Balc贸n de Cordoba captures the essence of Andalucia. The scent of orange blossom, the sound of a trickling fountain in a courtyard, the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Add to that a cosy patio restaurant; charming guest rooms; and terrace views out across the impressive Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, and you have the boutique hotel Balc贸n de Cordoba, writes Andrew Forbes.

The hotel was my tranquil refuge during my spring visit to the centre of Cordoba?s vibrant medieval old town. Pass through the classical entrance archway to the Orange Tree Courtyard, a shaded Cordobes patio, and you escape the other tourists and enter an enchanting world of quintessential Andalucia.

Take a siesta on your private terrace; sip a Jerez wine on the roof balcony; or dine under the shade of the orange tree ? it?s the way to feel the spirit of this city.
I get to see so many hotels, in many different cities. It?s a privilege, for sure; yet it can also mean I often focus on details and miss the bigger picture ? the importance of allowing oneself to just be immersed in a destination.
The quintessential Andalusian experience
Yet at boutique hotel Balc贸n de Cordoba that certainly wasn?t the case. As soon as I swung open the decorate wrought iron gate and walked across the central stone-cobbled patio courtyard I was seduced. I just became embraced by the charm, and delightful style of this city hotel.
Location
Cordoba is one of my favourite Spanish cities. It?s in the heart of Andalucia, not jus...