Hacienda del Cardenal, Toledo, Spain

During my latest visit to Spain, I returned to Toledo, a stunning place to linger. While there, I stayed at the Hacienda del Cardenal, which is located at the foot of the old town, behind the city walls.

DSC_2904The entrance sits up a few stairs at the rear of an expansive courtyard that is used for weddings and other functions. The restaurant there is good for a light meal or snack, plus some good wine. The rooms were comfortable.

DSC_2902Complete with en suite baths with all the amenities:

DSC_2903

There is parking in a nearby lot for your car. It is an energetic walk up the hill to the Cathedral and other sites, or you can take a taxi or bus. I choose to walk because I need the exercise and enjoy the regular things along the way. In any case, Hacienda del Cardenal is a great value for your stay in Toledo.

Castilla Termal Valbuena, Spain, Room

The previous post showed the Castilla Termal Valbuena’s pools and common areas. Now, we’ll take a look at one of the rooms. This was a duplex affair, with a lower area fitted with desk, mini bar, and couch that you see in the photo below:

DSC_2848The staircase to the right leads up to the bedroom or sleeping loft as it might be called which feature a large bed, closet space, and the bathroom:

IMG_1819The bathroom was quite modern as the next photo shows:

DSC_2851All the amenities are there from the bathrobe to the shampoo. The Castilla Termal was a fine place to enjoy several days, relaxing and recharging after a jaunt through northern Spain. I hope to return soon.

Hotel Villa Soro, San Sebastian, Spain

A cultural hot spot in Spain, San Sebastian has some fantastic lodgings. I had  the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Villa Soro recently, which is a handsome building along a popular boulevard.

DSC_2605.JPGInside this manor, you’ll find a number of comfortable spaces, such as this lounge, complete with fresh flowers.

DSC_2608The flowers are a wonderful touch, making a beautiful space that much more appealing. Here’s a look at the annex, where there are more guest rooms:

DSC_2614.JPGAnd a look at a typical guest room there:

DSC_2596.JPGAnd the bathroom:

DSC_2598Which of course is stocked with quality toiletries:

DSC_2599In my next post, I show photos of the common areas, lounges and such at this excellent hotel. Then a final post for the breakfast. Stay tuned! There will be two more posts about the Hotel Villa Soro.

Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain

Staying at Hacienda Zorita is like having your own country estate. The hotel grounds extend from river to field to a complex of buildings that was once a convent.

Main building at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Main building at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

There are several different types of rooms, including suites and villas that give you even more privacy. I stayed in a standard room, which you see next:

Standard room at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Standard room at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

A spacious bathroom made this room even more comfortable.

Bathroom in standard room at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Bathroom in standard room at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

There was also a terrace where you could relax in the sun or the shade, depending upon the time of day.

Terrace of standard room Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Terrace of standard room Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Also in the main building, you’ll find several comfortable lounges such as this one:

Lounge in main building at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Lounge in main building at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

And a small bar for a glass of sherry or other beverage of your choice:

Bar in main building at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Bar in main building at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Back outside, you’ll find two swimming pools like this one:

Swimming pool at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Swimming pool at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

And finally, there is a wonderful restaurant on site where we enjoyed a delicious chef’s menu.

Restaurant at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Restaurant at Hacienda Zorita, Valverdón, Spain.

Hacienda Zorita is located about 20 minutes driving from Salamanca, yet it feels like you are a world away. For business or pleasure, you’ll be away from it all here while still being close to enough to what you want.