Hotel El Convento

“Wonderful panoramic view from the rooms and terrace”

We stopped for a drink on the terrace and took in the fabulous view that this hotel provides. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. We would love to stay there next visit. It was also very quiet and private. Very reasonably priced as well.

“Arcos de la Frontera- - Andalucia unspoiled”

Arcos de la Frontera is the westernmost of the "white towns" in Andalucia, Spain. From our terrace in the Hotel El Convento, almost 500 feet above the Guadalete river, the view is more sublime than spectacular. Olive and orange orchards fill the landscape, the sound of small tractors bouncing off... more

Arcos de la Frontera is the westernmost of the "white towns" in Andalucia, Spain. From our terrace in the Hotel El Convento, almost 500 feet above the Guadalete river, the view is more sublime than spectacular. Olive and orange orchards fill the landscape, the sound of small tractors bouncing off the cliffs beneath us. Flocks of ibis gather on a small island in the river below, preparing for a lingering sunset. The medieval town tumbles down the steep hilside, streets so narrow that rearview mirrors have to be pulled in to navigate them. Tour buses have no place here. There are churches and coutyards and back lanes that harken back to Moorish times and the Reconquest. Sherry tasting in Jerez, walks on the beach in Chipiona and other white hill towns like Zahara and Grazalema are a short drive away. Each day, chairs and tables appear along the narrow streets and small plazas serving fine local wine with civicee and tapas. For desert, a well planned trip to Convento de las Mercedarias Descalzas, a cloistered convent in the middle of town, will reward you with fresh baked cookies. The nun behind smoked glass will listen to your order and accept your money sent around on a turntable where your cookies will soon arrive. Five nights in this quiet 1000 year old gem was just enough to experience Andalucia as it may have been.

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“Quaint and Charming!”

Our first visit to the Andalucia area with our first stop in Arcos de la Frontera. The El Convento Hotel was quaint, cozy and very welcoming. Our room had a huge balcony overlooking the valley though it was very cold this visit so we were unable to enjoy the outdoors. Staff were kind and helpful... more

Our first visit to the Andalucia area with our first stop in Arcos de la Frontera. The El Convento Hotel was quaint, cozy and very welcoming. Our room had a huge balcony overlooking the valley though it was very cold this visit so we were unable to enjoy the outdoors. Staff were kind and helpful. Parking was available at their sister hotel, the Hotel Los Olivos, for 8 Euros a day-very reasonable. Highly recommend staying here!

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“Basic, friendly small hotel with nice views”

We got lucky when we requested the Rick Steves room. It's a basic double-bedded room with a large outdoor terrace that we used every evening as the sun set. (Too hot with direct sun during the day.) When choosing a room, note that terraces are large, but balconies are miniscule (Juliet size). The... more

We got lucky when we requested the Rick Steves room. It's a basic double-bedded room with a large outdoor terrace that we used every evening as the sun set. (Too hot with direct sun during the day.) When choosing a room, note that terraces are large, but balconies are miniscule (Juliet size). The view is sublime on the edge of the cliff. Noise from the hallway or other rooms can be bothersome, but Arcos is generally quiet except for the inescapable church bells. Breakfast is included if you book directly, but it only consists of a toasted roll & spreads, OJ, & coffee/tea; more is available for additional charge, but we found it was sufficient. You will find yourself walking the same route around town if you're there more than a day, but the people are very friendly. Especially wonderful is Sofia at the front desk every afternoon & evening. She enjoys helping guests & always has a ready smile to light up the room. (I think she secretly enjoys practicing her English too.) There's not much to do in Arcos, so bring a book, buy some sweet goodies from the cloistered nuns next door through their lazy-susan, & consider this a vacation from your vacation. (We hired a driver to take us around Grazalema & Zahara for a half day.) Be sure to dine outdoors at the wonderful Jovenes Flamencos on the road into the upper town; no view except for people-watching, but the food is terrific.

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