At hotelsdirectory.es, we work with couples, families, and groups of all sizes to create the perfect trip. We listen carefully to your needs and interests to create the ideal itinerary. We offer many choices of transportation and lodging. Flexibility is our modus operandi!
Our mission is to help you or your group have a magical trip you won’t find anywhere else.
We are there for you from the planning stages until your departure. We’ll meet you at the airport or station, help you check in to your hotel, and give you an expert introduction to the places you visit. With our 24 hour English emergency phone service, we're never far if you need us.
We offer the following services:
Complete trip planning
Accommodation reservations
Air, train and bus reservations
Car, van and bus rental and charter
Private and packaged walking and driving tours, with English speaking guides
Tickets for performances, museums and sporting events
Golf reservations
Concierge service
24 hour emergency assistance
Spain by Train or Air
Our most popular itineraries for exploring the great cities of Spain and Portugal. We can arrange your trip from A to Z.
Spain by Car
The excellent roads of Spain offer a great way to see the country up close. We'll help you tour Spain by car in style, assisting with trip planning, car rental, accommodations, and guides.
Let us know what kind of trip you desire, and we'll get back to you quickly with a suggested itinerary, including accommodations, transportation and pricing. The easiest way to contact us is through our Custom Travel Form.
The Art Avenue with its Museums and Parks, the Old Quarter and Plaza Mayor, the best flamenco dance companies, San Isidro Festival in May, Summer open-air Festivals and the well-renowned city nightlife, taverns and cafes.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round, except during December and January, the coldest months. July and August can be quite warm. Best months are April, May, June, September, October, not only for the weather, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.
WHERE TO EAT
Great taverns and cafes in the Old Quarter and surrounding zone. Local dishes or specialties are "cocido madrileno" (a type of stew) and "tapas" (appetizers of meat, fish, seafood or whatever, usually consumed with beer or wine). The bar and café scene changes depending on the hour. Local, national and international cuisine running the gamut of prices and quality is available.
WHERE TO SLEEP
We suggest you review our accomodations web page where you will find a variety of lodgings described. For relative price to quality, you are not likely to find better. There is much to choose from, but you cannot go wrong at the Ritz, Orfila, Santo Mauro, Emperador, Bauza, Velazquez.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Toledo, Aranjuez, Chinchón (8 a 10 hours)
Segovia- Palacio de La Granja o El Escorial (8 a 10 hours)
Avila y Monasterio de El Escorial (8 a 10 hours)
* We suggest that when taking any of these side trips from Madrid, you enjoy the services of one of our private car/driver/English-speaking guide packages.
A day trip from Madrid with our private English-speaking driver and a personal guide who will take you around the Old Town and its monuments. If you wish to stroll about on your own, there will be time to do so.
AT YOUR LEISURE
We recommend you spend the night in Toledo, taking advantage of the evening to stroll about the city without having to fight traffic and the daytime horde of tourists. The perfect moment to hunt out some forgotten corner in one of the antique taverns or restaurants, or enter in the twilight calm of one of the city's many churches and monasteries.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round, except December and January, when it can be quite cold. July and August can be rather hot. April, May, June, September and October are the best months, not just for the climate, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.
WHERE TO EAT
Toledo is at the heart of small game territory and the local cuisine reflects it: quail, rabbit, partridge, as well as the full gamut of domestic meat dishes are common. A multitude of fine restaurants exists in the city center as well as in the hotels. Outstanding are the Parador and the renowned Hostal del Cardenal.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Two of our favorite hotels are the Hostal del Cardenal and the recently-opened Ciudad de Toledo.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Madrid is a 45-minute drive to the North, and the mythic land of Don Quixote, La Mancha, is close-by. Also within easy driving distance are the palace and gardens of Aranjuez and the quaint village of Chinchon with its unusual plaza.
A day trip from Madrid with our private English-speaking driver/guide who will lead you around the Old Town and its monuments. Also, time for you to go off on your own to explore or relax with a riverside stroll through its parks.
AT YOUR LEISURE
Aside from the parks, you can visit some of the city´s famed Roman Aquaduct, it's convents and romanesque churches, the cathedral, the Alcazar (fortress/palace), the old Jewish Quarter and its necropolis and the nearby Palace of La Granja, where the Royal Glass Factory, the neoclassic palace and its superb gardens are definitely worth seeing.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round, except December and January, when it can be quite cold. April, May, June, September and October are the best months, not only for the weather but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.
WHERE TO EAT
The local gastronomy is as justly famous. There are many fine restaurants in the Old Quarter. Try the Judiones de la Granja (king-size beans), the lamb and the suckling pig (cochinillo). The daily menus at Casa Candido, Casa Duque, the Parador and the Cuevas de San Esteban provide excellent quality/price value.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Two of our favourites are the Infanta Isabel on the Plaza Mayor and Los Linajes.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Madrid is within an hour´s drive, while Avila, Salamanca and El Escorial Monastery are nearby.
A day trip from Madrid with our private English-speaking driver/guide who will lead you around the Old Town and its monuments. Local guide service for a walking tour is also available.
AT YOUR LEISURE
Salamanca is a city well worth an overnight stay. An evening stroll puts the city´s unique Old Town sector, the Plaza Mayor, cathedral and famous, ancient university into a whole new light. The plazas, cafes and terraces of this antique architectonic jewel of a city resonates with the vitality of the university students.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round, except December and January, when it can be quite cold. Best months are May, June, September, and October, but not just for the climate, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.
WHERE TO EAT
Typical game cuisine is the order of the day. Try the local stews, desserts and wines. Many superb restaurants in the city center.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Without any doubt, we recommend the Palacio de Castellanos and the Hotel Rector.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Madrid is an hour and a half, via Avila. Interesting local towns within easy driving distance: Bejar, La Alberca and Sierra de Francia, Alba de Tormes and Santa Theresa.
Stroll the Ramblas, then divert through the Gothic Quarter with a stop at Plaza del Pi for a coffee. Walk around the Borne Market, Santa Maria del Pi Gothic Church and the Citadela Park with its zoo. Be tempted in the exclusive shops along the Paseo de Gracia and the Rambla de Catalunya. The night comes alive in the zones of Borne, the Gothic Quarter and Eixample. Great views from Montjuic, and the Mirablau café-and-dance club on top of Tibidabo. The city has its arms open to embrace the Mediterranean with clean beaches and seaside restaurants and bars. Stroll the beach promenade by the World Trade Center and the Marina Port Vell with its Olympic Harbor.
BEST TIME TO GO
The whole year, although July and August can be rather hot and humid (due to the proximity of the Mediterranean). Best times, March, April, May, September, October, not only for the weather, but also because there is less tourist trade, meaning fewer crowds and easier reservations.
WHERE TO EAT
Around the Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and Diagonal. The city has a wide range of restaurants. Noteworthy is the traditional catalan cuisine. Try the wonderful Mediterranean pasta and rice dishes (especially paella). Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date, detailed information.
WHERE TO SLEEP
The selection is wide and varied. See our accomodations pages and try one of our suggestions.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Figueres, Dali Museum and Costa Brava (10 hours)
Pyrenees Mountains and Andorra (10 hours)
Sitges and the Wine Region (6 hours)
Beaches: Sitges, Aigua Blava, Tossa, Sant Feliu Guixols
Ruins: Tarraco and Ampuries
Iberian Citadel of Ullastret
Modernism in Catalonia
* We suggest that when taking any of these side trips from Barcelona, you enjoy the services of one of our private car/driver/English-speaking guide packages.
Be sure to visit the Playa (beach) de la Malvarrosa, take a walk along the Paseo de la Alameda where you will find the Science Museum and the Classical Music Hall, and browse through the ancient quarter around the cathedral.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
The superb beaches in the zones of Valencia and Alicante, towns such as Xativa, the orange groves and the Albufera rice fields, the mountains and Natural Parks. Lladro, the maker of world-famous porcelain art, has its factory on the city outskirts and visits are possible if you are a member of the Lladro Society.
Personalized City Walk Old Town of the Old Quarter of Santa Cruz and the cathedral and Royal Alcazares.
Riverside Cruise
AT YOUR LEISURE
You can be kept hopping as there is so much to see and do under its usually clear, sunny skies. Try Maria Luisa park where you can take a horse carriage ride, sip some sherry on a cruise along the Guadalquivir River, do some tavern hopping in Triana Quarter, or take in some flamenco in the Santa Cruz Quarter late in the evening.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round, although the mid-day sun during July and August can be brutal. Best months are March, April, May, not just for the weather and fewer tourists, but also because there is a lot of local color with a multitude of local festivals and fairs.
WHERE TO EAT
Seville is a major city and as such has a great variety of cuisines available for all tastes and pocketbooks, including international. But, when in Rome or rather, Seville... why not follow the example of its inhabitants and savor some tapas (appetizers) at a bar in one of the plazas such as Salvador. There are great restaurants in the Santa Cruz Quarter and Arenal District for lunch and dinner. The Triana Quarter is also well worth a visit for its tapas bars, ancient taverns and restaurants. Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date, detailed information.
WHERE TO SHOP
Sierpes and Tetuan Streets, La Campana and Plaza Nueva.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Try any of our favourite "charming" hotels at the heart of Santa Cruz Quarter such as Casas de la Juderia, Casa Imperial or Casa Mercaderes.
Also there are superb haciendas and cortijos (country estates) nearby, such as the Hacienda Benazuza, Torre de la Reina or Aguila Real, as well as the Inn Carmona, the Casa de Carmona, the Alcazar de la Reina and the Parador.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Jerez and the White Villages and Puerto de Santa Maria (8 hours)
The Bull Route, White Villages and Gibraltar Strait
Undeveloped beach areas of Cadiz
Cordoba (an hour away)
Carmona (a half hour away)
Roman City of Italica (a half hour away)
Costa del Sol: Malaga or Marbella (4 hours away)
Ronda (3 hours away)
Gibraltar (3 hours away)
* We suggest that when taking any of these side trips from Barcelona, you enjoy the services of one of our private car/driver/English-speaking guide packages.
Visit the Mosque and Jewish District (private visit or join a small group)
Festival of the Patios each year during May and the local Fair (in May)
AT YOUR LEISURE
Once the usual crowds begin to disperse as the sun sets, take a stroll around the Mosque and the Tendillas neighborhood. The Plaza del Potro and the taverns around Tendillas are justly famous. The citizens of Cordoba are proud of their patios and some of the best examples to be found of these unique, colorful, flower-scented open-air courtyards are at the Palace of Viana, Julio Romero de Torres Museum and the Archeological Museum. The Palace of Medina Zahara and the Alcazar of the Christian Kings are well worth a visit as are the Jewish district and its Synagogue and the innumerable baroque churches.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round, although the mid-day sun in July and August can be brutal. Best month is May and not just for the weather but also because there is a lot of local color with a multitude of Festivals and Fairs.
WHERE TO EAT
Try the tapas at the Taberna el Pisto. The Caballo Rojo and Restaurant Almudaina, close to the Mosque, are two of our favourite spots for full-course meals. Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date detailed information.
WHERE TO SLEEP
In the city itself, we recommend the Hotel Alfaros, Amistad, Hesperia Cordoba, the Parador and the Occidental. Close-by, in the countryside, the Hospederia de San Francisco, an old renovated monastery located between Cordoba and Seville, in Palma del Rio, is a real jewel.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
You can visit rural towns, such as Cabra, Montilla, Aguilar, Priego de Cordoba, or on route to Seville, Carmona.
Medina Zahara (remains of the Caliphate palace are 20 minutes away)
Montilla and Moriles Wine Region and White Villages (an hour away) & Seville (an hour away)
Driving time to principal Andalusian cities: Granada, Malaga, Seville, Madrid by Ave (bullet train)
Private visit to the Alhambra (better in the afternoon) and stroll on your own through the Albayzin district.
AT YOUR LEISURE
Aside from the Albayzin district, we recommend the Mirador de San Nicolas, the Cuevas del Sacromonte (flamenco), the Arab baths, Calle Elvira, the Calle Teterias and the area around Plaza Nueva.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round, but be aware that Granada is close to the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort and during the winter months the temperature can dip to around zero at night. During high season (summer months), it is a very popular tourist destination, so, expect crowds.
WHERE TO EAT
In addition to the restaurants of the Albayzin district, like the Mirador de Morayma, there are many bars and taverns with patios, the perfect spots to try local tapas, such as the embutido (sausage) de Alpujarras, cheeses and other delights, all as you sip a glass of flavorful wine. Remember to consult our dossier to get up-to-date, detailed information.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Among our favorites are the Alhambra Palace, the Parador and two hotels in the Albayzin district: Carmen de Santa Ines and Palacio de Santa Ines. Also, the Reina Cristina, Anacapri, and the Tryp Albayzin are excellent.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
The Alpujarras (southern slope of the Sierra Nevada), the Costa Tropical and Motril, the Sierra de Jaen (olive orchards), as well as the White Villages between Granada and Cordoba or Malaga. The Costa del Sol is only an hour and a half away.
This is the Spanish Riviera. As well as a drive along the coast, we recommend a stroll around Puerto Banus, with its excellent marina, exclusive, trendy shops, restaurants and nightclubs. In addition, there are multiple opportunities to indulge in water sports as well as some of the best golf courses in Europe.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round
WHERE TO EAT
For a quick snack, there are numerous cafeterias in the beach zones of the principal towns, called chiringuitos. The best are along the Playa de los Boliches in Fuengirola; La Carihuela in Torremolinos; Marbella´s maritime promenade and the old quarter; Puerto Banus, San Pedro (village and beach) and Estepona. At the same time, you can watch the famous and not-so-famous do their thing.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Ronda, Mijas, Gibraltar, Arcos de la Frontera and the White Villages, Tarifa, Malaga and Granada
White Villages
The Route of the White Villages runs from the Atlantic coast near Cadiz to Antequera. It is in general, away from the coast, but roughly parallels the Mediterranean. The following villages are well worth visiting: Vejer, Jimena de la Frontera, Castellar de Frontera, Medina Sidonia, Alcala Gazules, Arcos de la Frontera, El Bosque, Ubrique, Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, Benaojan, Montejaque, Ronda, Olvera and Antequera. There are also extensions with other white villages in the Alpujarras region and in the Sierras of Cordoba, Granada and Jaen.
SUGGESTED TOURS
Different routes for Self-Drive Programs: the Atlantic coast, Jerez and Puerto de Santa Maria, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, etc.
AT YOUR LEISURE
Golf, horse-back riding, hiking, water sports and activities, beaches and National Parks.
BEST TIME TO GO
All year round
WHERE TO EAT
These villages are quite small, and many are oriented towards the tourist trade. You will easily find delightful little restaurants and old-style taverns (mesones) with local dishes at reasonable prices that are well worth trying.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Country inns, haciendas and cortjos (country estates), as well as converted historical buildings such as palaces and convents in Vejer, Arcos, Ronda and Cadiz.
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao & City Walk Old Town in San Sebastian.
AT YOUR LEISURE
A visit to the old section of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, as well as a drive to nearby littoral villages towards San Sebastián (especially Mundaka, Gernika, Guetaria and Zarautz) are highly recommended. Also worth a visit are those villages with magnificent houses and beaches, such as Fuenterrabia, between San Sebastian and the French border. In San Sebastian itself, a visit to the harbor zone and the Plaza de la Constitucion, with its taverns and famous pintxos are a must. Be sure to indulge in one of the city´s fine restaurants to try the traditional Basque cuisine, considered one of the best in the world.
BEST TIME TO GO
The temperature is seasonally mild during the entire year with considerable rainful, especially during the late fall and winter. Rain, in any event, is frequent in the northern half of Spain, but more so along the Cantabrian coast.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Some of our favorites are the Parador and Hostal del Obispo in Fuenterrabia, the Maria Cristina and Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, the Carlton and the Hesperia in Bilbao.
INTERESTING HALF DAY / FULL DAY SIDE-TRIPS, WITH TOUR GUIDE OR DRIVING YOURSELF
Besides the Basque Coast, Bilbao and its museums and the beauty of San Sebastian and its famous beach, La Concha, try the wine region of La Rioja, the rock art in the Museum of Altamira, and the Santander area. All are well worth visiting.
