20 Best Hotels in Andalusia, Spain

Perched atop the cliff behind the town parador, this tiny hotel in a former 17th-century convent shares the amazing view of another hotel in town, its swish neighbor (La Casa Grande). Though the rooms here are smaller and very slightly cheaper, most have private terraces and all are furnished tastefully with period artwork and sculptures. In addition, guests have the use of a large rooftop terrace on the edge of the cliff. There is no restaurant, but breakfast is available for purchase.

This comfortable and quiet hotel lies conveniently off Plaza de la Trinidad near the cathedral and is a good option for cheaper lodging in a city with so many upscale accommodations. Spotlessly clean rooms and common areas with modern bathrooms. 

Built in 1729, this extraordinary mansion encircles a central patio with lush vegetation and is perched on the edge of the 400-foot cliff to which Arcos de la Frontera clings. Inside, Catalan owner Elena Posa has restored each room, and the artwork, the casually elegant style, and the inventive bathrooms are all a delight. The breakfast terrace allows you to look down on hundreds of swallows circling over the riverbed below. The rooftop rooms, El Palomar (the Pigeon Roost) and El Soberao (the Attic), are the best, but the Bahía and Cuarto y Mitad rooms have large terraces.

An ideal base for exploring the area, this is the spot to find rural simplicity and stunning mountain views. Though a mere 20 years old, the house has been cleverly designed and built to resemble an old-fashioned village home, complete with beams, tiled floors, and thick whitewashed walls. The rooms are essentially small suites, each with a sitting area; all but one have small terraces from which to enjoy the views. The tranquil flower-filled garden is idyllic on sunny days, and when temperatures drop, there's a cozy fireplace in the communal sitting room. Hosts can advise on hikes and car trips in the area.

The rooms in this stylish hotel southeast of Baena, on the edge of the Parque Natural Sierra Subbética 25 km (15 miles), are elegantly modern and generous in size. All have balconies with views onto the exquisitely landscaped gardens where there's a large pool that is more than welcome in the summer months. The hotel restaurant serves traditional local fare and has a good value menú del día.

One of the best-value hotels in the area, this pleasant hotel in the rustic spa town of Lanjarón makes a good base for exploring the lower part of the Alpujarras. The comfortable rooms have been recently refurbished and are complemented by a good-size pool and easily the best restaurant in the area. The top rooms enjoy views of a 14th-century castle. A few two-bedroom suites are ideal for families.

Tastefully furnished, this hacienda-style hotel offers luxury on the outskirts of town. The traditional courtyard is surrounded by lush landscaped gardens featuring palm trees and a dazzling array of colorful plants. It has an elegant Italian restaurant with terrace and a saltwater swimming pool. The bedrooms are individually decorated, plush, and well equipped, and service is efficient.

Around the corner from the Plaza del Potro, this is an affordable hotel in which Castilian-style furniture, gleaming marble, and high-quality oil paintings add elegance to excellent value. Rooms overlook a gracious inner courtyard framed by arches. The management also run an even cheaper lodging, the Hostal Maestre, a few doors away and two types of apartments down the street; the best are large and clean and represent a great value.

This family-run hotel in the heart of the old quarter, within easy walking distance of sights and restaurants, offers excellent value and amenities superior to its official two-star rating. With minimalist style throughout, rooms and communal areas are comfortable and clean. Parking is available opposite the hotel. The adjoining Vitola restaurant serves excellent tapas and traditional local dishes.

This restored 17th-century palace, one of Baeza's best accommodation options, is centered on two patios—one with a pond and views of the cathedral tower, the other with a small pool. The ample public rooms include a library and sitting room, where a cozy log fire roars on winter afternoons. Well-equipped guest rooms are spacious with decor reminiscent of Provence; one has a private patio. 

This cozy hotel, right in the city center with all the main attractions on its doorstep, comes complete with its original 1920s Art Nouveau design and period antiques. Rooms are spacious and light with homey touches. Guests can use the pretty patio, roof terrace, and intimate library. Service is highly personalized.

This charming hotel in a fully restored 19th-century mansion has so many antiques and memorabilia that the term "hotel--museum" really does live up to its name. It also has a pretty interior patio and a peaceful private garden, and the cozy guest rooms have period furnishings. The communal areas are comfortable, with lots of leisurely places to sit and relax. The garden is particularly lovely in spring.

Quiet, quirky, and cost-effective are the watchwords at this traditional town house, tucked down a side street just two blocks from Las Setas. Named after the legendary local flamenco guitarist Niño Ricardo—who was born here and is often cited as an influence on Paco de Lucía—the small hotel comes packed with maestro memorabilia, including artwork of his sheet music, vintage photos, and a giant guitar string installation in the patio. Each room has its own vibrant style, blending antique and traditional decor for an eclectic feel. The spacious rooftop terrace offers lovely views and a serene spot to unwind.

Located on the way to Trevélez in the pretty whitewashed village of Bubión that almost clings to the mountainside, these comfortable apartments (for two to four people) have open log fires as well as central heating and sweeping views across the valley. The entire complex is decked in flowering window boxes and terraces, in bloom almost the whole year. A small bar serves snacks and drinks, including locally produced wine and cured ham.

Located in the center of the city, this palace was built by aristocrat Francisco Navas in the 16th century and later became the Casa de Moneda (the Mint). Its original architectural features blend well with modern ones. Guest rooms, set around a traditional columned inner patio, are decorated with understated elegance. Enjoy breakfast on the outside terrace on warm days. Complimentary tea and infusions are available on the second floor.

Just a few blocks from the cathedral, nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, this small family-run inn is an excellent value. Rooms are simple but clean and air-conditioned and arranged around a pretty interior patio decorated with painted tiles and ferns. The owners speak English and are eager to give recommendations and help with bookings.

This small and welcoming hotel on a narrow street has comfortable rooms painted a sunny yellow with views over the village rooftops to the valley below. There's also a cozy bar and dining room with original wood beams and an open fireplace—the restaurant serves local fare including its famed Zuhayra salad with goat's cheese and roast vegetables, and the downstairs bar offers pizzas and tapas; both venues are among the best dining options in the village. During the summer months diners can sit outside on the attractive cobbled patio. There's a small pool, and guests may use the village pool free of charge.