8 Best Hotels in Cordoba, Andalusia

One of the city's top lodging options, this tastefully renovated 17th-century mansion is built over the ruins of a Roman house (visible beneath glass floors) in the historic center of town. Archaeological remains combine with contemporary features, with glimpses of Roman ruins below one of the patios (ask for a guided tour during your stay) and under the dining room floor; clever lighting and a complimentary spa complete the mélange of old and new. The spacious rooms have parquet floors, exposed brick walls, and many original architectural features. Splurge on the blue Gran Capitán or the pink Don Quijote suite. The restaurant offers a fusion of modern and traditional Córdoba cuisine, and there's also a tapas bar.

In a tastefully restored 17th-century convent, this boutique hotel has spacious quiet rooms, and the mezquita is almost within arm's reach from the rooftop terrace. Original features include a marble staircase and a delightful patio with tinkling fountain. The bright and airy rooms are styled with modern furnishings and have generously sized seating areas. All have an original feature, such as an alcove or vaulted ceiling. Treat yourself to the Anahita Suite, complete with turret and private terrace overlooking the mezquita.

This small hotel, occupying a collection of houses just a stone's throw from the mezquita, combines enchanting antique furnishings with modern amenities, but its greatest asset is its helpful staff. The spacious rooms come with computers and unlimited Internet usage. Breakfast is generous and is served either in the room or on one of the small patios.

This 17th-century house still has original details like the majestic vaulted ceilings, and with the use of stunning tiles (azulejos)—hence the name—it mixes Andalusian and Latin American influences. All rooms are painted in warm pastels, filled with antiques, and open onto the tropical central patio with banana trees, lofty palms, and frilly ferns. The back patio includes a plunge pool, open in summer only. The breakfast menu is almost entirely homemade.

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.

Two 18th-century mansions overlooking Plaza de Maimónides in the heart of the Judería have been melded into a modern business hotel with a cobblestone Mudéjar courtyard, carved-wood ceilings, and a plush lounge. The wing across the street is done in blues and grays and Norwegian wood. The large guest rooms offer plenty of luxurious extras along with higher rates to match. You can also enter the hotel through the old Moorish walls on Calle Cairuán.

On the slopes of the Sierra de Córdoba, on the site of Abd al-Rahman I's 8th-century summer palace, this modern parador has sunny rooms and nice views. Rooms have wood or wicker furnishings, and the pricier ones have balconies overlooking the lush peaceful garden or facing Córdoba. The restaurant serves typical local dishes including salmorejo, the chef's specialty.

Tucked away to the east of the old quarter but within just 10 minutes' walk of the mezquita is a quiet romantic haven, once part of the 17th-century Sacred Martyrs Hospital and whose patio dates back to the 15th century. One of the eight rooms has a view of the quiet pedestrian street, while the others all look onto the interior patio with its original marble columns. The interior style is low-key designer with warm splashes of color in the fabrics, reflecting the simplicity of the hotel. Luxury touches include hot tub and sauna (book your private session) and breakfast with a surprise daily special.