Don Pedro

The palace that houses the two-star Hotel Don Pedro is located on a quiet, central street near Plaza de Encarnacion and once belonged to the Civil Guard during Franco's reign. Its 18 elegant rooms and gorgeous architecture make this budget gem a great cheapo pick.

Guestrooms have marble floors, crisp bedspreads and billowy curtains. Dark wooden furniture is rather standard, although decorative side tables add some flair. It’s a comfortable scene, made even more so by air conditioning, a television, phone and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the quiet street (request ahead).

Bathroom floors are laid with large, rose-colored tiles, while walls are tiled in white with Andalusian accents. All have bathtubs with sleek glass half-doors.

The Don Pedro’s lobby is an interior patio with archways, marble floors and historic photographs hanging on the walls. From there, glass doors open onto a smaller patio decked out with an ornate, bubbling fountain (we nearly jumped to with joy when our tour guide turned it on!).

The Don Pedro is located near Alameda de Hercules, an area popular for trendy bars, cafés and, from time to time, a few noisy late-night revelers. Breakfast is not included but complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino are available throughout the day. There is a free Internet station located in the lobby near the fountain.