Cordoba was once the capital of the eponymous Cordoba Caliphate, which was established by the Moorish rulers and applied to southern Spain. It became a center for learning and religious worship, evidenced by the gargantuan former mosque – now a cathedral – just north of the Guadalquivir river.
But the Andalusian city of Cordoba goes even further back in history; the Romans were here too. There’s a bridge over the river to prove it – one that’s well over 2,000 years old. It’s enough to make your head spin.
With all those ruins, plus a charming old Jewish Quarter to explore and even a few hiking spots out of town, Cordoba is a playground for curious travelers. Thankfully, you’ll find a lot of excellent accommodation in town, from the rustic and homely to the sparkling and high-end.
8. Hacienda Posada de Vallina
This hotel is set right between two of Cordoba’s most incredible buildings. One of them is the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba – a relic of the Moorish occupation of Spain. Another is the Roman Bridge – a bridge spanning the Guadalquivir river built by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Incredible. The Hacienda Posada de Vallina itself is an old world affair set in the old Jewish Quarter of Cordoba, with rustic, homely rooms featuring details like exposed stone walls and sturdy wooden beds. There’s a cool patio area to hang out in as well as a cafe, where you can get a coffee to perk you up for a day of exploration.
7. Ayre Hotel Cordoba
The Ayre Hotel Córdoba may not be what you’re looking for if you want a central hotel, but if you’re not looking to be in the center of the hustle and bustle of Cordoba, then this could be the one for you. Besides, two bus stops – both just a stone’s throw from the hotel – makes it simple to get into the center anyway. As far as what you get at this hotel, the rooms are spacious and refined yet relaxed, boasting marble-floored bathrooms. There’s a garden, complete with tables and chairs to soak up the sun, and a lovely pool. Fans of hiking should check out the Cuesta Del Reventón trail nearby.
6. Hotel Abetos del Maestre Escuela
Set in a beautiful historic building outside the city, the Hotel Abetos del Maestre Escuela is another hotel in Cordoba that might not exactly be in the center. But it’s nevertheless a cool place to stay in Cordoba. For a start, there are a total of seven football fields for you to have a kickabout on! There are also two pools, one of which boasts a poolside bar. Rooms are laid back, simple, and decked out with a calming color palette. A good option for those with a car, this hotel is 15km away from the amazing Medina Azahara – the sprawling ruins of a former palace-city built in the 900s built by the Moorish Abd-ar-Rahman III.
5. Hotel Cordoba Center
Complete with a cafe, Mediterranean restaurant, piano bar, rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, and a whole lot more in terms of amenities, Hotel Cordoba Center is a good place for those who like a lot of things to do at their hotel. The rooms here are also decidedly sophisticated, with simple design and dark wood furniture; but it all comes at a relatively affordable price. In terms of location, you’ll find this hotel a few minutes’ walk away from a bus stop, as well as within a 10-minute stroll of Granada train station. Sights nearby include the beautiful baroque facade of Palace de La Merced and the gardens next door, Jardines de la Merced, perfect for a stroll.
4. Eurostars Palace
Set within the sprawling Jardines de la Victoria, Eurostars Palace is a stylish, design-led hotel, where the cool factor starts before you even walk through the door. The building in which this 5-star hotel is housed is all glass and rusted iron, making for a distinctive landmark in the city. The rooms are minimalist, whitewashed and sumptuous places to rest your head at night, while amenities include an on-site piano bar, sophisticated restaurant, and even a terrace cafe. A short walk to the old Jewish Quarter of Cordoba, Eurostars Palace is well placed to soak up some history – including the Roman Bridge, which isn’t too far from here, either.
3. Hesperia Cordoba
Simple, airy rooms are the order of the day at Hesperia Córdoba, an unassuming but well-located hotel that also boasts a gym, outdoor pool, restaurant, and lobby bar. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, there’s the Paseo Fluvial Calahorra – a trail along the river – for those who like to walk and wander. A nearby bus stop makes getting to other areas of Cordoba quite easy, too. Then, of course, there’s the fantastic Roman Bridge – a hop, skip and a jump away from this hotel. You’ll also find the Torre De Calahorra, a former medieval gatehouse-turned-museum, where you can learn about the Islamic culture of the Cordoba Caliphate.
2. Eurostars Conquistador
This is a decidedly polished hotel filled throughout with Moorish design details, reflecting the long association of Cordoba with Muslim rule in Spain. The floors gleam in Eurostars Conquistador, while the guest rooms feature refined, streamlined decor; there’s also a courtyard complete with a fountain, mosaics, and archways. Some of the rooms at this hotel boast views of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. But if you don’t get a view, don’t worry; it’s right across the street! That also means that the higgledy-piggledy streets of the old Jewish Quarter and the amazing Roman Bridge aren’t too far from this hotel, either.
1. Macia Alfaros
This 4-star hotel boasts rooms that feature Moorish design touches and a sophisticated sense of style, with immaculate, uncluttered furnishings and refined attention to detail. In true Andalusian style, the Hotel Maciá Alfaros features a beautiful courtyard. Guests can tuck into regional cuisine at the onsite restaurant, complete with terrace seating. Away from all the elegance of the hotel itself, there’s a lot to see just on the doorstep. A few minutes’ walk away are the ancient ruins of a former Roman temple, plus the Mosque-Cathedral itself can be strolled to in just over ten minutes. A bus stop nearby makes it easy to get around Cordoba.
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