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 Andalucia Towns and Cities Hotels
Andalucia is a region that has borne the imprint of different cultures and civilisations over the centuries and this is reflected in the diversity of its towns and cities. To visit is to marvel at Arcos perched high on its cliff top eyrie, Ronda split by its plunging gorge, Ecija with its fabulous baroque palaces and Cordoba where the soaring cathedral entombs the Moorish mosque � and of course the most famous, Granada, and its fairytale fortress, the Alhambra. There are beautifully restored old palaces to choose to stay in, or chic town houses all within close proximity of the sights. The hotels are listed by price category and their order bears no relation on our preference.
 Reviews by Tristram Templer |
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| Mid Price: A calm haven, where the gracious rooms are filled with paintings and antiques |
| Location: ECIJA; in the town centre |
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| This 18th-century palace is a wonderfully peaceful place, a haven in a town packed with Renaissance churches and Baroque palaces. The sound of tinkling water follows you around, whether in the central patio or in the scent-filled garden and its stunning new pool. The owner is a serious collector of art, and the house makes an amazing backdrop for it. Rooms are grand, filled with antiques and heavily brocaded. An oasis of tranquillity. |
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| Mid Price: Well-preserved 16th-century mansion centred on a lovely courtyard and furnished with antiques |
| Location: UBEDA: in the town centre |
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| There’s nowhere more fitting to stay in the historic town centre than this 16th-century urban stately home, owned by the Marquesa de la Rambla, and more seignorial guesthouse than hotel. The focus is the enchanting cloistered courtyard, drenched in ivy, around which are the four original bedrooms. These are decorated with old engravings and family antiques. Another four rooms have been added upstairs at the front of the house. Breakfast in your room or at one end of the charming salon. |
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| Inexpensive: Stunning views, intimate interiors and a calm ambience just below the old town |
| Location: RONDA; next to the Roman Baths in the old town |
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| It’s hard to find serenity in a busy town especially one as popular as Ronda, yet this hotel manages it beautifully. Set just below the old town, next to the ancient Arab baths, its stylish interior and vibrant decoration echo much of this past. The bedrooms are intimate, painted in warm atmospheric colours, with Moroccan rugs and lamps. The garden really makes the hotel, full of colour and scent with a small pool and wonderful views of the mountains. |
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| Inexpensive: An atmospheric old mansion with a dramatic setting |
| Location: ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA; just below the Plaza Boticas in the historic centre |
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| This theatrical 18th-century mansion in the heart of the Casco Antiguo, is perched high on the gorge’s edge, flanked by two historic churches. Its imposing front door opens into a light-filled central patio, with white marble pillars. All the rooms are en suite with wooden beamed ceilings, original floor tiles and earthy colour washes. The roof terrace has sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and is the ideal place to enjoy a romantic sundowner. |
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| Inexpensive: A traditional 18th-century Spanish townhouse in the heart of old Ronda |
| Location: RONDA; in the old town, very close to the new bridge |
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| This is very much a gentleman’s townhouse in the heart of old Ronda, just seconds from the 18th-century bridge which spans the famous gorge. The fabulous walnut banisters, rescued from the old town hall, give the house its focus. Walls are covered with art and there is even a poetry corner. Rooms are Spanish in style, with local furniture and plenty of books about the area to browse. The owner is a very knowledgeable bird watcher. |
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| Inexpensive: Enter this beautifully restored 15th-century house and step back in time |
| Location: GRANADA; just at the end of Carrera del Darro |
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| The renovation of this 15th-century house by its architect owner has been done so well that it received the prestigious Europa Nostra prize. As soon as you enter the galleried inner courtyard with its slender columns, wooden banisters and marble pool, you step back in time and are amazed by the serenity and symmetry of it. One bedroom has its original wooden painted ceiling whilst another has spectacular views up to the Alhambra. It feels a privilege to be able to stay here |
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| Inexpensive: A unique hotel in colonial style with bright decoration |
| Location: CORDOBA; central, near Corredera square |
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| On his return from Mexico, Manuel opened Cordoba’s first Mexican restaurant in the cellar of the house. Moving upstairs, he then converted the rest of the house into a hotel with a delicious colonial feel to it. You enter into a leafy tiled courtyard strung with hammocks in the summer and home to a rolling art exhibition. The eight bedrooms have hand-painted decorative touches as well as Guadalupean rugs and large comfortable beds. The buffet breakfast is especially good. |
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| Inexpensive: A warm welcome is guaranteed at this delightful family-run hotel |
| Location: GRANADA; next to the Monastery of Santa Isabel La Real in the Albayzín |
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| Walking in off the street into the Santa Isabel, you feel yourself being embraced into the family that runs this delightful small hotel. Nothing is too much trouble for them if it is going to make your stay more comfortable. The jams are homemade as is the delicious shot of orange liqueur that you are offered when you arrive. Try and get the romantic tower room with its lovely views up to the Alhambra. |
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| Inexpensive: A distinctive boutique hotel, tucked away in the old Jewish Quarter |
| Location: CORDOBA; in the old Jewish quarter two minutes from the Mezquita |
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| A very welcome glass of local Montilla wine is handed to you as you arrive at this charming little hotel, tucked away in a quiet corner of the old Jewish quarter. Elegant Moorish alabaster columns grace the lobby and a beautiful Roman mosaic is displayed in the garden, all found in the restoration. The nine rooms are very individually decorated with a bold and eclectic mix of Cordoban antiques, a feature throughout the hotel. A great place to explore from |
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| Inexpensive: Captivating, antique-filled hotel in the historic old town |
| Location: BAEZA; in the old town by the Puerta de Ubeda |
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| With its beautiful squares and majestic Renaissance churches and palaces, it’s easy to see why Baeza is a UNESCO heritage site. La Casona del Arco faces the impressive Puerta de Ubeda gate in the old town and is a charming small hotel with the added bonus of a swimming pool and a spa. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated with antiques and have hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms. A peaceful spot to stay in a town that feels like it is always Sunday. |
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