Hotel Rural Cortijo la Alberca

What can I say that hasn't already been said? A wonderful oasis of peace and tranquility run by the unobtrusive but always attentive Celeste whose smile and gentle attention put a smile on my elderly father's face every day. Wonderful home cooked meals, should you wish, by Celeste's mother and a relaxing atmosphere meant it was a pleasure to return there at the end of a day's excursion. On occasion, I started my day by a run up the local road towards the next village 3 kms away and 300 metres higher (or rather a run and then walk after the first few hundred metres..) and a jog back down the road, meeting next to no traffic along the way. In fact, I met more intrepid cyclists (and a couple of other runners) than I did vehicles during those jaunts . On another day, I rambled across country uphill towards the village of Huebro, inhabited by less than three dozen inhabitants.. With what I came to realise was typical of Celeste's self deprecating humour, when I told her I had read all these incredibly positive reviews about her she smiled and commented that people will write just anything these days! Definitely worth another visit!

Celeste, the lady who runs the cortijo, welcomes you with her very personal and warm approach.The farmhouse, which has over 200 years of age, was renovated entirely and with the greatest respect of traditions and style. The rooms are located in separate buildings, such as the stables, and newly built pavillions. They all have the necessary comfort, such as good beds, rainshowers, a refrigerator, etc. There is no airco, but who needs this in a room with thick walls, small windows and natural building freshness? The swimming pool, located at the central patio has the atmosphere of a Roman, or Moor's bath, and is decorated in terra cotta syle. Three fountains provide the pool of ecologically warmed up water. Surrounding the pool are the dinner tables and lounge chairs on the terrace. The whole terrace is expiring the Moorish atmosphere, and vineleaves are providing the welcome shadows. What makes this hotel so valuable is the outstanding kindness and helpfulness of the host, Celeste. She simply makes you feel at home, adresses you with your first name and seems to know when you are thirsty or in need of something. Her friendliness is genuine and heartwarming. I would like to rate this accomodation 11/10 !