Hospes Palacio del Bailio

Buried between the side streets in Cordoba’s historic centre, moments from the Mezquita.

Set around five patios, rooms have been lovingly restored to enhance original touches including trompe l’oeil murals and stone arches. Some rooms look out over the pretty courtyard below with tall windows and balconies; all are exquisitely decorated in rich, sumptuous fabrics.

Arbequina is the hotel restaurant, and is a delight for the senses. Pull up a chair in the courtyard to dine above ancient Roman ruins – which can be eyed up through the transparent floor – and admire the glass roof above as you chow down Andalucian dishes. There’s also a subterranean tapas bar with matador photographs adorning the walls.

Laze by the outdoor swimming pool, unwind in the hotel spa with a massage or dip in the plunge pools, and stroll through the citrus-lined courtyards at Palacio del Bailio. 

Go for a wander outside: head down winding alleys to get to the mesmerising Mezquita – the ‘Great Mosque of Cordoba’ – as well as the Alcazar, a castle with pretty gardens.