How to Find Hotels in Cordoba, Spain

Estimated at one time to be the largest city in the world next to Constantinople, Cordoba was founded in ancient Roman times. Located in Andalusia in southern Spain, Cordoba is a much more modest city these days, but evidence of its past glory is everywhere.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Passport

Find Accommodations in Cordoba, Spain

1. To book these or any accommodations, contact Cordoba 24 at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
2. Awake to the smell of fresh flowers. Cordoba is famous for its beautiful patio gardens, and many of the city's small, privately-run hotels feature particularly spectacular examples. These accommodations should run you less than $150 per night.
3. Try one of the city's several hostels. Be warned, however, that they can be more expensive than in other parts of Spain, costing from $20 to $40 per night.
4. Experience life in ancient Rome. Some of Cordoba's finer hotels are housed in exquisitely restored, historic buildings that offer fabulous views of the Roman Bridge, Roman Temple and other old-world wonders.
5. Stay at a luxury hotel in Cordoba if your budget permits. While not cheap, such accommodations can usually be found for less than $300 per night. Typically, the best location within the city is "old town," where you will be within close proximity to Cordoba's best historical sites.

Get to Cordoba, Spain

6. Fly into any major city in Spain, preferably Madrid or Seville.
7. Take one of the high-speed trains from Madrid or Seville to Cordoba.
8. Use the city's bus system to get from the train station to your hotel.

Enjoy Cordoba, Spain

9. Visit the Mezquita. Once the third largest mosque in the world, it is now rededicated as a cathedral for Christians in the city.
10. Walk across the Roman Bridge to get a spectacular view not only of the city, but also of the surrounding olive groves and wheat fields.
11. See the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, which is located next to the Mezquita. Built in the 14th century for the Christian monarchs of the time, this fortress now offers a perfect place to relax and unwind inside Cordoba.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• During the Festival of the Patios in May, prices for accommodations in Cordoba may skyrocket, with even the hostels charging as much as $100 per night.
• It can get very hot in Cordoba during the summer, with many days getting warmer than 100 degrees F. Bring plenty of water wherever you go, and always wear sunscreen.
• Since there is no existing international airport in Cordoba, and since air travel options are limited in the area, it's best to travel to one of the other major cities in Spain first.
• Parking is difficult and expensive in the city, something you should consider before renting a car in Cordoba.
• Pickpockets, as well as car thieves, are prevalent in Cordoba, as in the rest of Spain. Always keep an eye on your belongings and never leave anything in a parked car.