Traditional Andalusian patio house with an oh-so not traditional make-over; it to a haven of calm in the vibrant old quarter of Cordoba.
This calm and light filled Cordoba hotel is disguised behind a simple facade on a peaceful, narrow pedestrian street, ‘calle del Viento’, (and it should come as no surprise that the hotel is found at number 10, as it name implies).
Once the main door swings open you are not only greeted by a sparkling interior but the seductive aroma of a subtle and calming incense.
The hotel is within an Andalusian Cordoba patio house – ancient stone pillars and arches give clues to its past but it has now been lovingly converted into a contemporary property with a Zen-like peace and tranquillity. In fact the hotel even holds evening Zen meditations!
Glass doors, hard wood floors, white walls, fresh flowers, and occasional art combine to create a fresh, tranquil, uncluttered ambiance.
In fact the hotel is immaculate. My room was super clean, with white walls, a stroking piece of art over the bed, and a spacious bathroom. The bed, covered in simple, yet plush white cotton linens were very comfortable.
The rooms are arranged around the central patio, from where one can glance the blue Andalusian sky. If you fancy a little more sun, and can take the heat, the there is a roof terrace with loungers.
It’s also a pretty cool place to star gaze and sip cocktails too come nightfall. For cosy winter stays, there is also an intimate salon where in the evening an honour bar is set out – I enjoyed a saffron gin and browsed the books on art.
In the morning this is the breakfast room, or you can take it out in the courtyard or in your room. Breakfast was delicious – warm fresh breads and croissants, diced ham with Córdoba style tomato, lovely marmalades, fresh juices and fruit – excellent.
The hotel location is superb, close to the old quarter, the mosque and bridge – everything within the historic quarter is within a few minutes walk.The hotel can arrange guided tours of the historic district with an architect or anthropologist.
The owner and host Gerardo is very welcoming, and suggested some excellent places to eat out. Cordoba is fairly undiscovered. Most head to the Mosque and the neighbouring tourist streets, but there is a wealth of high quality eateries hidden away in the maze of old town – you just need to be in the know.
For authentic Jewish and Middle Eastern dishes, check out Casa Mazal. For contemporary, fresh bites I loved the Galician el Blanco Enea. For some high quality traditional flavours then you should visit Bodegas Campos.
T: (+34) 957 764 960
E: cordoba@hotelviento10.es
THE UPS
- Super location, easy walking distance to all the sights on the old quarter
- Immaculate presentation – cool, fresh and minamalist
- Breakfast – tasty abundance to start the day, with charming details like fresh blossoms on the fruit plate
- Genuine welcome – Gerardo & his team make you feel at home
THE DOWNS
- Two of the rooms don’t have traditional windows – only skylights, but the high ceilings, white walls, and abundance of light makes all spaces feel welcoming
- Cordoba old town, like so many Andalusian cities, is a maze of confusing streets, so access by car can be challenging without navigation, but there is parking a few minutes’ walk away – remember to book it.
- Since this is an intimate hotel, built within the confines of a historic building, there is no space for pool, but there is a spa area with Jacuzzi
COPYRIGHT 2013 – Andrew Forbes is a travel & lifestyle writer based in Europe. He is an expert in travel & lifestyle marketing communications.
Share this:
Leave a Reply