The Hesperia Cordoba is large and bright, but lacks the design touches and attention to detail that would make it special. Big open spaces are sparsely furnished in a way that can look unfinished. The rooftop terrace is the hotel's centerpiece, and the most relaxing space in the hotel. Overall the atmosphere is a bit generic and full of tourist bustle, but the rooftop is a peaceful highlight.

The Hesperia Cordoba sits on the banks of the Guadalquivir River with gorgeous views of the old city of Cordoba. A 10-minute walk takes guests across the Roman Bridge to the famed Mosque and other popular historic sights. The Bullfighting and Fine Arts Museums are also nearby. The immediate area is generally quieter than the other river bank but includes several bars, and there is a Hop On Hop Off Tour bus that stops right outside the hotel. For drivers, this is a good, accessible location with easy parking.

Rooms at the Hesperia Cordoba are big and spotlessly clean, with hardwood floors, pretty bedspreads, and bright, cheerful lighting. Rooms in the new wing have more updated decor with cooler lamps and reading lights and more modern wood furniture, but rooms in the older wing have beautiful Andalusian mosaic tile behind the beds that adds to the atmosphere. Rooms on the third floor may get noise and chlorine odors from the pool and bar above. Bathrooms in Standard Rooms are nice but present tight quarters; Superior Rooms and above have more bathroom space (and espresso machines).

The Hesperia Cordoba has two restaurants: the Medina Azahara Restaurant Buffet and Al Punto, which serves international cuisine with outdoor seating and river views. A hot and cold buffet breakfast is available daily for a surcharge. The rooftop bar offers poolside drinks and snacks with panoramic city views -- an exceptional experience at sunset. There are nine meeting/event rooms, and wedding services are available. The hotel has an underground parking garage, no reservations are necessary, but there is a fee.