Balcon De Cordoba — Hotel in Córdoba

This is another luxurious but small hotel, hidden in the most central, historic part of town.

Location: it’s in the old Jewish quarter of Córdoba, within a stone’s throw of the Mezquita-Catedral. The street in front is so narrow that some taxis don’t even want to go in, but from the corner near the Mezquita where taxis can easily stop, it’s only a very short walk. Originally, the building was a convent and after several incarnations, it’s now this boutique, luxury hotel with only 10 rooms. The location is prime not only because it’s close to all the main sights but also because its secluded enough to provide a welcome respite from the sometimes madding crowd outside.

Physical plant: My room is Anihita, which is on the top floor and is one of the most spacious at 800 square feet. It sports not just one but two terraces. The sitting area is almost separate from the bedroom, very comfortable and welcoming. I spent many (hot) afternoons and evenings there. The bathroom is spacious and quite pleasant. All this luxurious spaciousness in the middle of old Córdoba where even the streets are too narrow for many cars to squeeze through. Some reviewers have complained about noise. Here’s my take. First, if you’ve decided to stay in these old-quarter hotels, you’ll just have to adapt to life there. Even in a fully renovated hotel like this one, fitted with new double-pane windows, there’s no way to block out all the noise from such a dense neighborhood. Second, you’ll just have to adapt to the Spanish lifestyle, which means going to bed late and getting up late. The climate in Andalusia just makes this a necessity. Guests who want to go to bed around 9-10 PM will hear street noise, especially if it’s Friday or Saturday. The other remark about Anihita is that it’s right under the hotel’s terrace restaurant and the elevator is right outside. Restaurant guests and wait staff will use this elevator during dinner, which in Spain runs late into the night. Also, there will be noise coming from the restaurant. Again, those who go to bed early most likely will complain. I had gotten used to the Spanish rhythm by the time I arrived in Córdoba so I had no issue with this sort of noise. Perhaps in a room on a lower floor, the restaurant noise would be less? Myriam is right below Anihita so maybe it’s quieter there? The restaurant is split into three sitting areas, indoor near the kitchen, out in the patio, and in the rooftop terrace. There are actually another smaller patio in the back where there’s a “hidden” door that leads to a tiny backstreet. All these common areas are deliciously pleasant.

Service and food: The folks at the front desk are stellar in their service. Restaurant recommendations and reservations were competently provided. Advice regarding various sights and activities was also top notch. The wait staff during breakfast and dinner are super nice and pleasant. I had two light dinners, both delicious. I admire the kitchen staff for churning out such good food from their tiny kitchen. I also admire the wait staff for going in up and down the elevator and the stairs to serve guests on the terrace during dinner. From what I can see, this restaurant is highly sought after by visitors and locals alike.

Altogether a delectable...

Construction noise starts at 6:30am

Be sure to have management’s guarantee that there is no construction when you book. Otherwise, when you are awoken at 6:30am to the noise of hammering, drilling, and the shattering of concrete, nothing will be done.

The noise will be extremely loud and impossible to sleep through. It will continue for a few hours, hours during which you alternate between trying to sleep and trying to get management to help. The front desk will not be surprised by your complaint. They will say that workers always start early in the summer. They will insist that, unfortunately, nothing can be done. Nothing. The room will not be discounted. The stay will not be refunded. In fact, management will not care at all.. They will make absolutely no effort to rectify the situation or to compensate you for your €360/night room. You will give them every opportunity to make things right, since you don’t want to leave a bad review. They will simply repeat that nothing can be done.

The noise from the hotel’s restaurant ends around 12:30am, so if you only need 6 hours of sleep, you will be fine. What a shame. Balcon de Cordoba is otherwise a beautiful hotel. It’s too bad that they do not care about...

The moment you enter this charming hotel you are welcomed as if you are coming home. From the reception staff, the servers, housekeeping…everyone is committed to your enjoyable stay. I knew at our first visit that this would be the place to host my husband and my 20th wedding anniversary event and we couldn’t have made a better choice. We celebrated last weekend but had planned for months. The setting, food and the fabulous rooftop deck made everything so memorable. |Even our weekend stays are elevated when we are there. Each room has flowers, fresh fruit-all the special touches. We’ve stayed here at least 5 times and are always looking forward to our next visit.|What I especially love is that we see the same group of dedicated staff who take great pride in their work. Special shout out to Sara Cano who dealt with my numerous emails regarding our event, including helping us secure transportation, reservations at outside restaurants, live entertainment etc.|Even if you are staying somewhere else in town I urge you to stop by this enchanting hotel for a drink or dessert on their rooftop. The views of the Mesquita and the river, especially at sunset are magical. This place...