The Hostal Alcázar is on Calle San Basilio, one minute on foot from the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, in the middle of the San Basilio patio district. The family who runs it has been in the neighbourhood for generations and knows every alley. That local knowledge turns out to be genuinely useful when you're trying to find where Córdobans actually eat.
The Rooms
Simple, clean, air-conditioned — all with private bathrooms. Some rooms look out over the historic quarter's lanes. There is a small interior patio to sit in during the hot afternoon hours. Sheets changed every 3 days, towels daily. Everything is maintained carefully; nothing is pretending to be more than a good guesthouse.
San Basilio
Most tourists walk straight from the train station to the Mezquita and never find this neighbourhood. San Basilio has award-winning patios during the May Festival, quiet streets, and local restaurants at prices that reflect the fact that they're catering to Córdobans, not visitors. The Mezquita-Catedral is 10 minutes on foot through medieval streets. The Alcázar gardens and the Roman Bridge are 2 minutes away.
Rates
Rooms from €32/night. The location score on booking platforms is 9.6/10. For budget travellers who don't want to sacrifice either location or quality, this is one of the most sensible choices in Córdoba.
