Hostería de Guara

I’ve probably spent more nights at Hosteria de Guara than at any other hotel in my life, after returning regularly since the early 2000s as a birding guide with Birding In Spain and with other tour operators. It’s hard to pick a single reason I keep coming back. The birds around the hotel are a fantastic start to the day. Even the car park has turned up Cirl Bunting, Hawfinch, Corn Bunting, Spotless Starling, Black Redstart, Northern Raven, Red Kite, Rock Sparrow, Wood Lark, Short-toed Eagle, and more. The common spaces are especially quiet when we visit in the off-season. Reception, the lounge, bar, and restaurant may have just a few locals stopping in for a drink or snack. You might have to call out at reception when checking in, but someone comes with a smile and everything is ready. The lounge has comfortable sofas and armchairs, a large collection of bird and nature books, magazines, board games, and room to go over the day’s checklist or plan the next outing over a drink, often with local olives or almonds. The public bar is beside reception, and you can stop in at a reasonable hour for a snack or something to drink. The rooms are spotless, nicely furnished and decorated, and look out over the surrounding countryside. Many have balconies. There’s TV, air conditioning, comfortable beds, and a bathroom with towels and a good shower. In reception, there are paintings of local birds and photos from the Natural Park. There’s also a big garden with olive trees and other plants, a swimming pool, and a terrace for watching the sun go down. Ana, one of the owners, prepares much of the varied, delicious food with real care. A lot of it is sourced locally, including yoghurt, cheese, wine, and meat, and the staff are always helpful and attentive. I keep trying to find something wrong with Hosteria de Guara and can’t think of a thing.

A lovely place to stay. The staff are pleasant, and the rooms are very clean.

My wife and I had one of our best hotel stays here. The staff were amazing, and the service was spot on. The food was the best, really distinctive, with good options even for vegetarians. It’s a lovely place in a great location. We’d recommend it without hesitation.

This was my third stay, and it’s still great. The staff are friendly, the rooms are lovely, especially the ones facing the pool and church, and the food is very good. They take real care with Covid precautions. There are lots of canyons to explore nearby, and Alquezar is a short distance away, up on its hilltop.