Hotel La Fructuosa

The risotto was fantastic, and the figs with turron ice cream were the most delicious dessert I've ever had. Everything was delicious and great value, with welcoming, helpful, efficient service. The charming old building has rustic decor and lovely art throughout. It was too cold for us to sit on the pretty terrace, though the views were great. Easily the best meal of my week in Andalucia by miles. I'd strongly recommend the restaurant, it's worth the trip up from the coast.

The room was clean, and if the tone hadn't been set so badly at the start, I think the stay might have been nice. Check-in was probably the worst I've ever had to endure. I showed my Spanish blue residence card and Spanish driving licence with photo ID, which have always been accepted everywhere else I've stayed, but here the impression was that it had to be a passport. Fortunately, my wife found a photo of my passport that we'd used for the Ryan Air app. Nobody asked whether we'd like to reserve a dinner table, as many hotels do, and we only realized later that night that the restaurant was open. The room had a smart coffee machine, but each cup cost 2 euro, and the mini bar was expensive too. The fridge was also very loud, making a good night's sleep impossible until I unplugged it at 2am.

On a very cold, grey day, I had the most delicious lunch: perfectly cooked, non-farmed venison with truffled mashed potatoes. It was only a 5min walk away, lucky me 🙂

I liked how peaceful and relaxing it was, and the quaint old building sits in beautiful Gaucin with stunning views. I'd have rated it 5 if the check-in had gone more smoothly and there'd been a few more luxury touches and some updated furniture.