Overview
In the heart of the astonishing walled city of Cuenca, perched on the edge of the dramatic Huecar gorge, this fascinating (17th building, declared a site of cultural importance, has been welcoming guests since 1983 when it was transformed into the delightful hotel it is today by its present English owner.
Built in 1621 by the family of the court painter Juan Bautista Martinez del Mazo, son-in-law of the great Velasquez, and then the school for the young choristers of the magnificent gothic Cathedral, its wonderful crumbling doorway, takes you into a magical world of the past.
Multi-levelled, it is a labyrinth of staircases taking you up and down and across. Sensitively decorated with contemporary paintings, ancient prints and artefacts and traditionally furnished, blending in with the beamed ceilings and rustic tiled floors, the whole effect creates a homely and cosy feel.
Each of the comfortable ensuite bedrooms are different - some have balconies or terraces with stunning views of the gorge, some a four poster bed, but all have a very special touch.
The hotel also has an attractive little restaurant, serving tempting regional specialities, in the dining room, where breakfast is also served, with the most spectacular view of the surroundings.
Perhaps most importantly is the warm reception and attentive, friendly service you will receive from staff who will ensure your stay is a memorable one.
Accommodation details
There are twenty two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, four of which are superior doubles, sixteen are twin/ doubles and two are singles, all distributed on different floors.
All of the bedrooms are different, but are painted white, have rustic tiled floors and some have beamed ceilings. They are comfortably furnished in classical, traditional style in keeping with the building. They have heating, a T.V. a hairdryer and toiletries.
Superior doubles: (4) Spacious rooms with comfortable sitting areas. King size bed and a sofa bed. They have either a balcony or a terrace overlooking the gorge or the garden. There are tea/coffee making facilities and the bathrooms have a bath, massage shower and double washbasin. Bathrobes are provided.
Doubles/twins: (16) All the rooms are different. Some have 4 poster beds.
Doubles and twins with a view: They either have a terrace, a balcony or French windows overlooking the Huecar river gorge. The bathrooms have a bath with overhead shower.
Doubles: They do not have a direct view of the gorge, but their windows or balconies overlook the garden or the Cathedral rooftops. The bathrooms have a bath with an overhead shower.
Singles: (2) They either overlook the garden or the gorge. The bathrooms have a bath with a shower overhead.
Cots and extra beds can be provided.
Hotel features
24 hour reception
Restaurant
Terrace
Garden
Sitting area
Free Wifi
Pets allowed on request
Laundry service (additional charge)
Massage service (additional charge)
Restaurant
A buffet breakfast (no hot dishes) is served in the cosy dining room on the lower floor with breathtaking views overlooking the gorge. In warmer months breakfast can be taken on the terrace there if wished.
Breakfast includes locally sourced products - fresh bread, homemade cakes and pastries, cereals, fruits, fruit juices, yogurts, cold meats and cheeses, freshly percolated coffee..
The hotel has its own restaurant serving tapas and typical regional dishes, delicious salads, local cheeses and homemade desserts. Traditional, home cooking with a modern touch. Good choice of regional wines and bottled and draught beers. It is open from 19.00 - 22.30 (Tues - Sats) 13.00 - 15.30 (Sats and Suns). Closed on Sunday evening and all day Monday.
There are other restaurants within easy walking distance. Also in the lower part of town in Calle San Francisco there is a row of typical mesones (each one with its own character) where you can sample all kinds of local delicacies! Highly recommended!