Hotel San Gabriel

The Hotel San Gabriel is situated in the very heart of the old quarter of Ronda, known as La Ciudad. Built in 1736, this historic Andalusian mansion house with its coat-of-arms set into the handsome stone façade offers 21 rooms exquisitely decorated to retain the authentic Spanish flavour that is the San Gabriel. This is a house of true quality.

In the guest rooms, the traditional style has been complemented by modern comforts whilst every care has been taken to preserve the original character of the building. Each room has a fully equipped bathroom, central heating, air conditioning, TV and minibar. There is an abundance of carved wooden furniture and sumptuous fabrics, while some rooms have a carved screen, or stone pillars, or a decorative ceiling, or carved wooden beams.

There's plenty of space in the lounge, and a library corner with a whole host of books to look and read. Another corner has a computer where guests can catch up on the outside world. San Gabriel offers an intimate little café-bar that serves breakfast in the morning, and drinks are available from the honesty bar throughout the day. The wine cellar is also a cosy little place to take an aperitif before going out to dinner.

There is a quiet little patio with plants and a fountain, so peaceful that one guest was moved to write "for a moment, at least, you can almost hear Spain's heartbeat." Uniquely, this hotel also has its own tiny cinema, complete with seats that once adorned the grand theatre in the centre of Ronda.

Meals

Ana and José Manuel say modestly, "We only have a cafe." True, but it is an elegant room in which to take breakfast or an evening drink. There's an honesty bar open throughout the day. For dinner, the hotel is only a minute away from a variety of excellent restaurants and a multiplicity of tapas bars.

The standard breakfast is a generous affair in the Spanish tradition, with fruit, juices, bread, pastries, conserves, hams, cheeses and a generous portion of et cetera. Cooked breakfast in a more English tradition is available at a small extra charge.

Out and About

Walking, hiking, climbing, caving, horse-riding, trekking, cycling, hot-air ballooning, canoeing, white-water rafting, golf, light aircraft trips.

Ronda itself offers an attractive historic town to explore, with the oldest bullring in Spain and frequent exhibitions of painting and sculpture. The highlight is, of course, the astonishing Tajo Gorge and the bridge that spans it, but wander some of the back streets for some special treats.

The Serrania de Ronda is an area of outstanding natural beauty, ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Ronda is surrounded by four national parks, all within easy distance.
Take a drive through the Pueblos Blancos, the typical sugar-cube villages of Andalucía.

The beaches of the Costa Del Sol are less than an hour away, and that is a beautiful drive too, on easy roads.

There are several caverns around the area that are open to the public.

The smallest rooms, with a small double bed, so especially suitable for a guest travelling alone. No skimping on the decor though.

The standard double rooms are large, with a choice of twin beds or a double. Lots of carved wood, tapestry fabrics decorative novelties.

In many hotels, these large rooms would be called a Junior Suite. Each one is so different that they are hard to describe, but they all share lots of traditional design features and a sitting area.

Large rooms with a separate sitting area. Look out for the abundant drapes, carved wood, possibly a stone pillar or two, and exotic lamps. Choice of twin beds or a double bed.

Quality and luxury are everywhere. The private salon is adorned with wood panelling, a gilt mirror, marble and sumptuous fabrics. There is a glorious ceiling over the bed and the bathroom is magnificent.