Meson de Sancho

The Meson de Sancho is one of Tarifa’s oldest, most famous hotels. Although it is not in the historic center or even near the beach, its quaint interiors, cozy feel, and friendly vibe keep couples and families coming back year after year. Designed like a traditional Andalusian country house, with whitewashed walls, exposed wooden beams, wooden or terra-cotta tile floors, and arched windows, the property has a homey vibe that feels a world away from the trendier hotels by the beach. Instead of sleek interiors, bean bags on lawns overlooking the sea, and young party-minded people, Meson de Sancho offers a peaceful mountain setting, cozy common areas, and serene gardens. Its location in the outskirts of hip Tarifa keeps prices competitive, making the hotel one of the best values for money in the area.

Meson de Sancho is located amid thick forests in the mountains between Tarifa and Algeciras. The main entrance opens directly onto the N-340 road, which allows for easy access to both cities. There is a small gas station adjacent to the hotel, but little else of general interest can be found within walking distance. The lovely historic center of Tarifa can be reached in about 10 minutes by car, and there are two excellent beaches, including Valdevaqueros, known for its world-class kitesurfing and hippie vibe. The town of Algeciras and the ferry to Tangier (in northern Africa) are about 15 minutes away, and the drive to Gibraltar can take about 35 minutes. The nearest airport is in Jerez, located about an hour and 25 minutes by car from the hotel.

The hotel has 40 rooms, including doubles, triples, and bungalows for up to four adults. Most are decorated in a simple but charming style that combines traditional Andalusian touches such as terra-cotta or wooden floors, straw chairs, and wrought-iron bed frames, alongside more contemporary, clean lines and a few pops of blue, red, or green. Bungalows are the most classically decorated of all room categories -- they’re stand-alone cottages with wooden walls and floors, farm-style wooden furniture, shutters, and exposed beams. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. All but Economy and a few Standard rooms have a furnished balcony or terraces, and bungalows feature a porch with rocking chairs. Most rooms overlook the gardens or the pool, and some have views of the northern coast of Africa on clear days. Bathrooms range from traditional -- think painted tiles and big shower/tub combos -- to generic, but all feature hairdryers and basic hotel-brand toiletries. Bungalows have rainfall showers and massage jets.Economy Rooms are closest to the road and can get traffic noise.

Meson de Sancho is known among locals for its solid restaurant, which serves great traditional Andalusian cuisine in a cozy dining room with garden views. Fish dishes are particularly popular here, and there is a small bar area with a couple of beers on tap and an array of cocktails and wines. The hotel is split in two by the main road, and each section has its own pool. Both are small, albeit lovely and peaceful, with a handful of loungers, straw umbrellas, and trees for shade. One of them offers direct access to a bar, which has a limited range of drinks available. The fitness center is small, but bright and well-equipped with a few modern cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights.