Just got back from 2 1/2 weeks in Spain on Oct 6 (trip report - very long - is on here somewhere), and while we did not do Cordoba, the rest of your itinerary is very much doable. Especially if you do not mind driving.

We did not stay in Granada at all. We did the Alhambra as a day trip and it worked out perfectly for us. We had to wake up very early (5AM, but we had been told - wrongly so - that getting to the Alhambr would be extremely difficult), but we were there within 1 1/2 hours. (We left from Antequera) We took our time at the Alhambra, absolutely no rushing at all, and it took us 5 hours. We then drove another 2 1/2 - 3 hours to our destination in Cazorla. Yes, it was a bit tiresome, but we were just rest and relax so it didn't matter.

If you really want to stay in Granada at the Alhambra, do be aware that it is not uncommon for the parador to fully book 6 months in advance, and it is expensive - as you discovered. There is also the Hotel Guadalupe and the Hotel America. However, there isn't anything else up there. You are very removed from town. And one place we did have a hard time getting out of was Granada!

If you decide to spend the night in Ronda (and I really recommend it - it was my favorite city in Spain!), I cannot recommend the Hotel San Gabriel highly enough! This was my favorite hotel in Spain, and we stayed in a total of 9. The rooms are larger than average, the hotel is beautifully decorated, and the staff is just wonderful. You have all the amenities of a hotel, yet you feel as though you are staying in some one's home. Just a note of advice: do ask to reserve parking! That way, you pull up to the front of the hotel, the staff helps you unload your luggage, and they park your car in a secure garage until you leave. Also, because finding one's way in Ronda can be a bit confusing, email the hotel for specific driving directions to the hotel (let them know which way you will be coming from), and they will email the directions to you. And those directions will be spot on!

Enjoy your trip! I just returned, but I wish I was going again real soon!

two comments: 1. I hope you will stay at least the rest of the day in Cordoba, there is so much more than just the mosque and it is a very manageble city with kids 2. you say you will "putz around Ronda before driving to Sevilla for a three night's stay." just wanted to let you know that the expression in Yiddish is "futz" around... "putz" means "dick" as in not the nickname for Richard... I hope you will not be putzing around. I think it is confused with the English "to putter around"

Hahaha... thanks for setting me straight, Susanne. (I'm getting used to it in this thread! <cough>) :)

It's possible that we'll go back to Cordoba as a day trip from Seville if we're too overhwhelmed with Semana Santa crowds (yes, we're there then!). I expect we'll be enthralled with the activity - good to have "escape plans" too though.

Chele: Thanks for your comments! We do have reservations at San Gabriel and although we could have stayed at the Alhambra we are choosing not to overnight in Granada. (have to pick and choose, unfortunately). We're used to long car trips and I think the driving we have planned will be a nice change of pace.