By Rachel Webb Roman Bridge, Alcazar and Mezquita, Cordoba
Cordoba one of Southern Spain’s most famous cites, contender for the European Capital of Culture in 2016, former Roman outpost and Moorish kingdom also has one of the oldest ‘old towns’ in Europe.
As a UNESCO world heritage city with its long history, and array of monuments it also has some lovely hotels. My choice this trip is the homely and quaint, yet luxurious Hotel Balcon de Cordoba in the Jewish Quarter and just a minute’s walk from Cordoba’s crown jewel – The Mezquita.
Hotel Balcon de Cordoba has an impressive gated entrance to one of its patios just off a narrow cobbled street. A typical 18th century Andalusian house with a mosaic flooring and ancient orange tree patio which offers an outside eating area with plenty of shade and a tinkling fountain, an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the buzz of this Spanish city.Having been shown around the gorgeous hotel, inner courtyards, roof-top terrace and summer restaurant, and a chocolate-box small patio opening onto the famous Calle de Flores, a famous and very Instagrammable flower-filled street with views of the cathedral tower, I was then shown my quarters.
Balcon de Cordoba Patio
My room for the night was Maryam, the 75 sq m Royal Junior Suite with a courtyard view from fabulous arched windows. Calm and luxurious as well as welcoming and comfortable, my instant approval grew into contentment. Armchairs, sofas, work stations, shower and bath I could have had a party, instead I put up my feet, closed my eyes, popped in a few grapes and felt completely at home.
I’d have been happy to stay put but the threadlike maze of ancient lanes beckoned. After a pavement-pounding sightseeing exploration, a visit to the awe-inspiring Mezquita and The Alcazar I took a very fine glass of white wine to my suite, removed my shoes and relaxed.
Balcon de Cordoba Entrance
The large curtained-off bathroom with wardrobe, two large mirrors and fabulous ample shower revived my aching feet. I could have relaxed in a claw-footed bath and wallowed away my time with the Oliva del Mediterraneo bath products but I chose the comfy bed – in case I fell asleep. Each of the 10 unique rooms and suites are stylish, some with private terraces and Mezquita-views. This is a beautiful bijou hotel in a lovely location with superb service, memorable and special.
Mezquita
My stay at the beginning of December wasn’t the moment for sitting outside, nor enjoying the roof top restaurant with live musicians, which means I will just have to return again in warmer times – and that certainly will be no hardship.
