International Lodging Corporation

Where Amazing Travel Experiences Begin

Sites to See…Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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ILC-blog-Sites-to-See-Spains-UNESCO-World-Heritage-SitesWith 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain ranks third just behind Italy and China. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) administers the World Heritage Programme that designates and catalogs places that are of significant cultural or natural importance.

To help you plan your itinerary for your next trip to Spain we have listed below some of the top World Heritage Sites that you won’t want to miss:

Andalucía

  • The Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín (Granada) – for more information, click here
  • Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias (Seville) – for more information, click here
  • Historic Center of Córdoba – for more information, click here
  • Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza

Barcelona

  • Works of Antonio Gaudí – for more information, click here
  • Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau – for more information, click here

Madrid and environs

  • Monastery and Site of El Escorial – for more information, click here
  • Aranjuez Cultural Landscape – for more information, click here
  • University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares
  • Historic City of Toledo – for more information, click here
  • Historic Walled Town of Cuenca – for more information, click here
  • Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches – for more information, click here
  • Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct – for more information, click here
  • Old City of Salamanca – for more information, click here

Extremadura

  • Old Town of Cáceres
  • Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
  • Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe

Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) – for more information, click here

Valencia

  • La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia – for more information, click here

For a complete list of Spain’s World Heritage Sites, click here.

Photo Credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved / Photo of Seville’s Cathedral and La Giralda

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Checking in…Hospes Palacio del Bailío Hotel, Córboda (Spain)

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This traditional Moorish manor located in the historic city center was built between the 16th and 18th centuries, and has been transformed into an elegant  5-star hotel. Designated as a Cultural Heritage monument, the buildings of the manor house are arranged around a series of patios, one of which has been restored to include a glass floor that reveals the Roman ruins that were buried beneath it.

  • Address: Calle Ramírez de las Casas Deza, 10-12
  • 5 minute walk to the Plaza de Colón and Archaeological Museum
  • 15 minute walk to the Mezquita (8th C. mosque), Old Jewish Quarter, and Callejón de las Flores
  • 5 minutes by taxi to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Mudéjar-style palace & gardens)
  • Train Station: 5 minutes by taxi (.5 km)
  • Airport: 1¼ hours by taxi (130 km – Seville)

All rooms with private bath, air conditioning, direct dial telephone, high-speed Internet access, hair dryer, robes & slippers, flat panel TV, minibar, room safe, turndown service, complimentary newspaper

  • 2 Elevators
  • Room Service (24 hours)
  • Bar
  • Restaurant Arbequina
  • Terrace and Pool Bar (seasonal)
  • Meeting Facilities to 75 ~ Audiovisual equipment
  • Business Center
  • WiFi throughout the hotel (complimentary)
  • Bicycle Rental 
  • Swimming Pool (outdoor)
  • Bodyna Spa
  • Reception (24 hours)
  • Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service
  • Valet parking (extra charge)
  • 53 guest rooms (3 floors)
  • Dreamer: Standard room with a Queen, King or Twin beds; approx. 22 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • Deluxe: Larger room with a Queen, King or Twin beds, some with vaulted ceilings or stone arches from the old Palace; approx. 25 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Deluxe Garden View: Room facing the Patio de los Naranjos with a King bed; approx. 25-40 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Junior Suite: Large suite with architectural features, a Queen, King or Twin beds and sitting area; approx. 45-75 m2 (4 guest maximum)
  • Junior Suite Historic con Alma (Soul): Spacious suite elegantly decorated with fresco paintings and original architectural details, with a Queen, King or Twin beds and sitting area; approx. 40-50 m2 – only 3 of this type (3 guest maximum)
  • Suite (Seneca, Lucano & Averroes): Large 2 bedroom suites with a Queen, King or Twin beds, 2 bathrooms and a separate living room; approx. 50 m2 – only 3 of this type (4 guest maximum)
  • Hotel offers some Connecting rooms (Dreamer category)

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.

Golfer’s Paradise…Costa del Golf in Southern Spain

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There’s a reason why Spain’s Costa del Sol is often referred to as the Costa del Golf. With over 60 golf courses to choose from, including 4 of Europe’s top 10, there’s no wonder why the area is one of Europe’s top golf destinations. Couple this with a temperate year-round climate, over 300 days of sunshine, plus the backdrop of the shimmering Mediterranean, and it’s easy to see why this can be considered a golfer’s paradise.

Located 50 km. west of Málaga, the town of Marbella has long been considered the jewel of the Costa del Sol. There is a wide range of lodging options to choose from, world class restaurants and shops and sandy beaches, so everyone will find something to enjoy.

There are more than 20 golf courses in Marbella and about another dozen in the surrounding area, so golfers from beginners to pros will be able to find the courses that meet their skill level and preferences.

Here are just a few of the courses located in Marbella:

  • Aloha Golf Club – designed by Javier Arana, this course is one of the best known. For more information, click here.
  • Guadalmina Golf – established in 1959, there are two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. For more information, click here.
  • La Quinta Golf – overlooks Marbella’s Golf Valley; designed by Antonio García Garrido and Manuel Piñero. For more information, click here.
  • Los Naranjos Golf – designed by Robert Trent Jones; the front nine and back nine are quite different. For more information, click here.
  • Marbella Golf & Country Club – designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. – players must step up their game here. For more information, click here.
  • Real Club de Golf Las Brisas – designed by Robert Trent Jones, this course is a real challenge and is recognized as one of Europe’s best. For more information, click here.
  • Cabopino Golf – designed by Juan José Ligues Creus, this course offers superb Mediterranean views. For more information, click here.

Please note that a number of courses require a handicap certification in order to play their course. In addition, many have strict dress and etiquette rules; make sure you check with the course ahead of time regarding these matters.

Photo Credit: Real Club de Golf Las Brisas – Marbella (Málaga)

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.