We chose to stay in B&Bs wherever possible. (Ronda was the exception.) We hoped that having a personal connection would give us access to information and suggestions that were out of the way or had local flavor. That proved to be true in every case.

 

Seville

B&B Case Alfareria 59
Alfareria 59, Triana, Seville, 41010 ES

The Good:

• Location in Triana, an easy walk to Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, ceramics shops, the old city (Santa Cruz)
• Hosts Carlo and Rosa were spectacular. Each is fluent in several languages and is happy to help with directions, suggestions, calling cabs, bus schedules, etc.
• Rooms were comfortable and well equipped
• Breakfast was a treat–many local specialties (especially cheeses, confections, and meats), fruits, and fresh squeezed orange juice
• Excellent wifi connection throughout

The Bad:

• Nothing at all. Highly recommended.

 

 

Ronda

El Poeta de Ronda (hotel)
Tenorio, 1, Ronda, 29400 ES

The Good:

• Extraordinarily beautiful and comfortable rooms. Felt like staying in a museum.
• Very quiet at all hours.
• Convenient location half a block from La Puente Nueve

The Bad:

• Wifi was a bit wonky. Had we stayed longer this would have been a problem.

 

 

Granada

Casa Bombo B&B
Calle Aljibe de Trillo, 22, 18010 Granada ES

The Good:

• Location in the Albayzin (old Moorish quarter) with a direct view of Alhambra from the deck and from some rooms. (Ours was one. Spring for the extra bucks for a view room and fall asleep looking at the Alhambra.)
• Patio and deck were lavishly furnished with pillows and mattresses, places to eat, and a small swimming pool
• Lots of common areas, including access to the kitchen if you want to cook.
• Alexandra and the other hosts were pleasant and very helpful with directions and suggestions
• Excellent wifi connections
• Good breakfasts. Especially if you take them on the patio in the shadow of the Alhambra…

The Bad:

• If you don’t like long, steep uphill walks through narrow cobblestone streets, Casa Bombo might not be for you. The Albayzin is a crazy quilt of streets, houses, cafés, and shops with surprises around every corner. We loved it and would stay there again in a heartbeat. But if you can’t (or won’t) climb the equivalent of 25 or so flights of stairs in a day, look elsewhere. Buses and taxis cannot navigate to the facility, although taxis can get within a few blocks. You’ll still end up walking.

 

 

Madrid

Artistic B&B
Lope de Vega 11 Piso 3, Madrid ES

The Good:

• Extraordinary location–two blocks from the Prado, the Thyssen, and the Reina Sofia, three blocks to the Atocha train station. Easy access to pedestrian-only streets and a 15-2o minute walk from the Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
• Paolo and Rudolfo are excellent hosts, happy to provide maps and suggestions.
• Very nice, large room, comfortable bed and extra pillows. Furnished in the Spanish tradition of bright colors and bold designs.
• Excellent breakfast.

The Bad:

• WiFi, which is very good from the common area, was poor from our room.
• Four flights of stairs to reach the B&B. Not an issue for us, but if you have problems with stairs look elsewhere.