Calle Magistral Gonzalez Frances 15-17, Cordoba, Spain | (888) 576-2577
Excellent location in historic quarter, many shops and eateries within a short walk
Great views of Mosque of Cordoba from some rooms
Ancient ruins under hotel visible through glass floors and walls
Good, varied breakfast buffet included in rate
Restaurant serves authentic Andalusian cuisine
Leafy private courtyard for enjoying meals, drinks, and live music
Spotless, air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi, satellite TVs, and minibars
Convenient underground car park (for a fee)
Extensive meeting and event space
Decor is generic and outdated
Some rooms get lots of interior and street noise
Narrow, ancient streets make hotel difficult to reach by car
No pool or workout facilities
On-site parking is limited
With a central location in Cordoba's old Jewish quarter, the two-and-a-half pearl Eurostars Conquistador earns high marks for convenience and walkability to eateries, shops, and historic sites. And while this 128-room property's dated interiors won't win any style awards, its carefully preserved Roman ruins under glass and orange blossom-scented courtyard lend charm to the drab, chain-hotel decor. An on-site restaurant specializes in Andalusian cuisine, which, like the breakfast buffet, is served outdoors during fine weather. Rooms are clean and functional, although thin walls and street noise can bother some guests. Drivers should note that underground parking can be limited, and GPS directions to the hotel can be confusing. Travelers seeking a more luxurious (and slightly pricier) stay might consider the Hospes Palacio del Bailio, which features stylish rooms, a spa, and two pools.
Scene
Historic hotel with some interesting Old World accents and a pet turtle
This three-story hotel sits on a cobblestone street directly across from the Mosque of Cordoba. The Old World lobby features classical columns, coffered ceilings, and furnishings upholstered in stately golds and reds. An accent wall depicts the ancient city in stained-glass shades of blue, gold, and green. Nearby, a passageway with transparent floors reveals part of the archaeological site underneath the property. A lobby bar features Moroccan influences in its mosaic octagonal tables and punched-tin lanterns.The pebbled central courtyard is surrounded by curved Moorish arches and fragrant plantings. White Victorian-style tables and chairs surround a small central fountain, where a large pet turtle meanders among the trees and shrubs. Guests are mostly couples on vacation, though families are also drawn to the low rates and central location.
Location
In the heart of Cordoba's historic quarter, directly across from the Mosque-Cathedral
The Eurostars Conquistador is in Cordoba's old Jewish quarter, a historic area of narrow, cobblestoned streets and multicultural UNESCO World Heritage sites. The famed Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is directly across the street, and the 12th-century Calahorra Tower is within a 10-minute walk. Many of the city's renowned restaurants, including Caballo Rojo, Churrasco, Puerta Sevilla, and Casa Pepe are also within walking distance. The train station is within a 30-minute drive, while the airport is six miles away. The hotel is accessible by car, though it can be difficult to find via GPS. Underground parking is available for an extra fee.
Rooms
Slightly dowdy rooms with marble baths; some with balcony views
Rooms are neat and traditionally furnished with mosaic tile floors, damask bedspreads, and wooden built-in closets. Cream painted cabinets hold mini-fridges and satellite TVs. Junior Suites feature living areas decorated with velvet sofas and '70s-era chrome-and-glass furniture. Some suites have king-size beds and views of the mosque or courtyard from walk-out balconies. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Comfortable marble baths come with bidets, large vanity sinks, and tub/shower combos behind glass half-walls. Thin walls and street noise might bother some guests.
Features
Glimpses of Roman ruins, a leafy courtyard, authentic restaurant, four event rooms, parking, and free Wi-Fi
A major feature of the Eurostars Conquistador is its proximity to the Mosque of Cordoba, said to be the second-largest mosque in the world. In fact, the hotel is so close to this 15th-century site that part of the structure is on view within the hotel, encased under glass. Another historic aspect of the property is its traditional Andalusian patio, where guests can enjoy buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails when the weather is good, accompanied by seasonal live music. The hotel's Almenara restaurant offers a variety of Cordoban specialties as well as international cuisine. The restaurant's formal dining room features a glass wall overlooking a section of the mosque. The hotel can accommodate work events and family celebrations for 20 to 200 people in four salons decorated with Mozarabic mosaics. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though there is a fee for breakfast and limited underground parking.