The Place
There could be no more appropriate place to stay in the historic city of Ubeda than in this 16th century urban stately home, part of which has been opened to guests by the present Marquesa de la Rambla in order to help with the upkeep. More a seignorial guest house than a hotel, the door of the Palacio de la Rambla is kept locked and you have to summon the caretaker via an intercom.
The central feature is the patio, dripping with ivy, which is one of Ubeda’s Renaissance treasures. Around it are the four original rooms which are decorated with old engravings and family antiques. One has an old-fashioned blue bath on legs; the other has its own fireplace. The two other rooms on the ground floor have less character. Another four rooms have been added upstairs at the front of the house.
Breakfast – ‘whatever you want’ – is brought to your room or served at one end of the salon. The grand piano at the other end holds the family photograph collection. ‘Delightful’; ‘warm and welcoming atmosphere’ writes a recent visitor.