Hotel Cortijo del Marqués – a gorgeous 16th-century farmstead in Granada province – manor house turned up-market, rural hotel. And what a delight it is. Heading off the main Granada to Jaén road you turn off onto a 4km farm track winding through olive groves to the ancient estate where history and relaxation rule.
Only a 20 minute drive from the city mayhem of Granada. Fabulous though the city is, to get away from the city noise into the space and peace of a rural hotel makes a perfect end to a busy day of sightseeing.
On first arrival the approach seems never-ending and a little worrying but as you head deeper into the countryside the reassuring well- spaced out hotel signs show that all is well. Park outside the walls and enter through well-worn stonework and woodwork entryway into the large open patio between what is now the restaurant and the main manor house.
The Cortijo del Marqués offers a getaway from it all, yet close enough location to explore the interior of Andalucia. When you arrive back at the hotel, which feels shorter on subsequent trips, and rather like coming home, you can sample an excellent 3 course dinner – a different menu every day and choose from the fabulous wine list which is lovingly curated and well sampled by host Eilko – local ones from Granada province included.
The pool which rather privately sits behind closed doors off the main patio. It´s setting by the chapel and with countryside views is delightful, add to that a cold beer on a hot afternoon after a swim and relaxing – well it just happens.
The dinner menu is presented at breakfast so you can decide to dine in – you´re not likely to want to venture out again – or ask for any changes, dietary or otherwise. We dined in, the dining room is for guests only and as we were only staying one night we had booked dinner without seeing the menu.
Being a warm evening the restaurant doors were open for semi dining al fresco and being for residents only a friendly-feel prevails.
Dinner that night was
Cream of Almond Soup with Tuna Confit
Fillet of Line-caught Hake with Saffron
Walnut Cake and Spiced Cookie
There are always recommend wines to go with each night´s menu, we chose a different one! We´d spotted in reception a red Muñana from the Altiplano de Granada, it was good so we took a bottle home with us too.
Our room next to the chapel and looking towards the restaurant was the charming Señorial Suite, with lots of original features including hidraulic tiles and claw-feet bath.
Charmed, refreshed and not wanting to leave – but then I wouldn´t be able to return.
See the Hotel Cortijo del Marques website or the Cortijo on Booking.
Cortijo del Marques is also on my Only Spain Boutique Hotel site.
See my Spanish Hotel Reviews page or 36 Hours in Granada, my favourite thing to do in the city after The Alhambra and the Albaicin is the Hammam Baths.