There are few Spanish cities as steeped in history as Córdoba, where visitors can step into the past before retreating to the modern comforts of a luxury hotel to re-energise.
(Photo: Hospes Palacio del Bailio / Courtesy Booking.com)
Situated in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, the city is a veritable goldmine of ancient landmarks and places of interest, including its Great Mosque, historic old town, and centuries-old streets and squares. Córdoba is also suitably well-equipped with accommodation options, including several boutiques and high-end hotels. For something with a dash of luxury and character, here are 4 of the best places to stay in the city.
Hospes Palacio del Bailio
An urban retreat and a window into Córdoban history all at once, this 5-star manor house is one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. Set within a tastefully restored centuries-old mansion and built on the ruins of a Roman villa, the hotel exudes refined elegance, draped in ivy and vines and dotted with charming courtyards. In one of them, a reservoir has been transformed into an eye-catching pool with sparkling bronze tiling and sunbeds. For drinking, dining and socialising, there’s a vaulted bar, an Andalucian fusion Arbequina restaurant set in a glassed-topped atrium, and a library lounge adorned with sofas and inspirational travel and design magazines. Guest rooms are no less impressive, incorporating velvet headboards and original features such as red-brick arches. Córdoba’s old city, where you’ll find the spectacular Mezquita-Catedral, is a 10-minute walk away. From $186 per night.
H10 Palacio Colomera
(Photo: H10 Palacio Colomera / Courtesy Booking.com)
Set in a grand 1920s building in Córdoba’s historic quarter, this boutique hotel features lavish interiors and a beautiful rooftop bar. Once an ornate palace, it has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, complete with a gallery of arches, pillars and a marble staircase. The focal point of the hotel is the small courtyard patio, where there’s a plunge pool and a relaxation area with sun loungers. But the centrepiece attraction is undoubtedly the rooftop bar and terrace offering panoramic city views – perfect for sundowners. There’s also an airy restaurant in an atrium, where breakfast is also served daily. The maze of alleyways and architecture of the Old Town are just steps away. From $125 per night.
Eurostars Palace
(Photo: Eurostars Palace / Courtesy Booking.com)
Hip, modern, packed with great amenities and boasting a prime location on the fringes of Victoria Garden, Eurostars Palace pretty much has it all. A distinctive iron façade lends the hotel an industrial-chic design aesthetic and these achingly cool vibes are evident throughout its confines. A rooftop pool with a sun terrace and loungers lets you refresh and unwind while you survey the cityscape from up high, and a state-of-the-art fitness room and a business centre complete the hotel’s roster of upscale facilities. Sleek guest rooms are no less impressive, featuring low-key but stylish décor, a whirlpool tub and a comfy sofa area. For dining, international dishes are served in the on-site restaurant, as well as traditional Cordoban cuisine with a contemporary twist. From $96 per night.
Patio del Posadero
(Photo: Patio del Posadero / Courtesy Booking.com)
Housed in a restored 15th-century building on a narrow cobbled street, this is one of Córdoba’s most exceptional hotel hideaways. A rustic B&B, it features just four individually styled guest rooms, each adorned with vibrant wall art or partially exposed stone walls. From the moment you step through the arty iron-grille gate into the hushed palm-shaded patio, the impression is stark, with wood-carved doors and shutters, redbrick Moorish arches framing the leafy interior courtyard and geranium pots dotted around – all helping create the charm of a small-scale guesthouse combined with historical architecture, avant-garde design, and a romantic atmosphere. Stairs lead up to an alluring rooftop terrace lounge, where there’s a pale-turquoise plunge pool. Homemade breakfast is served in a sophisticated dining area with exposed wood beams and a fireplace. Nearby, a 5-minute walk brings you to the Plaza de la Corredera, a stately town square. From $70 per night.