La Casa Grande

Very quiet old mansion turned hotel with stunning views near the top of Arcos. We were very comfortable in La Casa Grande. Our room was the Penultima Room with doors that opened to the edge of the cliff. With our chairs and table by the open doors we could watch the birds swoop past and enjoy the gorgeous valley below. Old Arcos has several wonderful look outs at various locations, every street is picturesque and there are some good restaurantes in the area. We really enjoyed our stay and the lovely Casa Grande Hotel will is filled with art and collected items that are lend a homey and welcoming quality to the the public spaces and the rooms. Breakfasts are served in the morning (not a buffet) and are very good. The hotel has a lovely roof deck to enjoy warm days and the view. We got incorrect instructions to get there from the bus station. We were told to walk up to a plaza to catch the bus and this wasn’t necessary as we realized afterwards that those local buses go to the regional bus station. It was a long and difficult walk up to the plaza then the mini bus driver said no, when I asked he went to the top of Arcos. I guess he didn’t understand but a woman waiting for the bus understood so she told us to stay with her. She also knew where we should get off the bus as well. The streets in Arcos can be extremely narrow and cars cannot go along all the streets so we still had about a 2-3 block walk from the plaza where we disembarked to La Casa Grande but it was mostly downhill. When we left Arcos we arranged for a taxi and the taxi picked us up at the same little plaza. We had some memorable meals in Arcos and enjoyed the history and and views. Arcos is an enchanting town but not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Hilly is an understatement but it is absolutely delightful, very scenic, and the people were very kind and helpful.

The hotel is centrally located. We loved our private terrace as well as the rooftop terrace. Estefania was very knowledgeable and helpful planning our transportation. But, be aware there is no coffee, kettle , refrigerator or WiFi in the room.

My husband arranged our holiday and our stop in Arcos was lovely. We booked a suite because we wanted a double bed and all other rooms were booked out. So we had a little sitting room (only Spanish TV channels) with two twin beds not a sofa, but a table and chairs. The sitting room was on separate flight of steps with the bathroom in the middle and our bedroom the other side. The views from the terrace were lovely and this is a reasonably economical stay. This is not a hotel for those with any challenges in coping with stairs of steep inclines to get to the hotel. It has a sweet homely atmosphere as other reviewers have mentioned. Pluses: Lovely view, quiet place to stay in the centre of Arocs old town. Plenty of hot water. Points to note: No tea or coffee facilities in the room. Wifi in our room was pretty terrible. Breakfast is served in the sweet courtyard (enclosed) There is pretty much a pre-defined breakfast which includes, some plain yogurt, honey, some olive bread cakes, and some cold meats and cheeses are served. You had a choice of fried or scrambled eggs. We were served and then trying to see someone to order more hot water for tea etc was difficult as nobody came to the breakfast area for 30 mins after our meal was served. So just be aware to ask when you are served. There are plenty of little tapas bars or restaurants near by to enjoy.

We loved our room with the 2 level terrace overlooking the cliff (see blue circle in picture). It looked like we were walking into a cave on the way to the room - very cool! Wifi didn't reach the room but who cares, instead - sit on the terrace, unwind, disconnect and relax. The staff was very helpful and quick to respond to questions. Please take the advice and park in the lot on the way into town - do not try to drive into old town. Google maps was inaccurate many times and the roads are much narrower than in the other old towns that we visited. We took a taxi to the hotel (it can only take you close, not to the door.) The breakfast was extra but was very generous and delicious. We also enjoyed a drink on the rooftop patio in the evening. Visit the tourist office and get a map to walk and visit the sites. It was a great way to explore the old and new town. We had a lovely dinner at El Mirador de Isabel - a hidden gem and a beautiful place to watch the sunset. We would happily stay here again.