Hotel Madinat, Córdoba

Pros

• This restored building is a true labor of love, a project by five friends who wanted to channel the city's authentic past into a boutique hotel where travelers feel like friends.
• You'll find many nods to the building's past, as the group tried to use as much of the old material as possible, including restoring columns, cutting the old bar into tables in the restaurant, repurposing window and door frames, and moving mosaic tiles to other parts of the property.
• You can relax in the original inner courtyard by the fountain, grab a drink at the lounge's honesty bar, or order a glass of wine and some tapas bites to enjoy on one of the terraces.
• The rooftop affords some of the best views in town, and it's a perfect spot to watch the sunset over Córdoba's rooftops.

Cons

• Per the building's design, some rooms only have windows opening to the inner courtyard.

Authenticity

Hotel Madinat comes with the story of five friends restoring a nearly derelict 18th-century building in Córdoba's Jewish Quarter. From the moment you walk through the mint-green front gate, the owners will strive to make you feel at home, pointing out the hotel's charming details as they lead you to your room. Look out for the hydraulic-style floor in the light-filled inner courtyard, spy the four caryatids carved into the ceiling above the staircase, and spot snippets of Arabic poetry inscribed on the walls. Even the furniture tells a story; breakfast is served at tables made from the building's old bar when it was a popular haunt for students in the '80s.

Location

The hotel sits just slightly outside of Córdoba's busy tourist zone, so you get the evocative atmosphere and rich history of the Jewish Quarter without the noise. It's barely a 3-minute stroll down narrow, cobbled streets to reach the Mezquita-Catedral, and you'll be within easy walking distance of many other significant sites, including the Puente Romano, Alcázar Andalusí, and Plaza de la Corredera. The train station is a 10-minute taxi ride north or a 25-minute walk. There's no parking on-site, but there's a convenient public lot within a 3-minute walk.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the hotel's 11 air-conditioned rooms features a unique layout and a name inspired by Córdoba's rich Arabic history. Doubles are the smallest, while Deluxe and Superior options add space, extra sofa beds, or private terraces. All feature a stylish blend of period details and repurposed furnishings, like intricate mosaic-style floors and headboards crafted from antique doors. Bathrooms are modern and creative, most with rain-style showers and glass walls. It's worth booking ahead and splashing out on the top-floor Suite if you can; what was once a loft for doves is now a soaring space with high beamed ceilings, plush leather armchairs, and a freestanding hammam-style bath. 

Amenities

You won't find the amenities of a large hotel here, but the remarkable ambience and warm service still make this a 4-star stay. Play a game of chess near the central courtyard's fountain, or duck into the inviting lounge, complete with a well-stocked honesty bar and a quirky wall crafted from repurposed windows. An optional breakfast is served here each morning, featuring a nice selection of local Andalusian products and gluten and dairy-free options. The hotel also offers light tapas and drinks to order on the rooftop terrace, and there's a small downstairs hammam you can book for the full Córdoba experience.

Family-Friendliness

Hotel Madinat welcomes families. Larger room options can sleep two adults and two children, an extra bed can be added at an additional cost, and breakfast is free for kids under 10. There are no specific child-themed amenities here, but the thoughtful staff and home-like feel make it a hit with families.