Hospes Palacio de Bailío
Córdoba, Spain[view map]
Reviewed by Mr & Mrs Smith.
Mr & Mrs Smith have just got back from a review trip to this Córdoba boutique hotel, and just as soon as they’ve unpacked their bags, a full account of their stay in Spain will be with you. In the meantime, just to whet your wanderlust, here’s a quick postcard from historic hideaway Hospes Palacio del Bailío…
Hundreds of illustrious sleepers have laid their heads under the high roofs of the Palacio del Bailío since it first insinuated itself into Córdoba’s skyline in the 16th century. It’s palpably littered with history: Roman ruins, carved Moorish gates, Tuscan-inspired frescoes and 16th-century Spanish architecture create a cultural hodgepodge of heritage, yanked into the present by sculptural chandeliers and smart contemporary furniture. The palace’s modern makeover is down to the same designer as Neri Hotel in Barcelona, so look out for similar combinations of understated textures, fabrics, and finishes throughout. However, with architecture this impressive and intricate Califal artwork around every marble corner, there’s no need for overzealous contemporanea, and the hotel wisely lets its history speak for itself. Like all Hospes retreats, the Palacio del Bailío comes with a stomach-sating Senzone restaurant and a soul-smoothing Bodyna spa, but even the excellent Andalucían cuisine and mixed-temperature thermal baths can’t distract you for long from what is, fundamentally, the best-looking place in town.