The thing I remember most about my stay at Barcelona’s Hotel Continental Barcelona was neither its La Rambla location nor its proximity to public transit. The hotel’s affordable pricing doesn’t pop to the top of my memory either. No, the thing I remember most about my stay at the Hotel Continental Barcelona was our room’s dizzying decor.

But we’ll get back to that later.

When I travel to a destination city, I pick my accommodations based on four things; price, location, price and location. The Hotel Continental Barcelona hit the score on all four.

Located directly on Barcelona’s La Rambla, the hotel is convenient to many sites, restaurants and clubs. The Catalunya metro stop is right in front of the hotel and the Placa de Catalunya, where you’ll find the pick up point for the Aerobus to the airport and the tourist information office, is a just a short walk away.

It’s not the cheapest place I’ve ever slept, but considering its location, rates are quite reasonable. Our standard double room cost just €85 per night only a few months ago. Although tiny, even by European standards, the room was functional and included full bathroom facilities and an in-room safe. Guests have access to a 24-hour snack-type buffet that also includes soda, beer, wine, juice and water. The hotel has a couple of little patios, one that looks out on the busy tourist scene, and free internet access.

When planning your next travel trip, keep the Hotel Continental Barcelona on your list of lodging options.

Now, I promised to explain about the dizzying decor, but in this case, a picture is worth 1,000 words.

If you find yourself needing a place to sleep when you travel to Nerja, along Spain’s Costa del Sol, call on the friendly folks at the Hostal Don Peque.

Very near the old city and just a short walk to the water, the little accommodation is clean and convenient. There’s a handy, but expensive, parking garage nearby and the tourist information office is only a few blocks away. The owner, (I think her name is Clara,) was on hand every day during our visit. The hostal also rents beach towels and chairs.

We ate breakfast on the rooftop terrace one morning during our stay, but found the fare to be a bit simple for the price. I thought 6 € was a tad much for bread, jam, orange juice and tea, but the views of the sea and the rooftops of Nerja were nice.

A great place to soak up some sun, Nerja has plenty of sand, restaurants and clubs to keep any beachcomber happy, and the Don Peque sits right in the middle of it all.

A friend and fellow traveler today asked me if I had ever been to Ronda, Spain.

“Yes,” I replied, “about a month ago. It’s a great place and I know the perfect hotel.”

I get a kick from helping others plan their journeys and today’s conversation was the highlight of my day. I told my friend about Ronda and how the white hill town’s ambiance and atmosphere are the best reasons to visit.

Oh, yeah, and that amazing bridge.

Straddling a draw-dropping gorge called El Tajo, the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) was built in the 1700s and is still in use today. For great but sweat-inducing views, hike down to the bottom of the gorge. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.

The sturdy bridge and deep ravine take on a different personality after dark, so plan to spend at least one night.  A great place to bed down in Ronda, the Hotel San Gabriel is cozy and convenient. The hotel’s dark wood, winding stairs and eclectic nooks and crannies reminded my wife of the mansion from the board game Clue. But don’t worry, there’s no Professor Plum or Colonel Mustard here.

Ronda is made for aimless wandering and photo-worthy vistas are around every corner. When my friend returns from her Ronda romp, I’ll pass along her impressions.