Hotel Fuentenueva
Baeza
Sometimes you just stumble on a gem of a hotel. This hotel occupies an old imposing building from the 19th century, a casa antigua. It has recently been taken over by 4 young modern people, and that immediately becomes apparent when you walk in and behold the surprising interior. They have converted the place into an extremely sleek modern hotel. The hotel's 11 rooms and 2 junior suites have all been decorated with great taste, and each room has its own theme, and the junior suites even come with a Jacuzzi!
There is no restaurant, but the hotel does offer a cosy and varied breakfast buffet. And if you feel peckish later on in the day, there are snacks on offer.
And a modern hotel also has modern means of communication; satellite TV in every room, and free Wi-Fi internet use throughout the whole hotel.
The garden and the swimming pool have clear oriental influences, and although they are not big, they will suffice for a quiet breakfast or a refreshing dip later on in the day.
In short, a fresh and original hotel that exudes enthusiasm!
Cons:
• If you are looking to go for a good swim, you will be disappointed
Pros:
• Enthusiastic group of young owners
• New hotel, very cool appeal
• Original and daring decoration
• Good price/quality ratio
Hotel Fuentenueva
facilities
Hotel
- There is no restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner. But plenty of options at walking distance from the hotel. Does offer a breakfast buffet.
- Bar.
- Small swimming pool with a terrace with sun loungers.
- Small Japanese-style garden.
- Internet connection (Wi-Fi) in every room.
- Library.
- Children are welcome.
- One room with wheelchair access.
- Lift.
- Pets are not welcome.
- Hotel does not have its own parking facilities. Parking in the street or in a public car park at 200 metres from the hotel.
- Hotel is located on the edge of Baeza's old centre.
Rooms
Every room has air conditioning, heating, TV, internet connection, mini-bar and a safe. Each room also has its own balcony.
Bathroom with washbasin, toilet and hydromassage shower.
Hotel has a total of 13 rooms, made up of 11 double rooms and 2 junior suites, the junior suites have a Jacuzzi.
Hotel Fuentenueva
surrounding area
Baeza
Baeza is surrounded by olive groves, and was the first city in Al-Andalus to be conquered by the Christians. This conquest was followed by a period of medieval splendour. Examples are the Plaza de Santa Maria with the cathedral, and the architectural masterpiece Palacio de Jabalquinto (Gothic palace) is a little further down the road. Other sights include the Alhóndiga (old grain exchange), Antigua de Carnecería (former slaughterhouse) and the Fuente de los Leones (lions’ fountain).
Active
Walks, treks, 4x4 excursions, trips by bike or on horseback are all possible in the Parque Natural de Cazorla y Segura (at 55 km from Baeza).
Culinary
The Jaén province is Andalucía's main olive oil producing area. This is where 10% of the world’s olive oil is produced. So be sure to go for a tasting session at an olive oil co-op.
Cultural
Baeza’s sister town of Úbeda, as well as Jaén, are great places for a cultural outing within the province.
Nature
The town of Cazorla is right in the middle of the nature reserve with the same name.
The Parque Natural de Cazorla y Segura opens up outside Cazorla, and has dense forests, wild streams and many wild animals. This nature reserve is a paradise for people looking to fill their vacation with exciting activities. The Cazorla tourist office and/or visitor centre of the nature reserve offer extensive information on walks, treks, trips by bike or on horseback, hunting, water sports and excursions in a 4x4.
And you can also go on a panoramic drive (one day) from Cazorla.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Úbeda (11km; 20min):
Úbeda, which sits on top of a ridge, is a model of renaissance architecture. The Plaza de Vázquez de Molina is the finest jewel in its crown of elegant palaces and churches. The narrow streets of the old town contrast sharply with the modern part of Úbeda, which stretches out to the north of the Plaza de Andalucía.
Sights in the old town include the aforementioned Plaza de Vázquez de Molina, with a 13th Century church, Iglesia de Santa María de los Reales Alcázares, and Úbeda's most famous church, the Sacra Capilla del Salvador. Other interesting buildings on this square are the Cárcel del Obispo (former Episcopal prison), the Antiguo Pósito (former grain warehouse) and the Palacio del Marqués de Mancera.
Other sights are the Plaza del Primero de Mayo and the Santa Clara convent.
Jaén (51km; 55min):
Jaén has a provincial feel, somewhat languid. The cityscape is dominated by the medieval Castillo de Santa Catalina on a hill overlooking the city, and by the immense renaissance cathedral.
The old, higher part of the city is the most interesting. Around the cathedral and in the Barrio San Juan you will find numerous townhouses along winding, steep streets. The city centre is full of shops and bars around the Plaza de la Constitución, which draws people with its many tapas bars.
Further sights include the 11th-century Moorish baths, Baños Arabes, the monastery Real Monasterio de Santa Clara and the museums Palacio de Villardompardo (folklore museum) and the Museo Provincial (archaeological museum).
Cazorla (55km; 1h):
The town of Cazorla is right in the middle of the nature reserve with the same name. This small town is impressively set at a height of 900m jammed between rugged rocks. A walk through its narrow, steep streets lined with whitewashed houses up to the Plaza de Corredera and the Plaza Santa Maria (Cazorla’s centre) is a very nice way of spending a day indeed. Higher up you will find the Moorish Castillo de la Yedra, which houses a folklore museum. And even further up you will find the remnants of the La Iruela fortress.
And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Granada (125km; 1h50min):
The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll through its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!
Córdoba (140km; 1h50min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.