Hotel Spa Villa de Alarcón

If you go back a couple of weeks, you’ll find my post about the fortifications of the town of Alarcón in Spain. Well, today we’re going to take a brief look at the place where I stayed while visiting this handsome town. Hotel Spa Villa de Alarcón is located literally on the edge of town. As you’ll soon see in the following photos, the building clings to the side of the hill on which the town sits. Driving up to the building, however, you’ll be greeted by this facade:

There are a few parking spaces in front of the building and plenty more in a lot just a few yards from where this photo was taken. Before going inside for a look at the room, check out the swimming pool.

It was chilly during my visit in April, so I did not take the waters. That is a nice pool, though, and I look forward to getting back here some day when it’s nice and hot. Moving inside, here’s a typical room.

The double doors open onto a common balcony that runs the length of the building. You can look out over the valley and the swimming pool, too. The bathrooms are fitted with plenty of marble as you see here.

Don’t forget, this facility is also a spa. Various treatments can be scheduled for your stay. I arrived late in the afternoon and departed the following morning, so I was unable to utilize this feature. You’ll also find a nice bar, a restaurant, and a staff that will take care of you. The town of Alarcón offers a few other dining spots as well as a couple of churches worth a look. Enjoy your stay!

Published in: on June 1, 2010 at 9:44 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Molino de Santillan, Spain

Not far from Malaga near the town of Rincon de la Victoria you’ll find Hotel Molino de Santillan. Yes, this place was a mill and the stones are there to prove it. However, it has been converted into a rural hotel with plenty of amenities. The rooms are spacious, outfitted with great bathrooms, and equipped with wardrobes and bureaus if you plan to stay for a while. There are numerous interior rooms for meetings and dining. Outdoors, you’ll find gardens, a swimming pool, and bars should your event require them. Here’s a short video showing the hotel’s common areas and the room where I stayed.

Please note, this place can be a little difficult to find. Print out a good map, use your GPS, and be careful on that last 2km of winding road. Saludos!

Published in: on May 27, 2010 at 3:57 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Jardin de la Muralla, Ronda

Jardin de la Muralla in Ronda, Spain, was among my favorite places for an overnight stay during my most recent trip. This hospederia is located adjacent to the old city wall and the Iglesia Espiritu Santo, which I featured in a blog post some days ago. This is a cozy place that offers standard rooms, doubles, and a suite. We stayed in a standard room, which was quite spacious and the bathroom was very large indeed. The following video provides an overview of the premises.

Our amiable host prepared breakfast and gave us a few tips about exploring the city of Ronda. From Jardin de la Muralla, it is only a short walk to the “new bridge” as the one that crosses the gorge is known. On the way there, you’ll pass by some historic churches, shops, and plenty of restaurants. Furthermore, there are a number of smart shopping streets beyond if retail therapy is a requirement.

Once again, places like Jardin de la Muralla are my favorite type of accommodation in that they provide personal service without pretension. I highly recommend this one in particular.

Published in: on May 16, 2010 at 12:41 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Casa de Madrid

Casa de Madrid is a marvelous place to stay. It’s difficult to categorize because it is more residence than boutique hotel and yet has more high-end comforts than a bed and breakfast. In the first place, it is located two floors above the street and occupies the entire level. A visitor would not know where it is without good directions. There is a nondescript doorbell which you can see here:

Its very private location is one thing I like about this place. There is no through traffic the way there would be at a big hotel. Therefore, this is the right place if you prefer to be left alone or maybe host a special client on some serious business. For example, there is a main salon with couches and chairs where you could hold that soiree, preferably with a glass or two of wine:

The other side of the room offers more seating as seen here:

Let’s go in for a closer look at that little bar, just in case you’re curious.

Perhaps you enjoy reading, working on your laptop, or doing a bit of writing. Well, there’s another library-type of space as you can see here:

Some guests take their morning tea here, which is served in the following manner:

Quite cozy, isnt’ it? Upon coming through the door, you check in at this desk, which is staffed by a person capable of taking care of the small things you may require while visiting Madrid.

There are more small touches too, like the fruit plate brought to your room in the evening as seen in the next frame.

These small things make you feel at home, welcoming you into a place that may not be your own but frequently feels that way. Casa de Madrid may seem expensive until you consider the convenient location. It is only a few minutes walk to the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Plaza del Sol, and many other attractions in the old part of the Madrid. The Teatro Real is only steps away. I’ve stayed here on five separate trips and would recommend it to anyone looking for something special.

Published in: on May 8, 2010 at 9:53 am  Leave a Comment  
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