Hotel Carabeo
Calle Carabeo 34, Nerja, Costa del Sol, Spain, 29780
Loading map...
#2 of 6
expert-rated hotels in Nerja- Recommended for:
- Couples, Foodies, Honeymooners, Seasoned travellers, Celebrity spotting, Great views / scenery, Relaxation, Romance, Trendiness
Best for Food - Expert review of Hotel Carabeo
An elegant Belle Epoque-style boutique hotel in Nerja that is ideal for romance.
This is one fabulous Costa del Sol address book secret, a true hideaway in the heart of Nerja. In one of the town's most sought after addresses, this former school house literally sits on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Described by many as an 'oasis', it certainly feels different to many of its rivals. The family-run hotel is full of antiques, paintings and some interesting black and white historic photos of the town.
Location:
Just two minutes' walk up a pedestrianised street from Nerja's famous Balcón de Europa, it's quiet and intimate. I feel less like a tourist here somehow.
Bedrooms:
Close attention to detail has been paid in all of the seven bedrooms, which are each named after local beaches. Five of them are suites, each with their own private terrace overlooking the sea. There is an amazing penthouse suite, which spans the width of the hotel with a sitting room (containing two sofas, one of which is a sofa bed), a TV area and a wonderful private terrace overlooking the gardens and the Med.
Check availability and compare prices for Hotel Carabeo
Public areas:
You walk into an opulent lobby, sumptuously decorated with paintings of ballet dancers and the beautiful traje de luces worn by one of Andalucia's most celebrated bullfighters. Best of all is a well-executed fake Velázquez painting, which has a story of its own. The staircase has elegant wrought-iron railings and chandeliers, while there's a charming tapas bar to one side.
Eating and drinking:
Carabeo could easily be termed a 'restaurant with rooms' with its highly-rated Restaurant 34, one of Nerja's best places to eat. It is in the Michelin guide, and offers a good mix of classical and more contemporary Spanish dishes. Expect some terrific extra virgin olive oil, free range eggs and fig chutney from the family finca (country house). The son, who is currently running the show on a daily basis, trained at the Savoy in London, before moving to the nearby Berkeley hotel and this shows. I loved the fabulous starter of scallop wrapped in jamon Iberico, and the roast suckling pig was a real treat. I finished with a splendid chocolate fondant pudding with blackcurrant coulis, dark chocolate biscuit and coconut ice cream. Delicious.
Leisure facilities:
The grounds are not huge, but there is a welcoming pool in the garden, which becomes the setting for a candle-lit restaurant in the evenings.
Service:
Service is exceptional from a team of knowlegeable local Spaniards - 28 in all - who all speak impeccable English.
Check availability and compare prices for Hotel Carabeo
Who stays there:
A huge mixture of northern Europeans and, unsurprisingly, the likes of singer Sade, model Helena Christensen and the odd boy-band celebrity, I'm told.
Price advice:
For a hotel offering five-star service, a wonderful location, and which has tons of character, I'd say it's great value.
Pros:
Des res location
Tip top restaurant
Sea views
Cons:
Pool area becomes a restaurant at 6.30pm
More information on Hotel Carabeo:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Calle Carabeo 34, Nerja, Costa del Sol, Spain, 29780
- Free tags / Keywords:
- stylish, romantic, charming
