Hacienda del Cardenal.

Built into the 18th-century summer palace of Cardinal Lorenzana, Hacienda del Cardenal sits just inside the city walls adjacent to the Puerta de Bisagra. The property serves as a quiet gateway to the old town, centered around a traditional Castilian courtyard and lush gardens that feel far removed from the surrounding tourist bustle. While the rooms lean toward a rustic, traditional aesthetic with dark woods and stone accents, the real draw is the expansive outdoor terrace and the onsite restaurant, which is a local fixture for regional staples like roast suckling pig. An outdoor pool provides a rare respite from the Toledo heat, while the building’s original architectural quirks—arched doorways and hidden patios—retain the character of a noble residence rather than a standardized hotel.