Hello: Coming back to the community for additional help as I build out my lodging options for the later bases in my trip. Work and work travel intervened and I am just getting back to my late November vacation planning now. Many thanks for any reflections that might be relevant in making final lodging selections for this trip (e.g., in re neighborhood location & beauty; atmosphere & quality of the lodging; staff; comfort; special charms). I’m including below only those that made my short list. (Some other popular options on this forum were not available, or didn’t have a room with the size or amenities I’m seeking, or were out of my budget—I list them at the end.) Will finish working on my Madrid short list tomorrow (last base!)

Seville short list

Las Casas del Juderia (Jr Suite); would have to follow up with hotel as website is not that information in re aspects of the room.

Las Casas de El Arenal (Deluxe plus room; the website is not as informative as some, so I will have to write to the hotel with some questions, eg. re room size). Preferred over del Juderia.

*Palacio Villapenes (Deluxe or Premium room; on the outer edge of our budget). I see little discussion of this hotel in the forum, which gives me pause. Looks particularly lovely and the place very much appeals (though the branding around “cool” seems silly, but I know what they are trying to convey)(.

Hotel Amadeus (Jr suite)

*Hotel Vinnci Molviedro (Deluxe Jr Suite; on the outer edge of our budget) (I see there is a “Vinnci Smart” program that reduces the room cost by 12%--I haven’t looked into it, but I assume there is no charge for joining. It offers some other goods, such as early check in). Also, looks particularly lovely and the place very much appeals.

*H10 Casas de la Plata (Jr Suite). Also, looks particularly lovely and the place very much appeals.

Several apartments in the much discussed Espacio Eslava Apartments are available. Understood that they are a favorite of Maribel’s but, as she has noted in other threads, they are under new ownership. We are not certain whether we want to stay in an apartment during this visit. Still mulling that—we have 5 nights in Seville—our longest base—in a 15 night trip; first time in Andalucia (though experienced travelers in general). 5 nights is my apartment minimum stay—more generally it’s a 7 night minimum. On the one hand, we might want the regular contact with hotel front desk staff to ask questions since it’s our first time in the city, but on the other hand we might want our own washing machine and the chance to eat in sometimes (as it gets tiring, fattening, and expensive to eat all meals out, though we’ve been known to put on a good picnic in spacious ooms w a mini fridge). We are mulling the tradeoffs between hotels for Seville vs the apartment. IF we do rent from Espacio Eslava Apartments, they have a lot of options available during our dates—“inner” and “outer” apartments (I assume there are tradeoffs in re natural light vs quiet); 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floor apts (assume 3rdfloor is the quietiest—steps are not an issue for us); and there is even a duplex outer penthouse available (within our budget). Open to any suggestions on which inner/outer, floor number in case we decide to go the apartment route. I did check other apartment sites that Maribel and others have mentioned. It gets a bit overwhelming reviewing them when you don’t know the city (and, honestly, I’ve been in so many creatively photographed apartments that I’m not feeling like risking it during this trip).

Other hotels that I considered but are not on my short list for a variety of reasons are as follows: Hotel Casa del Poeta; Hotel Mercer; El Rey Moro; Legado Alcazar; Eurostars Regina; Vinnci La Rabida)

Cordoba short list

Las Casas de la Juderia (Cathedral penthouse, which has private terrace overlooking the cathedral; or, Penthouse Patios) (I would have to follow up with hotel as website is not that information in re aspects of the room.)

La Ermita Suites (Duplex Room). If I am understanding correctly, it’s an Apartment-Hotel (looks like the kitchen has min fridge; microwave, sink, coffee, kettle, but no clothing washing machine. Not certain about reception desk-will inquire or check website again. It is important to me to have one for a few hours a day at least since we have only 3 nights in Cordoba. There won’t be a lot of time to figure things out on our own.) Apt looks a bit plain, but very functional, bright and well appointed.

*La Posada de Sojo (Superior Apt) Also, an apartment hotel (with similar amenities as La Ermita Suites; there is a reception desk open for certain hours). Seems the only way to book is through booking.com (not La Posada website). Looks more atmospheric and “design” focused (yes, I’m that superficial) compared to La Ermita.

*H10 Palacio Colomera (Jr Suite, which has view of Plaza de las Tendillas; or, Duplex Suite Terrace (terrace overlooks Cordoba style patio). Looks very appealing to me.

(Looked at, but am not considering for this trip Hotel Viento10, NH Collection Amistad; Linero24)

Thanks in advance for any insights. (Am relieved to have gotten Alhambra tickets and booked with one of the guides whom Maribel recommended). Thanks to all for your

I recall Ekscrunchy stayed at the Mercer and really liked it. If you search for her Trip Report, there is more detail.

We are staying for 3 weeks in an apartment - during our December trip - managed by Genteel Homes. It has great reviews and I will report back afterward,

Sevilla short list,
The Casas de la Judería isn't specific about the rooms because there are so many buildings now and rooms vary from building to building. Some require a longish walk to reach the main lobby. The hotel has expanded considerably since its opening for the World's Fair and now consists of several connecting buildings. They probably won't guarantee a specific building, but you can try. It sits at the edge of the Jewish Quarter, and that area (I was just there in March) has become extremely "tourist busy", if that matters. But a taxi can reach the main entrance because this busy street, Calle Santa María la Blanca, is car navigable, unlike many tiny, narrow streets in this quarter.

Las Casas de El Arenal sits in the Arenal quarter, far less frequented by visitors but still perfectly walkable to all the sights and near some of my favorite dining. The area is quieter. There are several hotels on that car-navigable street including the deluxe Mercer, the most deluxe, expensive lodging in the city and very hard to book, from my experience, as it only has 8 rooms. I prefer this location over Santa Cruz but YMMV. (So does ekscrunchy who stayed at the Mercer.)

Palacio Villapanés sits in a quiet area (car-navigable street) in the northeast corner of Santa Cruz near the Casa de Pilatos. Also a luxury property, it formerly belonged to the Hospes group and now is managed by Cool Rooms, a brand with a sister hotel in Madrid, Cool Rooms Palacio Atocha, and one in Asturias, Palacio de Luces. All deluxe. The "cool" is simply the branding of this newish hotel group whose hotels are former palaces. Before the Mercer opened, it was the most deluxe small boutique property. My BFF, a luxury travel concierge, used it for her very VIP clients before the inauguration of the Mercer.

The Hotel Amadeus is a Fodorite favorite that is more moderately priced. Although it sits in the heart of Santa Cruz, the entrance is off the busy thoroughfare, the Calle Santa María la Blanca. Its draw is its musical theme throughout (some rooms have pianos) and its rooftop terrace.

The Vinnci Moviedo I just discovered on my trip as I wanted to see its location-----very quiet on a square that doesn't get tourist traffic yet is very walkable to the sights. It and the other, older Vinnci both sit in the Arenal quarter. If it appeals, I would consider it. There is no cost to joint their frequent guest program.

The H10 Casa de la Plata is where I've stayed very happily several times. I opt for a superior, exterior room with Nespresso machine, robes, slippers, lovely bath w/terrific rain shower and Toto toilet. The staff is lovely, they give guests a welcome drink and a list of their recommended restaurants, and I enjoy its location away from the crowds as it has a more neighborhood feel. As I mentioned on another thread, the H10 group has upped its game and the recent openings are very, very nice. It sits close to my favorite bar El Comercio for churros and chocolate. The slight downside is that the street is pedestrianized. Taxis let you off at the adjacent Plaza de la Encarnación where Las Setas sits (largest wooden structure in the world) and you walk a bit to the hotel entrance, not far, and for me not a deal breaker. It's away from the tourist tsunami around the cathedral/Alcázar.

About my stay at the Eslava....I was on a very strict budget during an 8-week trip (5 of which were in Andalucía), and for my 9 nights needed a washing machine, kitchen, etc. While very well equipped and with maid service every 3 days, even with instruction manuals in English for the appliances and the smart TV (too smart for me), the apartments don't have a downstairs desk staff to help with restaurant reservations, orientation, etc.

I honestly wouldn't recommend them for a first time visitor, unless one needs the amenities of an apt. I've been visiting Sevilla for many, many years so do know my way around. If one needs assistance, one needs to go the Eslava gourmet shop around the corner. And the San Lorenzo quarter is a further walk from the major sights (I love to walk), so not so convenient for a short stay. I'm staying there again with husband for Holy Week simply because the Holy Week prices soar in hotels and again, it fits our budget, and we want to be near the church where a major procession occurs, which sits right across the street. At other times, outside of Semana Santa and Feria, we stay at the H10 Casa de la Plata. I had an exterior apartment on the 1st floor above the restaurant. The bedroom faced the back and was extremely quiet. There is no Andalusian charm here, as the apartments are contemporary. The building has an elevator.

Córdoba short list
Casas de la Judería----if the penthouse is available with sit out private terrace, that to me would be extremely appealing.
Although it does sit in the tourist filled Jewish Quarter, it's away from the souk like atmosphere of ubiquitous tourist souvenir shops around the Mosque/Cathedral, on a quiet square where taxis can reach the front door. It's very Andalusian in feel, with several patios, a drawing room, a restaurant (which I didn't use). I like this location if one wants to stay in the Jewish Quarter because it's less busy. It sits close to the Arab baths and the Alcázar gardens and the Royal Riding Stables, where there is an evening horse ballet.

La Ermita Suites---I wouldn't recommend them for a first time, short stay visitor unless one needs a self-catering apartment. Again, I personally, for my first time visit to a city, want a front desk staff to rely on for any questions, and I don't cook in the apartment, other than a simple breakfast.

Yes, la Posada del Sojo is more design focused, but in these serviced apartments, you are essentially on your own after the staff has left.

The H10 Palacio Colomera is where we're staying during Holy Week. We like this area of "modern" Córdoba on the attractive Plaza de las Tendillas, away from the Jewish Quarter yet a short walk. It has a more neighborhood feel. We're H10 loyalty members, so we snag competitive rates at their properties.

Both the Casas de la Judería and the Palacio Colomera would be great contenders and would give you the Andalusian charm. Just read all the booking.com prior guest reviews and even TripAdvisor reviews (although these sometimes give me whiplash and on TA there still are fake reviews).

The most deluxe property is the Hospes Palacio del Baílio, with Roman ruins, a quiet, pretty outdoor terrace for dining, a pool, Roman spa, etc. but it isn't on your list and is further from the sights. It's a member of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, I-escape and Tablet Hotels.

lrice-3 weeks sounds wonderful! You’ll really get to live like locals. I look forward to hearing about your trip, and I’m already looking forward (even prior to my first trip to Andalucia) to returning for a longer stay in one base and then also to traveling to other parts of what is clearly a magical region.

lrice-sorry I forgot to say thanks for the mention of the Mercer-it looks gorgeous. I had to pass on it for this trip for reasons of budget. Luckily it looks like there are some excellent options that do work w/in our parameters for this trip.

studenttobe,
I failed to mention that the Amadeus is very popular with Rick Steves' readers and on his Spain travel forum. Lots of loyalty to the Amadeus from Rick Steves guidebook readers. I believe that some of his tour groups stay there. I do know they stay in the Barrio de Santa Cruz. You know, I imagine, that it has an annex, a newer wing next door, La Música. The Amadeus is filled with antiques. It's a moderately priced, a middle of the road choice (like the Rey Moro), which pleases many for what it delivers for the money, but not a luxury hotel for those who want to splurge.

Maribel, Many thanks for your—as always generous and thoughtful—reflections on my Seville short list. I will review carefully today and make a booking. I will nix Casa de la Juderia, Hotel Amadeus, and Eslava Apts for this trip. (And thanks for the reflection on the apartment choice for this visit—an 8 week trip sounds heavenly!). I will take a deep dive into the reviews for Las Casa de la Arenal, Palacio Villapanes, Vinci Moviedo, and H10 Casa de la Plata. It sounds like even though Palacio Villapanes is in Santa Cruz and H10 Casa de la Plata is in Centro that they are not in the heart of the tourist tsunami. I appreciate the granular detail on the locations of each that you provided.

Thanks Maribel-very helpful context on the Hotel Amadeus. For other trips (I frequently travel alone) I’m much more budget conscious for sure. So, I will keep some of the great value option hotels in mind for future trips. For this one, I’m wanting to go more splurgy (in terms of room size and comfort, beauty of the hotel and rooms, special feel, location), though w/in the parameters of our budget. Thanks again for the add’l background

Maribel, Thanks, too, for all for all of the insight on the Cordoba options. I’ll certainly concentrate on the H10 Palacio Colomera and the penthouse of the Casas del la Juderia. Thanks also for flagging the Hospes Palacio del Bailio—I hadn’t noticed it. I just checked the website and it looks lovely as well. I see that a Deluxe Room, Deluxe room with garden view, and a Jr Suite are available and w/in our budget. (The Jr Suite being on the edge for us budget wise). I take it that in re Bailio that being further from the sites is not a problem—we are big walkers in general. But should I assume that the location is beautiful, has character, and wouldn’t feel isolated (in the way that some high end resorts are so self contained that you don’t feel like you are in the city your are visiting). I will take a good dive shortly into the details of the booking.com reviews for H10 Palacio Colomera, Casas de la Juderia, and Hospes Palacio del Bailio . Thanks for all of the very details (including on the apartment-hotels).

And good to know that you, too, get overwhelmed by reading reviews. Your earlier tip to me about the filter function in Booking.com reviews has been very helpful.

I realized that you wanted to go more splurgy for this special occasion, which is why I mentioned that it is a middle of the road choice. I understand your parameters, as this is a special trip! :) and...you want to get everything "just right".

Maribel, Thanks, as always, for not only providing such a wealth of insight but also for “getting” each of us. I don’t know how you do it!

Hello, I'm sorry to be circling back on Cordoba lodging with one additional question. I've been researching and reading reviews on Hospes Palacio de Bailio--thanks for raising it, Maribel. It looks gorgeous! It does have some lovely looking rooms within my budget--the Deluxe room, the Deluxe Garden Room (I've written to the hotel to see if the garden rooms lack privacy and/or are noisy because of outdoor diners), and the Jr Suite. I wonder if the distance from the central sites and restaurants should be a concern, e.g., in regards to walking back to the hotel after dinner, e.g., are the streets near the hotel deserted? Would one be likely to have the feeling of being cut off from the nicest part of a city--perhaps fine for a honeymoon, but too removed for us non honeymooners? A very subjective question, I know. I believe the hotel is about a 15 - 20 minute walk from the main sites (at least that's what I discern from using google). We are good, fit walkers so the distance is not the issue. But I wonder about a sense of isolation from the city as you sometimes have in more resort style hotels. Thanks for any impressions on location.

I've sent a question each to H10 Palacio Colomera and Las Casas de la Juderia--both get very solid reviews across the sites beyond just the average scores. But I have asked staff at Colomera when they expect some construction in an adjoining building to be completed (several people mentioned in reviews as recent as September 2023); at Juderia I inquired about the nature of the shower in the Cathedral Penthouse since it's not well photographed (and no one commented on this specifically using the filter review function). I've got three good options in Cordoba for sure. The aesthetics of Palacio de Bailio certainly appeal to me, but I wanted to circle back on the feeling of remoteness while waiting for replies from the other two lodging options.

I'm all set on Seville-very pleased and settled feeling about the reservation I made at H10 Casas de la Plata. (Tomorrow I will finish my research on Madrid options and circle back for input on that last base lodging. Apologies in advance. I'm so grateful for input from folks here and especially for Maribel's superhuman knowledge and patience.

studenttobe,
The Balílio is gorgeous. And its Arbequina restaurant is very well regarded. I've had friends who have stayed there. If you've seen the reviews on I-escape, Tablet and Mrs. and Mrs. Smiths, you will know that it's a very high end lodging with lots of unique charm. Since you're seeking something very special during your special trip, I think this will fit the bill. I'm glad some rooms are within your budget (wasn't sure about that).
It's not that far to the Judería and there are always taxis.
I walked myself during the day from my apt. in the Judería to the hotel, but I love to walk. I don't think you'd feel far removed. It's near the Roman ruins and a 15-20 minute walk to the Mosque. Córdoba is a very safe city at night as many people are out and about until very late hours. No, you won't have a sense of isolation--you'll have a sense of calm and tranquility and beauty. The heart of the Judería, especially the streets around the Mosque can be very crowded day and night. I know because I was there on a very busy weekend and was glad that my apt. was set just outside the hubbub. But that's me.

I think this Telegraph review is accurate-
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/d...io-del-bailio/

Many thanks, Maribel, for looking out for me with such generosity. You sealed the deal with this extremely helpful advice and information. I’m booking at Palacio Bailio as soon as I send this reply!

Karma was looking out for all of you since after repeated crashes a final too long query on lodging in Madrid seems to have been lost. it's my last base--two nights--have been to the city previously. A shorter version now--my first choice is the Atocha Hotel Madrid Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Deluxe King room). My second choice is Mercure Madrid Central. (Superior rm) (The Radisson Red is appealing, but behind the other two, partly based on reviews--good but not as good as the other two--and partly bec the tech in the rooms seem destined to get on my nerves). I welcome any input on this last puzzle piece. thanks in advance for your patience in getting me to this point.

I do know all 3 and have stayed in the first two (work related). I would opt for the newish Atocha Hotel Madrid Tapestry Collection in a deluxe king. We stayed in a superior with the sleeping area separate from the work area and the deluxe will give you more space. The room amenities are nice: rain shower, thick towels, nice toiletries, robes, slippers, Nespresso machine. The hotel has a pretty interior garden as well for relaxing with a drink.

My other suggestion, if you haven't seen it, would be the Roommate Alba, the Madrid flagship of this chain. It sits in the heart of the Barrio de las Letras. I've seen rooms in all categories (work related) and even their entry level rooms are quite nice. Their suites are gorgeous and measure a very ample 44 square meters. We're staying there for 5 days during Christmas. We live in the Madrid suburbs but want to go in to be with our family and be closer to all the holiday excitement--the Naviluz bus, the nativity scenes, the special concerts, Christmas shopping, etc.

The Mercure is a re-make of the former Lope de Vega and a bit more of a prosaic choice (for lack of a better word), well priced for the area but not as "designer done". The Radisson Red is a quick turnaround of the former Paseo del Prado and just not as nice as the others, but it's closer to the Atocha rail station.

Correction: We stayed in a "king deluxe", as there are no superior rooms. They're called kings, and the bed was super comfortable. In the booking.com photos of the hotel, our was the room with the separate desk with two desk chairs and another chair to the side, separated by a wall from the sleeping area. It measures 28 square meters.
If you need more space, there is a jr. suite that comes with a kitchenette that measures 40 square meters.

So that you'll know, when you reach the entrance, there are steps. If you are heavily laden with luggage, just call the front desk and they will send an attendant down to take your luggage up the steps, or send them a message ahead of time advising of your exact time of arrival. We found the service very friendly and nice. We arrived exhausted from a long trip from SEA and the interior garden is a lovely place to chill out. The restaurant is under the direction of Joaquín Felipe, a well-known Madrid chef, although Madrid is extremely rich in fine places to dine.....just if you need it....

About the Roommate Alba
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/d...te-alba-hotel/

Maribel, WOW! Many thanks for the wealth of information on Madrid lodging options, including even on room choices and steps. I will check out the Roomate Alba, which I’d missed entirely in my review yesterday. Between it, and the Atocha Tapestry Hilton, I can see that I have two excellent Madrid options in line w/my preferences. Your Christmas plans sound lovely. (I’m indeed hoping to change our return flights to the US to give us three nights, instead of two, in Madrid. The more I recall of Madrid—on top of the discussion in another thread of Christmas-related festivities in the city (even simply looking at foods in shops and bakeries—something I love to do), the more inclined I am to add a night to our Madrid stay if I can rearrange a bit of work-related travel that bumps up quite closely to our Spain vacation. Deep thanks to you and others for all of the incredible advice on a trip for which planning seemed quite difficult. But thanks to you and others it has ben a joy. I’m excited now to start on the easier parts—train/bus tickets (have taken note of the discussions of Renfe and Alsas), tickets to a few sites in each base, and the really fun and dangerous discussions of food both in this forum and over on the Hungry Onion. I simple cannot wait for this trip! Thank you so very much,

It would be great if you could add another day to Madrid!

For foodie Madrid foodie info on Hungry Onion, in addition to Revulgo's always excellent contributions here (and his famous maps!)-
https://www.hungryonion.org/t/madrid-3-days/35075/88