Southern Spain (Andalusia)
Spain | Feb 7 - Feb 17, 2025

Mike
Mike M.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

Marta prepared a southern Spain (Andalusia) trip for us. She covered everything except airlift--private guided tours, Food tours, transport and hotels. Our expectations were exceeded, particularly with the choice of hotels that they made. I was specific in the type of atmosphere and location that I wanted to stay in each city, and each hotel was better than the other.

The Trip Planner app made staying aware of each days' activities VERY easy. In the past KimKim would just put it in an email. The App makes it available anywhere. PLUS there's an interactive chat feature which allows me to communicate with the agent--this alone made us always feel connected.

There were really no hiccups and I'd recommend using KimKim as I've done several times in the past. They really are local experts and saves you the hassle of fooling around with multiple website and blogs. Recommended.

Hotel Reviews
Only YOU Hotel Malaga
Málaga

Amazing location directly across the street from the Old Town, and next to a large urban park and the marina. Very safe neighborhood. The staff is AMAZING. They were friendly, very attentive, and accommodating. The hotel has great amenities, a phenomenal breakfast (included), and the lobby even has 24hr snacks like drinks, fruit and candy to tide you over. The rooms were spacious, quiet, and cleaned every day. This truly is a great chain of boutique-style accomodations. There is a coin-laundry right behind the hotel, by the way. Recommended.

Authenticity & Character
Charm and elegance of the rooms. Modern amenities throughout.
Location
Right in the old town, and next to a large peaceful urban walking park, the marina, and cafes and restos. Public transport is also right there. And a coin laundry behind the hotel if you need that.
Staff
Friendly, down to earth, understanding.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Palacio de Villapanés
Sevilla

If I could give it six stars I would. The hotel was an old castle or something in the olden days, but it's thoroughly modernized. The rooms we got upgraded to a suite--holy smokes. Unbelievable with living room, bedroom, and large bathroom. This hotel give luxury a new meaning. Breakfast was excellent every morning as well...I mean, it wasn't even a buffet. It's a la carte but you get incredible selection. It's included in our package. Staff was SUPER friendly. Rooftop pool and lounge, with nice views of Seville. Located about 20 min walk to the center of the old town. Lots of charm, character. HIGHLY recommended.

Authenticity & Character
Older legacy building thoroughly modernized, with beautiful decoration and feel.
Location
In the old town, but still about 20 min walk to the center.
Staff
Front desk and porter were always helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleaned rooms every day. The entire hotel was spotless. Felt very comfortable.
Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailío
Córdoba

A modern, boutique hotel built on top of old Roman ruins that you can see beneath you in the dining room. Great, incredible breakfast. All the amenities in the rooms. Location in the old town--about 10 minute walk to the center. Quiet area, but safe. Room was spacious, cleaned everyday. No air conditioning that I can remember--we just had to open the window and it was cool enough. Beds were very comfortable, plenty of pillows as well. Highly recommended.

Authenticity & Character
I mean--it used to be Roman ruins! How much more authentic do you want!
Location
Nothing really...it's a quiet area of the old town.
Staff
Friendly, accomodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Parador De Cadiz
Cádiz

A modern hotel right on the waterfront, with incredible views, large rooms and wonderful staff. All the amenities you could want in the room. We didn't eat there, since the town is right across the street. Bed was large, comfortable and lots of pillows. They also have a large patio on the top floor with great views. The hotel overlooks a large urban park as well. Great breakfast as well, hot and cold foods. This hotel was luxe--but it didn't feel snobby at all. The Minister of the Interior was using it for a few days to hold a big important conference--that's how luxe this place is. Recommended!!

Authenticity & Character
Very modern and updated. Clean, spacious, well lit.
Location
Right on the water, next to an urban park as well. Close to the old town.
Staff
The front desk and the porter were exceptional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were cleaned daily, and the lobby and ground meticulous.
Activity Reviews
Tapas Culinary Experience
Tapas Culinary Experience
Málaga

Meeting great other travelers, with the guide Andrea who was so friendly and knowledgeable. You don't really have to walk far to enjoy the SIX different locales we went to savour local tapas and drink. You really do learn about Andalusian cuisine!

Quality of Experience
Food
Discovering Sherry was neat!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We walked.
Privately Guided Visit of Málaga
Privately Guided Visit of Málaga
Spain

A great tour of Malaga, at a leisurely pace. You get to see all the highlights of the old Towne. The guide really knew her history. Spoke English very well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
No transport--they met at the hotel and we walked.
Private Walking Tour: Mosque & Jewish Quarter
Private Walking Tour: Mosque & Jewish Quarter
Córdoba

Great guide. Lots of good history knowledge. Guide didn't really focus as in-depth on the Jewish history as I had hoped, but maybe that's just my expectations. The areas we did visit were incredibly. I'd recommend this trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marta Trzeciakowska
Marta
Marta Trzeciakowska
Local specialist in Madrid, Spain | Replied on Feb 25, 2025

Hi Mike, thank you for taking the time to submit this thorough review! It has been a pleasure to organize this trip for you and I hope we work together on another adventure through Spain, Portugal, Morocco or Italy soon ☺️ We are thrilled you enjoyed the app to stay on top of the trip and wish you all the best in your travel endeavors! Best, Marta