Why we like it
- Built on the site of a Roman villa in the historic centre of Córdoba
- Four Andalucían-style courtyards brimming with flowers, fruit trees and aromatic plants
- Original art galleries and frescoes from the 17th century
About Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailío
In the historic heart of Córdoba, the Palacio del Bailío’s stables, coach houses, straw lofts, Roman remains and splendid gardens have been lovingly restored to create careful equilibrium between design, history and space. Now, its 53 rooms marry the old and new with sculptural lighting a contemporary finishes. Some rooms overlook the citrus-filled courtyard and we love the Grand Suite Loft, which has a palatial open-plan bathroom and occupies a vast space on the top floor.
The spa has thermal plunge pools, a sauna and beauty salon, while the library is packed full of tomes for poring over while you recline. The swimming pool is a bijou, copper-tiled affair tucked into an orange grove, and the hotel is essentially a living art gallery filled with friezes, frescoes and murals, some dating back to the 16th century. Arbequina, the Andalucían restaurant, spills out into a courtyard, and the subterranean tapas bar offers an informal alternative to the restaurant while serving excellent wines.