Spend Your Vacation at Spain's Best Inns, Hotels

Written By Chouhab on samedi 24 janvier 2009 | 08:49

By Tess Kirkpatrick

Spain is a place of romance and mystery, where Hemingway ran with the bulls and where Don Quixote encountered adventure after adventure. Travelers to this exciting country will find plenty to do and see.

Whether you choose to stick to the large cities of Madrid or Barcelona or you prefer to spend your time exploring other areas of this immense nation, there's plenty to see and do. Even if you do plan to stay mainly in Madrid, consider adding a side trip to Toledo or a small village to get another view of Spanish life. If you want to bask in the Mediterranean sun, you can pick any number of picturesque villages by the sea or stay mainly in Barcelona.

On her comprehensive website, travel writer Karen Brown has created several unique itineraries for visitors to Spain. They encompass both big city travel and sites off the beaten path. In addition to these helpful travel ideas, Karen Brown readers have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as the best in Spain:

If budget is a consideration, and it often is these days, consider a stay at Posada de San Jose in Cuenca, an ancient walled city southeast of Madrid. Posada de San Jose offers plenty of old world charm with its restored tile floors, exposed beams and thick, stucco walls. Most of the rooms offer views across the Huecar Gorge. The restaurant offers breakfast, light dinners and tapas. The inn was the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award for "Greatest Value" in Spain.

Benaojan, a tiny hamlet just outside of the town of Ronda, is a perfect little spot from which to enjoy much of the Spanish region of Andalusia. Molino del Santo, a historic inn, offers plenty of ambiance and good cuisine. Located in what was an old grain and olive mill and set on acres of gardens, the inn offers simple and tastefully appointed guest rooms, many of which boast a terrace. The inn's restaurant offers al fresco dining with garden views and after hours of exploring the area, a glass of wine on the terrace is a perfect ending to your day. Molino del Santo was chosen as the recipient of Spain's "Warmest Welcome" award by Karen Brown's readers.

High up in the heart of the Pyrenees is the hidden treasure of Cal Teixdo, a quaint, country inn located in the village of Estamariu. The accommodations are found in what once was an old farm. The guest rooms are named for herbs and are decorated in a pleasing country style. The views of the surrounding countryside and mountains are excellent. The inn's restaurant is located in what once was the old hayloft, and features more than 200 local wines on the menu. The reception area and a bar are found in the restored barn. The area is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of walking, hiking, golfing and bicycling opportunities. Guests can even tour the area by hot air balloon. This historic inn was named by Karen Brown readers as Spain's "Most Romantic" Lodging.

At Barcel la Bobadilla, guests can pamper and enjoy themselves to their heart's content. This stunning boutique hotel is really a full-service resort with a spa, vast grounds and wonderful, spacious guest rooms and suites. Book a massage or beauty treatment, soak in the Jacuzzi or enjoy the outdoors in the swimming pool, which is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. There are several restaurants, La Finca is especially recommended and known for its inventive cuisine. The hotel is located in the province of Granada and if you do decide that you wish to venture off the 1,000-acre grounds, there are plenty of unique attractions, including The Alhambra, Spain's oldest and best preserved Arab palace. Barcel la Bobadilla was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers' Choice Award for best "Splendid Splurge" in Spain.

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