoy their holidays, this house was the summer residence of one of the most distinctive figures in Andalusian flamenco: Lola Medina

Situated less than 100 metres from the sea and just a few minutes from Málaga Airport, the hotel retains the charm of an authentic Andalusian house, surrounded by a tropical garden and set apart from the large buildings of the Costa del Sol. [ Find out how to get to the Hotel Residencia Miami ]

The history of this residence began in 1948, when Lola Medina decided to build a house unlike any other. Although the architectural plans were drawn up by an architect from Málaga, the artistic design and decoration were entrusted to Manuel Blasco Alarcon, whose mother was Pablo Picasso’s (born Pablo Ruiz Picasso) wet nurse, creating the traditional bond known in Spain as "milk kinship".

Manuel Blasco Alarcon envisaged a home steeped in Andalusian character, drawing inspiration from the world of Lola Medina. The grand drawing room was designed to evoke the caves of Granada’s Sacromonte district, where the flamenco dancer had begun her career, whilst the courtyards, mosaics and numerous decorative features are reminiscent of traditional Andalusian architecture.

If you would like to find out how this unique residence came into being and learn about its development over the years, we invite you to visit our page dedicated to the origins of the Hotel Residencia Miami.

During those years, the house hosted numerous private gatherings. Gathered round the fireplace and the mosaics from Granada, musicians, writers, bullfighters and artists would spend long evenings together, enlivened by Lola Medina’s dancing and her lively personality. Even today, the main lounge retains some of that atmosphere and is still dominated by the painting ‘The Death of a Bullfighter’, a reminder of an era that forms part of the hotel’s identity.

In 1955, the property was converted into a hotel. Its new owners decided to preserve the building’s original character, retaining its architecture, courtyards and many of the decorative features that can still be admired today. As a result, the Hotel Residencia Miami retains an atmosphere that is hard to find on the Costa del Sol.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the extraordinary life of the woman who inspired this story can read the biography of Lola Medina, an artist ahead of her time whose spirit is still very much alive in the hotel. Her memory also inspires our Lola Medina Suite, created as a tribute to the woman who turned this house into a unique place.

Many images from that era have been preserved to this day. We also invite you to explore our collection of Old Photographs, a visual journey through the history of the building and the transformation of this family home into the hotel that today welcomes travellers from all over the world.

Today, the Hotel Residencia Miami continues to offer the same spirit of tranquillity and hospitality that has always characterised this establishment. Its tropical garden, swimming pool, proximity to the beach, family-friendly atmosphere and rich history make this a truly unique place, where every stay forms part of a story that began over seventy years ago.