The worst kept secret around these parts is that the Ronda Valley Hotel (formerly Hotel Don Benito) is to close its doors on 15th January 2026. WTF! Why?
This hotel is my nearest local, so from a selfish point of view, I think it's a disaster.
Talking with other "guiris" who live nearby, it's a catastrophe for them also.
Ronda Valley Hotel [Photo: A1 Inmobiliaria]
The local folk, almost all andaluces, mostly involved with agriculture - olives, grapes, hortalizas of all kinds - or livestock farmers - sheep, goats, pigs and cattle - this is where they come to chill out after work and quench their raging thirsts.
Backstory
I've lived around here for 17 years and I've experienced a number of different "owners" and at least three name changes to the hotel in question.
For many years it was Hotel Don Benito, then La Posada de Ronda and latterly Ronda Valley Hotel.
The owner was Pedro, but he died a couple of years ago. His only heir is a daughter who has no interest in running a hotel, just like her dad. Pedro always leased the hotel to others to run.
I can remember Manolo from Ronda; a German couple from, well, Germany; Luis from Arriate; and Sergio and Manuel from Lisbon, Portugal.
Mural in the refurbished bar [Andalucia.org]
The most successful have been the Portuguese, even though they never come, leaving the hotel in the hands of a manager.
So, what's going on?
You hear lots of stories but are they true?
Final Musings
So, we have another two months before the place closes.
I really don't get it. This hotel has so much potential.
Easy to get to, also for passing motorists; massive free car park; bar; restaurant; function room; large outside terrace; 20 rooms; extensive grounds with tennis court, padel court and swimming pool; barbecue area.
The large terrace [Atrapalo]
If I were three decades younger; had a background in hospitality; and had the money, I would be first in the queue to buy it.
Talking it over with two local estate agents, one estimated that the purchase price would be around 1.2 million euros; the other 1.8 million. Quite a difference! The latter estimate was because of the potential of the hotel and grounds.
My big idea is that they need to hold live music events on the terrace or in the function room. A guaranteed money-spinner if done properly. There is already a strong tradition of live music in the Serrania de Ronda, eg at the Irish Bar in Ronda; Allioli Bar y Mas in Jimera de Libar; and Bar Restaurante EntreAscuas in Montejaque.
[Allioli bar y mas]
Another good idea would be tapas at the bar.
Changing the horario of the restaurant would be a smart move: 7.00 - 10.30 would be welcomed by the very many hotel guests from Northern Europe, USA and Canada.
And also by some of the locals.
[Sign by Mar y Ram]
The bedrooms need a makeover. They are a bit dated, basic and shabby. Once the renovation is completed the hotel could "up" its prices. 30 € a night for a double room off-season is way too cheap.
Let's hope somebody comes along and buys the hotel and fulfils its potential.
Otherwise, we locals will have to either give up drinking or travel further afield.
Arrgh!
© Pablo de Ronda
Links:
Another - new – Ronda Valley
The other "Ronda valley"
Pictures:
A1 Inmobiliaria, Allioli Bar y Mas, Andalucia.org, Atrapalo, Mar y Ram
Thanks:
A1 Inmobiliaria, Eye on Spain, LoveViviendas, Pablo de Ronda, Paul Whitelock, Sierra Estates
Tags:
A1 Inmobiliaria, Allioli Bar y Mas, Andalucia.org, Atrapalo, Bar Restaurante EntreAscuas, Eye on Spain, Hotel Don Benito, Irish Bar in Ronda, Jimera de Libar, La Posada de Ronda, LoveViviendas, Luis from Arriate, Manolo from Ronda, Mar y Ram, Montejaque, Pablo de Ronda, Paul Whitelock, Portugal, Ronda Valley Hotel, Sergio and Manuel from Lisbon, Serrania de Ronda, Sierra Estates