Hospes Palacio del Bailio

You might have to elicit the help of a local to find Hospes Palacio del Bailio – it’s hidden on a narrow, residential street that’s walking distance from Córdoba’s sights, but isolated enough to cultivate a dreamy, time-traveler’s fantasy. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the former palace is one of the city’s architectural jewels. As a hotel, it retains its historic bones – think stone arches, vaulted ceilings and intricately carved wooden doors – and adds modernist touches, such as the dark gray Sierra Elvira marble that encloses the bathrooms. In the courtyard, Roman columns frame a fantastic swimming pool.