Casa Sol y Luna

Note: This hotel is currently closed for renovations.

The Hostal Casa Sol y Luna bed is a refreshing change from the usual hotel humdrum. Decorated more like a bed and breakfast than a Spanish hostal, this pension charmed the pants off us (metaphorically speaking, of course!). Keep in mind, however, reserving one of these 10 sweet rooms can present a challenge: They are generally booked solid weeks—even months—in advance.

The Spanish-English couple behind the pension has a penchant for antiques. Some of the eclectic furniture—such as the antiquated wardrobes and Victorian-esque, dark-wooden beds—looks as if it were purchased at Christie's. Old clocks, collectibles, bed netting and artwork (no fancy TVs or phones here) set rooms apart from run-of-the-mill hostals. The attic room is the starlet; make sure to request it first.

Bathrooms are exterior in eight of the 10 rooms, but they're big, bright and beautiful.

Downstairs, creaky French doors surround a bright, sunny common room. Note: There is no air conditioner—a fact that makes Casa Sol y Luna an ideal option for anytime but summer.

The hostal looks a little sketchy from the outside, but it's centrally situated in a safe, quiet area near Iglesia del Salvador.