Hotel Cuevas del Zenete
Alcudia de Guadix
The Guadix area is famous for its cave hotels. We visited them all and came across one of the nicer ones in the small village of La Calahorra, Hotel Cuevas del Zenete. Very charming, original lay-out, attractive apartments (or we should say caves), swimming pool and a nice little restaurant to boot. It is run by a dynamic and lively family who instantly make you feel at home.
The complex is set among stunning countryside, the tranquillity is almost tangible, and you can take great trips out with ‘toda la familia’ and do lots of fun things together. Activities are organised by the hotel but you can, of course, also explore the beautiful area on your own initiative.
The apartments, 11 in total, are divided into one- or two-bedroom apartments and there is even one apartment spread over two floors with a balcony Romeo and Juliette would be envious of. The apartments have been incredibly nicely decorated, with plenty of bright mosaics throughout, amazingly beautiful bathrooms and comfortable beds.
And in the evenings, you can enjoy soaking up the relaxing atmosphere on your cave's own terrace, back to nature in optima forma!!
And if you stay here outside of the summer season, when it gets a little chilly in the evenings, you can simply light your own fireplace. Sitting by a nice crackling fire in a cave, how is that for an extra special experience?
Whilst there is a restaurant at the hotel, it only serves breakfast. However, opposite the hotel there is a restaurant with a good reputation. Moreover, you also have your own kitchenette in your apartment. Also, the village of La Calahorra is only at a few minutes' drive away by car.
With its swimming pool and a great deal of space, this place will also be a sure hit with the children. In other words, a must try!
Cons:
• The restaurant only serves breakfast. However, there is a good restaurant within a short distance from the hotel as well as a number of simple snack bars
Pros:
• Very original accommodation
• Very well presented and nicely decorated
• The tranquillity is almost tangible
• Excellent place to visit with children
• Very friendly family
Hotel Cuevas del Zenete
facilities
Hotel
- There is no restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner, but there are a few restaurants at walking distance.
- Swimming pool.
- Large garden.
- Hotel has an internet connection.
- Children are welcome.
- One cave dwelling with wheelchair access.
- No lift.
- Pets are welcome.
- The hotel offers a range of different excursions/activities.
- Hotel has its own parking facilities (free of charge).
- Hotel is situated outside the village of Alcudia de Guadix, about 1 hour driving distance from Granada.
Rooms
Every cave dwelling has heating, fireplace, TV, kitchen and its own terrace area.
Fully-equipped bathrooms.
The hotel has 11 cave dwellings, including 7 cave dwelling with 1 bedroom, 2 cave dwellings with 2 bedrooms and 2 cave dwellings with 2 bedrooms and 2 floors.
Hotel Cuevas del Zenete
surrounding area
Alcudia de Guadix
A tranquil base from which to explore Granada and the Alpujarras/Sierra Nevada. And, of course, the 'cave district' of Guadix.
Active
Walking in the Alpujarras. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada. Or you can take a trip exploring the Alpujarras region, along the Puerto de la Ragua, Válor, Yegen, Cadiar, Trevélez (famous for its hams), Capileira and Orgiva.
Cultural
Granada is a cultural city, with plenty on offer! Be sure to catch the Alhambra and the Generalife.
Family
A visit to Tabernas (124km, 2h) and Mini Hollywood is a must! This used to be a film location for westerns and every now and again, it is still being used as a film set. However, these days, it is more an amusement park, including zoo, where visitors are entertained by sheriffs, bank robbers and cowboys who perform stunts, and, of course, dancing girls in the saloon.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Guadix (7km; 12min):
The ‘Barrio de las Cuevas’ (cave-dwellers quarter), with 2000 caves, which have been inhabited for centuries, is the main attraction of this town. A museum has been established in one of the cave dwellings near the church, in order to give you a good idea of what life in such a house is like.
Granada (65km; 1h):
Anyone visiting Granada will have heard of the Alhambra, the city’s main attraction. 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. A miniature town in its own right, a world of palaces, beautiful gardens with ponds and fountains, a fortress, baths, museums, a church, and even a hotel.
The Generalife, to the north of the Alhambra, was the Nasrid sultans' country retreat. They would find some welcome relief from the intrigue at the court here, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Generalife translates as ‘the garden of heavenly paradise’.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll around 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!
When you get tired of strolling, you can take an Arab bath at one of Granada's 2 hammans, the Aljibe Baños Arabes or the Hamman Baños Arabes.
And Granada also happens to be one of the hippest cities in Andalucía, with great nightlife, lively flamenco shows and tapas culture.
Granada is also a good place to learn Spanish or take dancing lessons.
Almería (100km; 1h10min):
The fortress situated on the coast (Alcazaba) is a reminder of the golden age of Almería when it used to be a major seaport town for the caliphate of Córdoba. The Alcazaba offers fantastic views of the city. Within the city walls, you will find exquisite gardens.
Another place of interest is the cathedral (which looks more like a fortress than a church as it used to be frequently raided by Berber pirates), situated in the district of La Almedina. This is an old Moorish district with narrow alleyways, attractive squares and whitewashed cave houses. In this district, you will also find the Templo San Juan (remnants of the most important mosque in Almería). Other places of interest include the Plaza Vieja (square surrounded by arcades with the town hall), the gateway Puerta de Purchena (gate in the city walls).
The park 'Parque de Nicolas' forms the border between the old town and the port. Another sightseeing option is a visit to the gypsy and fishing quarter La Chanca, where some families are still living in cave houses today.
And you can, of course, head for one of the other world famous cities for a day trip:
Córdoba (262km; 3h):
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.