La Ermita Suites

La Ermita Suites, a Michelin Key Selected property in Córdoba, Spain, consistently garners high praise from guests, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury. As the only officially designated "Monument Hotel" in Córdoba, it provides an immersive experience within the city's rich past.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for La Ermita Suites is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "magical," "unforgettable," and "perfect." Many reviews highlight the exceptional quality of the hotel, its prime location, and the outstanding service provided by the staff. It's widely considered a "real jewel of Cordoba" and an "excellent hotel choice."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud La Ermita Suites for several key aspects:

• Service & Staff: The staff, including the owner Javier and receptionists like Laura and Ana, are repeatedly praised for being incredibly helpful, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the city, offering excellent recommendations and going the extra mile for guests.
• Location: Its central location in the heart of Córdoba's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a major draw. The hotel is just a minute or two's walk from the Mezquita-Cathedral and other major attractions, yet situated in a quiet square.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel beautifully blends historic architecture with modern, luxurious renovations. Guests appreciate the preservation of original features alongside contemporary design, creating a "gorgeous interior" and a "peaceful" atmosphere. The historic building itself, a fusion of former Islamic, Jewish, and Christian quarters, adds to its unique appeal.
• Amenities: Suites often feature kitchenettes, air conditioning, and comfortable furnishings. The courtyard patio with views of the Mezquita and a fountain is also a highlight.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at La Ermita are described as exceptional, combining comfort with unique historical details.

• Design: Rooms are light, airy, and tastefully outfitted with high ceilings, all-white walls and bedding, oak floors, and exposed stonework, reflecting the building's rich history. Each room boasts a unique detail of the building, with some even displaying parts of an old Roman wall or featuring an ancient well found during refurbishment.
• Comfort: Guests frequently mention the very comfortable beds, premium bedding, and nice showers. Rooms are also soundproofed, ensuring a tranquil stay.
• Amenities: Suites come equipped with air conditioning, kitchenettes (some hidden behind cupboard doors) including a fridge, hob, and microwave, private bathrooms with rain showers, bathrobes, and quality toiletries (e.g., Karl Lagerfeld gel and shampoo), tea/coffee makers, and city views. Some larger suites can accommodate families with sofa beds, and the Penthouse with Private Terrace offers a rooftop terrace with outdoor sofas and a decorative plunge pool. There's also a fully adapted ground-floor suite for guests with limited mobility.

4. Dining Experience

While the hotel has a cafeteria and offers breakfast, the dining setup is unique and highly regarded.

• Breakfast: A lavish buffet breakfast (described as "brunch-like") is available, often served in the restored chapel, sometimes laid out on the altar, or in the pebbled courtyard accompanied by classical music. This "quirkily sacrilegious experience" is often highlighted by guests. The breakfast includes cheeses, hams, smoked salmon, fresh breads, jams, and pastries.
• Cafeteria/Bar: There is a small café, "La Casa del Santero," a historical part of the building, where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks in the open-air courtyard.
• Nearby Options: Given its central location, numerous restaurants and cafes are easily accessible in the Jewish Quarter, offering ample choices for other meals.

5. Service & Staff

The service at La Ermita Suites is consistently rated as exceptional.

• Hospitality: Guests describe the staff as "super kind," "attentive," "helpful," and "extraordinarily" caring. They are praised for providing personalized attention, detailed information about the city's history and culture, and excellent recommendations for activities and dining.
• Owner Engagement: Javier, the owner, is frequently mentioned for his welcoming nature, historical insights into the property, and dedication to guest satisfaction.
• Support: Staff assist with luggage, provide directions, make reservations, and can arrange bespoke visits to monuments, including night tours of the Mezquita, flamenco evenings, and equestrian shows.

6. Location & Accessibility

La Ermita Suites boasts an enviable location for exploring Córdoba.

• Neighborhood: Situated in the heart of Córdoba's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel overlooks the beautiful Plaza de Abades. It's nestled in a quiet square, ensuring a peaceful stay despite its central position.
• Attractions: The Mezquita-Cathedral is just a 1-2 minute walk away, and other significant attractions like the Calahorra Tower, Cordoba Synagogue, Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, and the Jewish Quarter are within easy walking distance.
• Transport: While access to the historic center is restricted for most vehicles, guests can drive up to the hotel to drop off luggage. A public car park is conveniently located about 2-4 minutes' walk away. Córdoba's train station, with high-speed links to Seville, Madrid, and Málaga, is approximately a 7-10 minute taxi ride from the hotel (2.2 km), making it easily accessible by public transport. Seville Airport is about 80-130 km away, with direct bus services to Cordoba's central bus station.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider La Ermita Suites to offer great value, especially considering its prime central location and the high standard of service and accommodation. Rates are reported to start from approximately 140.00 EUR. The hotel also offers booking advantages such as early booking discounts (10% off with free cancellation) and minimum stay offers (12% off for 3 nights minimum).

8. Common Complaints

Finding fault with La Ermita Suites is described as "very difficult" by guests. However, some minor points have been noted:

• Room Size: A few guests have mentioned that some rooms, particularly the Double Deluxe Well (the smallest), can be on the smaller side, though they are cleverly laid out to maximize space.
• Night Reception: The hotel's reception is not staffed at night, but guests find it easy to let themselves in and out.
• On-site Parking: There is no on-site parking, but a public car park is very close by.
• Dining Room Readiness: In the past, some guests noted that the dining room and breakfast setup might not have been fully ready, suggesting alternative eateries nearby. However, recent reviews confirm a comprehensive buffet breakfast experience.
• Child Policy: The hotel has a child policy that may include additional fees for younger guests, as children do not stay free of charge.

Sources

1. laermitasuites.com
2. laermitasuites.com
3. michelin.com
4. booking.com
5. booking.com
6. booking.com
7. booking.com
8. expedia.com
9. hoteles.com
10. i-escape.com
11. secretplaces.com
12. agoda.com
13. cordobabesthotels.com
14. sawdays.co.uk