Hotel San Gabriel

To experience true Spanish charm, San Gabriel in the heart of Ronda’s medieval town is the place to go

Tucked down a side street in Ronda's charming historical quarter, the Hotel San Gabriel is a beautiful 18th century townhouse with bags of character. Following a fire about 20 years ago, the Perez family carefully restored the building retaining many period features, while adding a few extras such as the huge wooden staircase bought from the old town hall. Originally their family home, they first opened the doors to paying guests in the late 1990s. Chandeliers, family portraits, stag's heads, carved wooden beds and an exquisite salon create a stately Spanish splendour. But it's small scale and friendly owners ensure a welcoming and cosy atmosphere.

The piece de resistance is San Gabriel’s own miniature cinema where you can sink into plush velvet seats (originally from Ronda's theatre), watch old black and white movies or the latest DVD thriller accompanied by the sound of snooker cues hitting home on the nearby pool table. Other features include a pretty interior courtyard, cafe and cellar bar.

Highs

• Value for money and its position in the old town, close to the main square and the spectacular bridge spanning the Ronda gorge
• The elegant Spanish furnishings without the slightest hint of chintz
• The delightful Perez family - brothers and sister Anna, Jose and Gonzalo - who are utterly charming, young and enthusiastic.
• Watching Casablanca

Lows

• No pool or garden but there is a small courtyard with seating
• Many of the bedrooms are rather dark but this is in keeping with Spanish style
• Parking in the old town is usually a nightmare but at the San Gabriel you can drop your car off outside the hotel and the staff will park it and bring it back when you need it - more a high rather than a low!