La Casa del Califa

Want to get a feel of what it must have been like to live in the golden era of the Moors? Then come to the Vejer and stay at the Casa del Califa. Vejer is one of the best preserved of the Arab white towns. Almost 500 years of Islamic domination left a permanent mark on the culture, architecture & landscape on the region. Within this environment, located in the town's most important old square, can be found the Califa.

It seems to be made up of a maze of corridors & stairways that lead guests into different parts of the hotel. Many rooms are on different floors with 3 traditional courtyards providing light & depth to the structure. In fact some of the rooms are located in an outbuilding, which has just been acquired by the hotel further adding to the labyrinth like feel. Many of bedrooms have traditional Arab rugs on the floors.

All the railings & ironwork were made in Marrakech for the hotel, while furnishings and decoration include everything from an 18th century Persian dowry chest, to Afghan rugs, Lebanese lamps & copperware from the Yemen. Most of the art on the walls is original & inspired by motifs & themes from Islamic Spain and include works from Algerian, Morrocan & Granada painters.

A word of caution: the many stairs and levels do not make it appropriate for elderly or handicapped people, though notwithstanding this, it is an excellent value and atmospheric hotel.