Hotel La Finca Mercedes
Cazorla
There are so many unassuming hotels that you pass on your trails and never take any notice of, and whose existence will forever be unknown to you, which is quite a shame. Finca Mercedes is one of those places, but turns out to be a true gem in all its simplicity when you take a closer look. This is an unpretentious hotel near the lovely village of Cazorla, which earned its listing among the other gems on this site because it is spotless and very well maintained, and because behind the hotel extends a fine terrace area that offers amazing views of the sierra filled with olive trees, which is topped off with a large swimming pool.
The hotel has 11 rooms, of which some have a private terrace with the same great views. Rooms are all spick-and-span as standard, no more, no less. Owner Mercedes is an energetic and enthusiast person that will make you feel at ease. And she is also a great cook, which she shows every afternoon in the hotel’s restaurant, which fills up with locals for lunch every day, in other words: great food!! The price/quality ratio is excellent here, a good meal is also very reasonably priced.
In these stunning surroundings you will not struggle to find something to do and have a good time for a few days.
Cons:
• Considering the class it is categorized in, we do not see any negatives.
Pros:
• Excellent price / quality ratio
• Great location
• Very friendly and enthusiast owner
Hotel La Finca Mercedes
facilities
Hotel
- There is a restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner.
- Bar.
- Swimming pool.
- Garden.
- Hotel has an internet connection.
- Children are welcome.
- No rooms with wheelchair access.
- No lift.
- Pets are not welcome.
- Hotel has its own parking facilities right outside the entrance.
- The hotel is a 2-minute drive from Cazorla.
Rooms
Every room has air conditioning, heating, TV and its own balcony or terrace with a great view.
Simple but clean bathrooms.
Hotel has 11 rooms.
Hotel La Finca Mercedes
surrounding area
Cazorla
The town of Cazorla is right in the middle of the nature reserve with the same name. This small town is impressively set at a height of 900m jammed between rugged rocks. A walk through its narrow, steep streets lined with whitewashed houses up to the Plaza de Corredera and the Plaza Santa Maria (Cazorla’s centre) is a very nice way of spending a day indeed. Higher up you will find the Moorish Castillo de la Yedra, which houses a folklore museum. And even further up you will find the remnants of the La Iruela fortress.
Active
Walks, treks, 4x4 excursions, trips by bike or on horseback are all possible in the Parque Natural de Cazorla y Segura.
Culinary
The Jaén province is Andalucía's main olive oil producing area. This is where 10% of the world’s olive oil is produced. So be sure to go for a tasting session at an olive oil co-op.
Cultural
The sister towns of Úbeda and Baeza are great places for a cultural outing within the province.
Nature
The town of Cazorla is the base from which to explore the nature reserve with the same name.
The Parque Natural de Cazorla y Segura opens up outside Cazorla, and has dense forests, wild streams and many wild animals. This nature reserve is a paradise for people looking to fill their vacation with exciting activities. The Cazorla tourist office and/or visitor centre of the nature reserve offer extensive information in walks, treks, trips by bike or on horseback, hunting, water sports and excursions in a 4x4.
And you can also go on a panoramic drive (one day) from Cazorla.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Úbeda (48km; 55min):
Úbeda, which sits on top of a ridge, is a model of renaissance architecture. The Plaza de Vázquez de Molina is the finest jewel in its crown of elegant palaces and churches. The narrow streets of the old town contrast sharply with the modern part of Úbeda, which stretches out to the north of the Plaza de Andalucía.
Sights in the old town include the aforementioned Plaza de Vázquez de Molina, with a 13th Century church, Iglesia de Santa María de los Reales Alcázares, and Úbeda's most famous church, the Sacra Capilla del Salvador. Other interesting buildings on this square are the Cárcel del Obispo (former Episcopal prison), the Antiguo Pósito (former grain warehouse) and the Palacio del Marqués de Mancera.
Other sights are the Plaza del Primero de Mayo and the Santa Clara convent.
Baeza (55 km; 1h):
Baeza is surrounded by olive groves, and was the first city in Al-Andalus to be conquered by the Christians. This conquest was followed by a period of medieval splendour. Examples are the Plaza de Santa Maria with the cathedral, and the architectural masterpiece Palacio de Jabalquinto (Gothic palace) is a little further down the road. Other sights include the Alhóndiga (old grain exchange), Antigua de Carnecería (former slaughterhouse) and the Fuente de los Leones (lions’ fountain).
And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Granada (150km; 2h20min):
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!
Córdoba (190km; 2h35min):
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.