Where to Stay in Córdoba (Spain): The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
The best place where to stay in Córdoba, southern Spain, is the old town. With a population of 325,000 thousand people, the city is the 11th largest in Spain. However, the historic part of the city is not that big. In fact, Cordoba has an incredible old town and newer neighborhoods that are not interesting.
Most attractions are inside the historic core. That’s the area north of the River Guadalquivir, east of the Constitution Square, the Roman Mausoleum, and the Agriculture Gardens, south of the Malmuerta Tower, and west of Campo Madre de Dios Avenue. That’s where most of Cordoba’s best hotels and restaurants are.
Though it may not seem like a big area, you have loads of curvy streets, ancient monuments, temples, and gardens to discover. The city has layer upon layer of history and a vibrant cultural life. After all, it used to be the capital of one of the biggest caliphates in the world, and at one point, was the second biggest city in Europe.
The Best Hotels to Stay
The fabulous Hospes Palacio del Bailio is from the 16th Century. However, you can see the archaeological remains of an older Roman villa in the hotel’s restaurant. The interior garden with a pool at its center is superb, and the spa is one of the best in Europe. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk to the Mosque-Cathedral.
Hotel Madinat is within the UNESCO Listed historic core of the city. The building is an old traditional mansion with a cute courtyard and two rooftop terraces with views of the entire city. It’s just a 5-minute walk to the Mosque-Cathedral but very peaceful and classy.
Another historic hotel is the Patios del Orfebre, inside the historic core. The house is from the 16th Century and has three patios to chill. You can still see the thick roman and caliphate walls. Each of the 23 rooms is unique and elegant. The best room is the junior suite, with its own terrace with marvelous views.
The Best Areas to Stay
Near the Mosque Cathedral
Cordoba is the city with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. We are talking about 3 architectural marvels and 1 festival. Thus, you have to stay in one of the historic hotels in the Old Town. The most incredible attraction of them all is the Mosque-Cathedral. No matter how many mosques and cathedrals you’ve seen in your life, this one is something else.
The temple was first a mosque. The ruler of the caliphate wanted a grand mosque for his new capital. And he for sure got one. The original temple is from 785 and was expanded through the centuries. It was turned into a Cathedral in 1236 when the Christian King Ferdinand II of Castile took over the city.
Several modifications and additions took place over the centuries, most notably in the 16th Century. The result is a delicate temple that seems to float. If you think it looks beautiful from the outside, wait till you get inside. Even if you are not religious, you will feel the subtle elegance and incredible art within its walls.
We Recommend These Hotels near the Mosque-Cathedral:
Balcón de Córdoba
Since it’s just 30 meters from the temple, the Balcón de Córdoba offers some of the best views in the city. It’s a 17th-century palace with patios and an incredible roof terrace. There are 100 archaeological remains scattered around the hotel. The Anahita suite has the best terrace in all of Cordoba.
Eurostars Conquistador
The Spanish brand has two hotels in front of the temple. The best one is Eurostars Conquistador. Set around an incredible patio, part of the mosque is inside the hotel. It’s a 4-star hotel recently updated with modern-day conveniences. Book a room with direct views of the temple. It’s got underground parking.
Near the Alcázar and Across the River
As mentioned, the city lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. There’s a green pedestrian zone in front of the city. To reach the center, you have to go through the Calahorra Tower, cross the Roman Bridge, and through the Bridge Tower. It’s probably the nicest walk in the city.
You can walk around the pedestrian paths admiring the city. People flock here in the late afternoon to enjoy killer sunsets. As soon as you enter the city, turn left and you will reach the Castle of the Christian Monarchs, built in 1328 over earlier Roman buildings. The gardens are the nicest in Cordoba.
Don’t forget to check the Royal Stables of Cordoba from 1570. They home incredible horses and have a fantastic evening show. Continue north until you reach the Jewish quarters, tucked between the mosque and the river. The nicest synagogue is there. Some of the city’s best restaurants and bars are here.
Some of the Best Hotels near the Alcázar:
Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba
The Las Casas de la Juderia hotel is a collection of 5 incredible historic mansions, patios, and fountains. You will see antique furniture and archaeological remains. The main patio has an incredible year-round pool. Each room is different and elegantly appointed. The best ones have a private terrace and hot tub.
Hesperia Cordoba
The Hesperia Cordoba is the only hotel in front of the city, in the middle of the green ecological area. Thus, it offers fantastic views. It’s got a big rooftop terrace with a pool and 360 views of Cordoba. Hesperia is one of the leading hotel chains in Spain. They have underground parking.
Near the Train Station
If you are in a rush, stay near the train station. Fortunately, from there, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the mosque-cathedral. The station is next to the beautiful Agricultural Gardens. Though the area is not that interesting, you’ll be literally a step away from most attractions.
Note that the area around the train station is pretty safe, so you won’t have any problem walking there at all times. Besides, the bus station is in front of the train station. Therefore, if you need to catch a bus or train, all you have to do is walk for a couple of minutes.
To reach the river and the Christian Castle, walk along the gardens until you reach the Patios Cordobeses. The courtyard festival takes place here in May. The biggest park in the city is in front, Cruz de Conde. To go back, enter the historic core, zig-zag all around, and end up in the Malamuerte Tower.
Near the Train Station Stay at:
Soho Boutique Córdoba
The best hotel next to the station is the Soho Boutique Cordoba. It’s a tall tower with very comfortable rooms. The best ones are on the top floors and offer views. We love the fantastic rooftop terrace with a seasonal pool and lounges. It’s the best place to enjoy memorable sunsets.
AC Hotel Córdoba by Marriott
You can’t get any closer to Cordoba Central Train station than at the AC Hotel by Marriott. It’s a contemporary building overlooking the gardens. You get the full Marriot experience, including a soundproof room with comfortable beds, a gym, and an onsite restaurant. It has parking and a business center.
Near the Tendillas Square
Tendillas Square is in the geographical heart of the historic town. You are literally in the middle of everything. The plaza itself is the nicest in the center. Some of the best restaurants and coffee houses in the city are here. Hence, locals flock to the plaza to chill after work.
The city’s tourist information office is also on the plaza. Cordoba can be very hot in summer, so you’ll probably gravitate towards the plaza for fresh air. The incredible Roman Temple is a couple of blocks away. If you continue further east, you’ll reach the Orive Gardens, a park full of orange and pear trees.
You have several accommodation options in this part of Cordoba. Besides, the area is full of bars and places to have a beer. Though it may seem touristic, a lot of local people live here too; hence the lively atmosphere. The Mosque-Cathedral is less than 10 minutes walking from the square.
The Best Accommodation near the Tendillas Square:
H10 Palacio Colomera
The best hotel on the plaza is the H10 Palacio Colomera. It’s a monumental building from 1928 that used to be a courthouse. The building was meticulously refurbished to include modern-day conveniences and three restaurants. The one on the terrace offers incredible views. You will love the pool set in manicured gardens.
Hospes Palacio del Bailio
To us, this is one of the best 5-star hotels in Europe. You get everything you expect from a grand hotel, including impeccable service and class. What sets Hospes Palacio del Bailio apart is the onsite archaeological remains and the nicest pool in the city.
Near the Corredera Square
Corredera Square is in the east of the old town. It’s the largest plaza in the city center. It’s your typical monumental Spanish square made entirely of concrete. All types of bars with umbrellas and tables populate the plaza. Since it’s big, it can get very sunny.
Arguably the nicest market in Cordoba is on the plaza. Since the Municipal Corredera Market is authentic, local people visit to shop and socialize. It’s the best place to have original tapas and beer. In fact, just next to the market is the Plaza de las Cañas, beer square in Spanish.
From Corredera Square you can go directly to the river. Walk south till you reach Miraflores Bridge. Cross the bridge, and you’ll be in a park used mostly by locals. The bend of the river is here, so you’ll get to enjoy a different side of the city.
Great Hotels near the Corredera Square:
La Despensa de la Corredera
One of the best reasonably priced hotels to stay is on the Plaza. La Despensa de la Corredera is a super clean hotel. They’ve taken care of every single detail and offer friendly service. The best rooms overlook the plaza. Their onsite restaurant serves traditional food.
Eurostars Patios de Cordoba
The best hotel close to the plaza is the Eurostars Patios de Cordoba. The hotel is set along five lovely patios with trees. Actually, there are archaeological remains in two patios and an 18th Century portico. It’s a very quiet property, with big rooms and two restaurants. You can walk everywhere.
How Long to Stay in Córdoba
You are probably wondering how many days to spend in Cordoba. The right answer is as many as you can. Trust us: it is one of the nicest cities in Spain and the whole of Europe. Not only that, but it is one of the nicest Arab cities on the planet.
Nowhere in the world has Christianity, Judaism, and Islam mixed so beautifully than in Cordoba. The city is soaked in history and beauty. However, if you are short of time, the least you should stay in Cordoba is one night. In that time, you can cover the basics, albeit rushing.
To our amazement, a lot of tourists do not spend a night in Cordoba. Some come for the day from Seville. What a mistake! Andalucía is the most beautiful province in Spain and has three of the most impressive cities in Europe: Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Try to spend a couple of nights at least in each. Do not forget to go to the Medina Azahara, the other UNESCO Listed place in Cordoba.
