Tucked down a side street in Ronda's charming historical quarter, the Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel is an 18th-century townhouse with bags of character and elegant good looks. Following a fire many years ago, a 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 a family home, the building first opened its the doors to paying guests in the late 1990s. Chandeliers, family portraits, stags' heads, carved wooden beds and an exquisite salon create a stately Spanish splendour. But its small scale, friendly owners and congenial staff balance that with a genuinely welcoming and cosy atmosphere.
The unexpected pièce de resistance is San Gabriel’s own miniature cinema, where you can sink into plush velvet seats (originally they came from the town theatre), to watch old black and white movies or perhaps Zeffirelli's Carmen which was filmed on location in Ronda. Other features include a pretty interior courtyard, a library, a café and a cellar bar.
Highs
- The perfect position in the old quarter, close to streetside eateries, the Mondragon (and other) palaces, and the spectacular bridge over the gorge
- It's still family run, and the staff are utterly charming and enthusiastic
- Some bedrooms have ancient arches or canopied double beds
- We loved watching Carmen in the hotel's charming little cinema room
- Great value for a hotel in the heart of old Ronda
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 there’s a public carpark 5 minutes away and hotel guests receive a special daily rate
- This is an old building, whose thick walls mean patchy WiFi
Best time to go
Any time as Ronda is a city of great interest and beauty. Spring and autumn are the best months for walking. At the height of summer it can be very hot whilst the weather in winter is unpredictable, although by travelling at this time of year you'll escape the day trippers who come in droves during the town's peak season.
Our top tips
Concentrate your sightseeing activities immediately after breakfast or from about 5pm in the afternoon. By doing this you'll avoid the crowds of day trippers who pitch up in droves from the nearby Costa. You could dedicate the middle part of your Ronda day to a hike on one of several waymarked routes leading out from the town, or a trip out to see a few of the surrounding Pueblos Blancos.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
The hotel was lovely. Traditional Spanish style with lovely hallway entrance, sweeping stairs and balcony landings. It was wonderfully situated in the heart of the old town so access by foot was easy. No onsite parking but very convenient parking that we were directed to and provided with a discount card that significantly reduced the price. We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a superior room, which was simple but clean and full of character and with a small balcony. I was travelling with my adult daughter and had requested a twin room; the beds were however a bit narrow so on reflection we may have been more comfortable sharing a double bed. The reception staff were very friendly and helpful and gave us some good restaurant recommendations. Would thoroughly recommend this hotel for a stay in Ronda.
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