Focusing on Ronda, Spain Dec. 21-24

Hi friends, I've done a lot of research in the last few days, and have narrowed down to Ronda, Spain, as a location on which I'd like to focus.

I've researched the hotels, travel, etc.... I would love to hear more about your experiences in Ronda is like in December (21-24). I have been checking the local weather - and it appears very similar to Northern California - it could be sunny and dry, or very rainy. This doesn't bother me.

Also, there is a community close by: Cartajima. Both in Ronda and Cartajima (or either) I'd like to meet locals, people who are perhaps interested in music, photography, videography,or have dialogue about other topics.

Here are two examples of the short films I produce (both the cinematography and the music), both filmed in Mendocino, California:

http://vimeo.com/14139764

http://vimeo.com/14895997

I'd like to create a few short films about Andalucía - my aim is to show these places in a human and natural way..

Many thanks for your interest.

Paul in Chicago

Check here for weather averages in Spain. I might use Granada as similar to Ronda. (Both are in southern Spain in generally the same region, and both are inland a bit.)
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/city.php3?c=ES&refer=

I was in Ronda a few years ago. Weather was sunny but quite cold, I think colder than average. Of course, every year (every week, every day) is different, so you just never know.

Dave

Cartajima and Ronda are very different. Cartajima is tiny: population 100. Ronda is a mountain town with around 35,000 in habitants.

There are two places to stay in Cartajima. The one I can recommend wholeheartedly is the British-owned Los Castaños. The two co-owners are lovely people and are very knowledgeable about the area, the Genal Valley (Valle del Genal). They serve dinner there and it´s just as well because there isn´t much else by way of places to eat in the village. Look for deals on their website. The other place is a hostel but I don´t know much about it.

Places to stay in Ronda.

Dave - thank you very much for the weather information and time spent in writing me. I am going to go - expecting nothing in particular, this way I won't be disappointed, heh heh. It won't be as cold and snowy as Chicago - so I will be quite happy. Cheers, Paul

Tony - thanks again for your help. I have already researched Los Castaños in Cartajima, and "El Refugio" which is also in Cartajima.

It looks like my best bet is to base myself in Ronda. I saw where you recommended Hotel Ronda as a good option - but their website indicates that they are closed Dec21-31 - however the website doesn't appear to have been updated since 2009. I have my sights in Hotel Polo - reasonable rates, and they appear to be open during this time. I've done a lot of research about the Ronda and environs, it is perfect. I used to live in a very similar sized town in Georgia, USA, and I know it will be perfect for relaxing, and getting out and about... low key!

Many thanks for your help! Cheers, Paul in Chicago

Please skip Hotel Polo. It is not very well run. if you still decide on it, do not book a room with breakfast, the breakfast is an abomination. Check trip advisor and booking.com reviews of Polo.

Instead, Hotel Colon is lovely or Hotel San Francisco is cheap, well located and has nicer staff.

Hi Navajo - wow - thank you for the "heads up." This is all very helpful - I'll check out Colon & San Francisco now! Cheers, Paul in Chicago

I´m a big fan of Hotel Colón if that´s in your price range. NavajoRug knows the hotels in Ronda very well.

I checked out Hotel Colon - and their website doesn't have any info on rates or availability. So I emailed them and hopefully will get a response this week. Thanks friends!

I´m going into Ronda later this morning and can pop into Hotel Colón if you like. I often have a coffee in their cafeteria on the ground floor. The single rooms are a bit small but the double rooms are a nice size. Do you arrive on 21st and depart on 24th? That makes three nights.

Ok, I went into Hotel Colón and here´s the news. The rates are as follows:

Single room: €25,50 per night
Twin-bedded room (single occupancy): €43 per night
Double bed room: €46 per night
All rates include breakfast* and IVA (= VAT)
*Breakfast is served in the café on the ground floor.

The single rooms are on the small side but perfectly adequate for just sleeping overnight. The twin-bedded and double-bedded rooms are quite a bit bigger. The whole place is spotlessly clean and the two sisters who own the hotel are very friendly.

Check your PMs too.

Thanks Tony for finding out for me! I will buy you a coffee!

My main concern for a hotel in Ronda is internet connection - it is essential for me (i.e. WI-Fi available in room). I haven't yet received a response form them - maybe my Spanish was so poor that I offended them :)
Their rates are quite reasonable!

Cheers, Paul

I´m afraid Colon does not have wifi. It is a bit difficult in smaller towns to find places with (working!!) wifi.

Have a look at this: Hotel Poeta de Ronda

Trouble is they only have double room rates so you´d have to pay 60 euros a night with breakfast. I called them and they say wifi works fine in rooms.

That hotel is in a superb location, Ms Rug. I´d never heard of it before. It looks pretty smart too. At €60 a night including breakfast, it looks like a bargain. Well spotted.

It also gets great reviews,Tony!

Paul, check your PMs.

Thank you both - i like this hotel - and thanks for your personal inquiry. I will follow up with them - looks very nice! Cheers, Paul