Hotel Molino del Arco
Ronda
A wonderful 4-star hotel with magnificent views at Ronda. The hotel is located in the ´campo´ which means that you are surrounded by olive trees and a lot of space. Yet is Ronda only a 15 minutes drive.
Let´s start at the beginning, from the main road from Ronda to Seville you take the indicated exit to the hotel, following the bumpy ´campo´road (no you will have no problems driving this, experienced or not) you will arrive at the hotel; a beautiful building in cortijo style.
The reception is friendly and welcoming, and they do speak English!
Because of the interior and the many windows the hotel and 21 rooms have a light atmosphere.
Behind the hotel you will find a huge garden, actually it is a small park; laid-out paths, well maintained flowerbeds, a lot of shade, pond, fountains and settees where you can sit down to enjoy all of it. Next to the garden is the pool area, with sun terrace (grass).
From your sunbed you have a great view over the valley to Ronda!
A part of the garden is the kitchen garden where they grow biological vegetables and fruits, which you will find back in the evening on your plate!
During the summermonths (June, July and August) the restaurant is moved outside to the terrace.
And ask for the winelist. There are a few really good bodegas in and around Ronda (also the neighbour has a bodega, at the frontside of the hotel you have a view on his grapes).
For activities, Ronda is very central, you could hike in the Sierra de Grazalema or Sierra de las Nieves (both within 20 minutes driving), less than an hour to the beach, and of course you have to visit Ronda´s famous gorge. As well the oldest bullfight arena of Spain. Ór you just stay at the pool..
This hotel is adding to our offer and price-quality wise really good!
Cons:
• Watch the step in the reception
• The last bit of the road to the hotel is a bit bumpy, but fine for (small) cars
Pros:
• Spaciously laid out
• Light interiors
• Friendly staff
• Beautiful garden and pool area
• Fine cooking
• Only ground Floor
• Magnificent views
Hotel Molino del Arco
facilities
Hotel
- There is a restaurant where you can have dinner.
- Bar.
- Swimming pool.
- Garden.
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi) in every room.
- English-speaking.
- Kids are welcome.
- One room with wheelchair access.
- Lift.
- Pets are welcome.
- The hotel offers a range of excursions.
- Hotel has its own parking facilities (free of charge).
Rooms
Every room has air conditioning, heating, TV, telephone, internet connection and safe.
Fully equipped bathrooms with hairdryer.
The hotel has 21 rooms, including 7 standard double rooms, 6 superior double rooms, 6 junior suites and 2 suites.
Hotel Molino del Arco
surrounding area
Ronda
Ronda has one of the most spectacular settings in all of Southern Spain. Due to this town’s unassailable location, it was one of the last standing Moorish bastions, which only fell in 1485, when it was conquered by the Christians. The town is split in two by a spectacular gorge, with the southern part being the classic Moorish pueblo blanco with cobblestone streets, small fences in front of the windows and whitewashed walls all around. The new town on the other side of the gorge contains the Plaza de Toros (bull ring), the cradle of bullfighting; it was built in 1785 and is one of Spain’s oldest. The bridge that connects the two parts of Ronda, the Puente Nuevo, spans the 100-metre-deep gorge and has become Ronda’s most famous feature, drawing in millions of visitors every year.
Apart from the Plaza de Toros, the Palacio Mondragón is another important sight; this is a palace decorated with original Moorish mosaics and plastering.
About 15 km outside Ronda you will find caves, the Cueva de la Pileta (near Benaoján), with prehistoric paintings.
Active
There are also many options for hearty walks in the surrounding Sierras.
Cultural
Ronda is a great base for a tour past the Pueblos Blancos (white villages), such as Zahara de la Sierra, which sits at the foot of the ruins of a castle, and which was recently proclaimed a national monument. Other splendid white villages are Grazalema, Setenil, Jimena de la Frontera, Gaucín. In these white villages you will be able to get a taste of Spanish country life as it has been for centuries.
Family
Close to Estepona (68 km; 1h 5min) you will find the safari park Selwo Aventura, with about 200 different animal species. Some animals can be seen from a 4x4 safari bus, or you can go on an adventurous walk over the park’s wire bridges (from the higher part of the park down to the bottom).
Nature
Tours by car past the Pueblos Blancos (white villages), on routes that take you through stunning scenery: mountains up to 1600m high, plateaus, valleys and gorges, rivers, waterfalls and reservoirs, forests and orchards.
You can also go for a walk or a hike in the surrounding nature reserves of Sierra de Grazalema, Los Alcornocales and Sierra de las Nieves.
Next to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) the following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Ardales (50km; 55min):
The Embalses de Guadalteba-Guadalhorce are known as Andalucía’s lake district. The embalses are 2 reservoirs, which are surrounded by stunning mountainous and wooded countryside. This is a popular recreation area, with picnic sites and plenty of places where you can go for a swim. And moreover, a great place for walks.
Nearby (in the direction of Alóra) you will also find the Garganta del Chorro, a breathtaking, narrow gorge carved out by the Río Guadalhorce. This gorge is famous for the spectacular path of concrete wire bridges clinging onto the rock face, but unfortunately the path has been closed because it is no longer entirely safe.
Costa del Sol (50km; 1h):
A day at the beach is also an option. The Costa del Sol, with all its beaches, stretches out at only a 1 hour drive from Ronda. The finest beaches are the ones at Marbella, including Babaloo Beach (Puerto Banus) and Victor’s Beach (Marbella).
Marbella (62km; 1h10min):
Marbella’s old town is definitely worth a visit. One of the highlights of your visit will be having a nice outdoor dinner on the Plaza de los Naranjos, the main square, lined with orange trees. After dinner you can stroll through Marbella’s narrow streets and past its many squares.
And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Seville (130km; 2h):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.
Córdoba (170km; 2h40min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.
Granada (190km; 2h30min):
The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll through its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!