Hotel Molino de Santo Benaojan , Serrania de Ronda



Molino del Santo S.L. \| Bda Estación s/n, 29370 Benaojan, Málaga, Spain + 34 952 16 71 51 + 34 952 16 73 27 @

This page aims to answer all kinds of questions that you may have about a stay with us. Please scroll down .. there are five pages here!

The village of Montejaque… Whilst its attractiveness has led to its discovery by relatively large number of tourists , the old quarter of the village is still very quaint and some open doorways give hints as to how rural Spaniards lived throughout this area until very recently. Many of the houses are absolutely tiny, perched on the side of the hill in winding narrow streets virtually impassable to motor traffic. The main square is a delightful spot for a drink and to people watch as much of the population passes through as regular intervals.

The Pileta Caves… 15 minutes’ drive or an hour’s walk away are some of the least commercial caves that it is possible to visit in Europe. There are paintings dating from over 25000 years ago and some impressive formations. A more detailed information sheet is available from reception.

Ronda… By train, car or walking, the capital of the Serrania is becoming more sophisticated each year and in our opinion offers something for most people. More information about parking, recommended places to visit and preferred shops, bar and restaurants is available from reception.

Ronda la Vieja y Setenil… The site of Roman Ronda and a well preserved theatre hewn out of the rock can be combined with a visit to a village boasting houses cut into the rock near to the river. Allow a long half day. More information from reception.

Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra… Perhaps the two most attractive and spectacularly situated of all of the white villages. The scenery is stunning as are the views and there is a fantastic mountain road connecting the two villages which climbs to 1357 metres. There are information centres in both villages and a range of restaurants and bars. Further information is available from reception.

Ubrique… More stunning scenery to be enjoyed on a round trip. Ubrique is not attractive town in its own right but does have a large number of leather factories making a whole range of products of high quality as well as some cork products. They used to have an interesting line in cork bikinis… Suggested route and notes available from reception.

Benalauria… A spectacularly situated village accessed via a narrow winding dead end road. There are wonderful views of the Genal river valley and the forest of chestnut trees. There is a museum in and olive mill and lovely restaurant. The whole village has been supported by EEC initiatives to maintain its character and a visit here is like stepping back in time.

South of Ronda… There is a chain of unspoilt white villages in a harsh landscape amongst the chestnut trees south from Ronda. A round trip is possible passing through Alpandeire, Farajan, Juzcar, Cartajima and Parauta.

El Chorro and Ardales… A very different area and landscape of stunning gorges and lakes reached through and agricultural area of rolling fields.

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra… One of the most important ornithological sites in Andalucia after Doñana. Up to 25000 Greater Flamingoes nest here each year along with a whole range of less obvious species. There is a visitors’ centre with good information as well as a binocular hire service. More information from reception.

Costa del Sol… If you need a dose of razzamatazz and international life, this is where to find it. Very busy most of the year but there are some attractive parts and if it’s shopping you want, Marbella should provide for most of your needs. Nearest golf courses are here one hour away from Molino.

Arcos de la Frontera ( 75 minutes )… “ Ronda without the tourists “ … can be as an extension to visiting Zahara and Grazalema or combined with visiting Jerez.

Jerez de la Frontera ( 100 minutes )… Horses, sherry and flamenco. Booking is essential for a visit to the equestrian display which takes place at noon each Tuesday and Thursdays. Bodega visits are also best reserved.

Sevilla ( 120 minutes )… The self-assured capital of Andalucia with a strong sense of style and some marvellous buildings and public squares.

Cadiz ( 120 minutes )… The least touristy of the provincial capitals in this area with amazing seafood, huge beaches and lovely, slightly dilapidated buildings in the old town. The boss’ favourite Andalucian restaurant is here.

Gibraltar ( 120 minutes )… By train or by car. It’s unique… some might be grateful for that but it is interesting historically. You need your passport.

Granada ( 150 minutes )… Possible as a long day trip. Tickets to visit the Alhambra must be bought in advance. We can attempt to do this for you ( book as early as you can ) but will require your credit card to pay for the entrance tickets in advance.

Costa de la Luz ( 150 minutes )… Stunning beaches and even in August many are crowded . Very relaxed and bohemian and building restrictions seemed to have arrived just in time in most parts. We can recommend our favourite spots if you wish.

Cordoba ( 150 minutes )… Fascinating place with so much to see. The old quarter and the Mezquita are well worth the effort and el Palacio de Viana is amazing with thirteen different patios each of distinct character.

DO YOU HAVE NEWSPAPERS?… We normally receive “Sur de Málaga” on weekdays and this is left in the bar area. If you would like us to purchase any Spanish newspaper for your personal use , we will do our best to obtain the paper for you.
English newspapers are available in Ronda the same day of publication from late morning. We order a copy of “The Daily Telegraph” and “The Guardian” (International Edition) for general use and leave them in the bar area. If you would like your own copy we can order them for you from Monday to Friday and they will arrive at approximately 2 p.m. “The Herald Tribune” and “The Financial Times” are also available upon request. (“The Guardian” is not available on Wednesdays.)
Please order newspapers by 10p.m. the night before they are required.

WHEN ARE THE LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES?… In the village of Benaoján, mass is generally held each Sunday at 11 a.m. and in Montejaque at 12.30.
In Ronda mass is celebrated in the afternoons on weekdays.

WHERE ARE THE NEAREST HIPERMARKETS AND SUPERMARKETS?… In Ronda there are two large stores of the Hipersol chain open from 10 until 9 from Monday to Saturday. One is situated by the traffic lights on the Ronda By-pass, 50m on the right along the road to El Burgo. The other is in the Industrial Estate (Poligono Industrial) of Ronda.

WHERE IS GOOD FOR CLOTHES SHOPPING? … Shoe shops on the main shopping street in Ronda offer good value; the staff in Gody, half way up the main street on the left hand side are particularly helpful and the children’s shoe shop opposite is recommended. Mango and Wai-Pai are generally accepted as the trendier of the women’s shops; men’s clothes in Ronda tend to be more traditional.
For a wider, seriously credit card-threatening choice, Marbella is the nearest centre. El Corte Ingles department store at Puerto Banus has lots of in-store boutiques and in Marina Banus opposite there is Zara for men, women and children along with various other stores that are not to be found in the UK.. Marbella old town and Calle Ricardo Soriano offer a range of more exclusive stores.
Widely-available branded goods tend to be cheaper in Spain than in UK.

WHERE CAN I SEE FLAMENCO? … Authentic flamenco is a spontaneous outpouring of emotion which can not be timetabled or planned and so is unlikely to be experienced by the casual visitor. However there is a regular flamenco display in the Lara museum of Ronda on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. Reservation is essential. Reports have been very positive.

WHICH BEACHES CAN YOU RECOMMEND? … The nearest beaches are the Mediterranean ones at San Pedro, one hour away, although we think it is worth a little extra effort to reach some of the more attractive ones to the East of Marbella such as Las Chapas near the Hotel Don Carlos or Cabopino, a “textile-optional” beach.
However the best beaches by far in this area are on the Atlantic coast from Tarifa northwards, known as the Costa de la Luz, at least two hours away. Bolonia, Caños de Meca, Zahara de los Atunes, Conil de la Frontera are amongst the best. The biggest problem on this coast is the wind which can be very strong at times. The Costa de la Luz can be reached via the Mediterranean coast road or inland via Arcos de la Frontera and Medina Sidonia.

WHERE CAN I PLAY GOLF?… The nearest courses are on the Costa del Sol, approximately one hour away. We can offer preferential rates on either of the courses at Atalaya Park for pre-booked reservations. In low season, from May onwards, 18 holes will cost approximately 55 euros. In high season, from mid September, the cost is approximately 80euros.
Valderrama is of course recommended, albeit at a cost of 230 euros per 18 holes!

IS HORSE-RIDING POSSIBLE?… This can be arranged at a stables approximately 15 minutes’ drive away. More details are available from reception.

WHAT IS YOUR SMOKING POLICY?… In accordance with the latest changes to Spanish law, we have decided that the only internal area where smoking is permitted at Molino del Santo is the bar. We ask guests not to smoke in their rooms but to use the terrace of their rooms if they wish to smoke. We will also be listening to the views of our guests to decide whether to modify this policy. We appreciate your co-operation.

DO YOU OFFER SERVICE TO ROOM TERRACES?… Except at breakfast, we regret that we are unable to provide terrace or room service, but you are of course very welcome to take drinks and meals to your terrace or room. Please return crockery and glasses to the bar.

DO YOU HAVE TELEPHONES?… There should be an information sheet underneath the phone in your room, explaining its use. If there is not, please let us know and we will be pleased to supply a copy. There are public telephones in the bar at Molino, opposite the station and in the village square. The price of a unit is approximately 0,05 € from the telephone in your room which means that it is cheaper to use these telephones than mobiles.
We would ask you to be considerate towards your fellow guests if you are using a mobile telephone.

WHAT IS THE HEALTH CARE LIKE? … There is a health centre in the village which is open 24 hours to complement the main hospital in Ronda. In our experience the service they offer is exceptionally good. The paediatrician visits on Monday and Thursday. The nearest dental clinic is in Ronda. Visits to the health centre are free if you have form E-111 or equivalent. Without this form appointments are charged from 45,00 € and visits to emergency cost from 110,00 € aprox.
Your travel insurance should cover this cost but you must pay the health centre in cash at the time of your visit. The chemist ( farmacia ) in the village is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 14.00 and from and from 17.00 to 20.00 h. Emergency chemists are always open in Ronda. We will of course do all we can to help should the need arise.

IS INTERNET ACCESS AVAILABLE?… Our office Internet connection is available for guests’ use on request. We charge 3 euros an hour for this service, minimum charge 2 euros. We are in the process of installing Wi-fi service to all rooms in the hotel.

WHAT ABOUT POSTAL SERVICES?… Stamps for all EEC countries cost 0,58 € for a normal letter or postcard and 0,78 € for the rest of the world; we usually have a stock of these at Reception. The postman collects from Reception each week day at about noon.

IS YOUR SWIMMING POOL WARM?… We are pleased to say that our pool is heated by solar panels and a heat pump. On warmer days the pool is open when the cover is removed. On cooler days check opening times with reception. Please do not remove the cover yourself.

DO YOU HAVE A LAUNDRY SERVICE?… We are pleased to offer an efficient laundry service. You can choose between two forms of service:
1.- By machine load: we charge 30 euros for a reasonable amount of clothes that can be put in the same machine at the same temperature.
2.- By article: for smaller amounts of laundry. Please see enclosed price list.
Please complete the appropriate form and give it to the cleaners along with your clothes. Dry cleaning can also be arranged if required.

IS IRONING POSSIBLE?… Ironing is charged separately at 24euros per hour, minimum charge 12 euros.
If you prefer to iron your clothes yourself this is possible. In our Courtesy room there are an iron and a board to be used without charge by our guests. Please ask for availability at Reception.

WHAT ABOUT SECURITY?… Although we have never had any problems with articles going missing, for insurance reasons we ask you to lock your room ( doors and windows ) when you leave it. Any especially valuable items should be deposited at Reception for even safer keeping. We will be pleased to detail the terms of the insurance policy we have taken out for the benefit of our guests if this is of concern to you.
You can use the safe in your room without charge. Please ask for the key at reception.

IS THERE A LOCAL SHOP?… There is a small shop very near to Molino for any daily needs. Go down the lane, do not turn left to cross the little green bridge, and the shop is the first building on your left, signed “ Tienda Ani “. In Benaoján there are bars, supermarkets, a bank, a post office, a chemist and a tobacconist where they also sell stamps. A fuller range of shops is available in Ronda. As a general rule shops open from 10 till 2 and from 5 till 9.

WHEN IS CHECK OUT AND CHECK IN?… Please, vacate your room by 12.00 noon on the day of departure. We aim to have your room available from as near to 12 noon as possible.

CAN I STAY IN THE HOTEL AND GROUNDS AFTER CHECK OUT?… Of course. We have a courtesy room available for people who wish to stay at the hotel after the 12 o’clock check out equiped with a shower. Please consult the reception staff if you are interested in using this facility, which is allocated on a first come, first served basis.

HOW DO I PAY MY ACCOUNT?… Most people pay for drinks, lunches etc at the end of their stay. Your account is updated at the end of each day and is always available for your inspection. We can accept payment in euros or sterling ( we require advance notice for other currencies ). Cash, personal or travellers´cheques, Eurocheques and Visa, Access and Diners Club credit cards are welcome. We are unable to accept cheques drawn on Gibraltar banks or American Express cards.

IS SERVICE INCLUDED IN YOUR CHARGES? Service is included in all charges at Molino. However, many guests feel that the service is exceptional and wish to leave a gratuity. All tips are shared by all the staff and may be handed to any member of the staff or left in your room when you leave.