The Mengíbar Palace is an impressive building from the 15th century in the quaint village of Mengíbar, Jaén, in the heart of Andalucía. In 2019 the palace was transformed into a beautiful 4 star hotel.

Programmes at the Mengíbar Palace include transport from central Madrid.

Mengíbar village was founded in Roman times. In the 11th century an Arab Palace stood here, but it was then destroyed and rebuilt in the 15th century. You can still visit the old Arab baths in the hotel though!

The hotel is in the centre of the village and surrounded by local shops and bars. You will be surprised by how lively the village is and how locals like to go out and enjoy a few beers and some tapas.

The hotel

The Mengíbar Palace Hotel**** has been designed respecting all the charm and history of the original building, with all the comforts of the 21st century. It is a place which makes you feel welcome right from the start, and where all staff are proud of the palace and will make every effort to make you feel at home.

The hotel has lots of patios with fountains and quaint little corners to enjoy.

During an Estación Inglesa programme we will also take a guided walk to learn about the history and legends of the palace and the village.

Volunteers are accommodated in single rooms with ensuite bathroom, full board.

About the venue

  • Single room with ensuite bathroom
  • Beautiful and luxurious historic building
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
  • Completely renovated in 2019
  • Free WiFi
  • Free transport from central Madrid
  • Guided tour of the palace and the village

How to get there

As a volunteer you can use our free transport service to and from central Madrid.

Image Gallery

The Spa, wich use to be the old Arab baths

The Spa, wich use to be the old Arab baths

Details of a bathroom

Details of a bathroom

Defensive tower and church in the village

Defensive tower and church in the village

A table in the dining room

A table in the dining room

The old stables, now the restaurant

The old stables, now the restaurant

THe main façade

THe main façade

The lobby

The lobby

One of the patios

One of the patios

Cafeteria

Cafeteria

Roman remains found in the area

Roman remains found in the area

A room

A room

Balcony in one of the rooms

Balcony in one of the rooms

Bathroom with 18th century tiling

Bathroom with 18th century tiling

A bed

A bed

Entrance

Entrance

A modern bathroom in one of the rooms

A modern bathroom in one of the rooms

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Testimonials

The program was more than I expected. All of the participants, English and Spanish, were such treasures! Thank you for an experience of a lifetime!

Kim Mares
USA

A wonderful opportunity to become familiar with a variety of Spanish natives, have a nice vacation, and make new friends.

Travis Dennis
USA

The program was a nice way to meet new people and understand more about the places, people and culture of Spain. It was extremely well run and I thoroughly enjoyed participanting in the program.

Gillian Doherty
Australia

I loved everything! I loved the ambience of the hotel and staff. I loved the variety of personalities, both the volunteers and participants. I loved how the group banded. I loved the fun we had. In short, I loved everything about it!

Zoe Welland
UK

The course has provided me with a great chance to meet new people, learn about new cultures and provide native Spanish speakers with the resources needed to enhance their English skills. It has been an amazing week and has allowed me to gain a further appreciation for the professional and social need that many Spanish speakers have for English. Javi, Rafa and Estación Inglesa- Great job!

Kevin Synarski
USA

I was anxious about doing this as it was the first time I had done anything similar but it was so well organised with such professional and friendly approach, and the participants, both English and Spanish were so friendly and enthusiastic that I really enjoyed it and look forward to doing more of these courses

Neville Johnson
Australia

A group of strangers met and left as friends. Confidences grew with the knowledge gained. It's been a pleasure to help in the development of interesting students and to see their confidence grow!

Mark Stubbings

I love this programme! From the first day to the last it is full of laughs, interesting conversations, meeting wonderful people with lots of stories to tell. Please let me come back! :)

Gill Sargeant
UK

The programme is always a wonderful experience to meet people from various walks of life. I really enjoy hearing people's stories and getting to really know them during the course. I like seeing the Spanish improve over the course too and become more confident!

Angela Grossman
USA

This program was very well organized. The activities were fun and easy to understand. I really enjoyed my participation and learning experience. I really appreciated the positive energy from everyone from start to finish. Great program. Thank you!

Renee Harris
USA

I have attended many, many programmes both as a student and as a tutor. I can say with no hesitation, that from every aspect of learning situations, this has been the best. It was clear that students were enjoying themselves and having fun always helps the learning process. You have an excellent programme.

Pamela Burns
UK

I didn't really know what to expect, but enjoyed the experience thoroughly. The people were diverse and incredibly interesting. I have made new friends, and found the week rewarding and fulfilling. It also allowed me to see a part of Spain I otherwise may not have visited. Thank you Estación Inglesa

Amanda Madigan
USA

The programme has been an excellent experience. I am extremely proud of all the Spanish participants, they have improved their English & confidence immensely! It has been a pleasure to be involved in such a positive & friendly environment. I have made some lasting friendships and I take away some wonderful memories. Thank you!

Carly Sanderson
UK

More than a million words couldn't describe. My heart is full of happiness. I have a permanent smile. I learnt more here than I could ever learn about the Spanish people and Spain.

Sharon Harrison
Canada

Estación Inlglesa has been a very interesting experience that I've really enjoyed! I have met many great people that I wouldn't normally have the opportunity to meet. I've learned quite a bit from the Spanish students and the volunteers and I've really enjoyed watching the progress of the Spanish students. I would definitely recommend! Thank you!

Ally Caird
Canada

A wonderful experience, a great way to help those who want to improve their English. Super fun, super friendly and a higly recommendable experience!

Lorraine Jackson
Ireland

I've enormously enjoyed my first experience of Estación Inglesa: meeting a lot of exceptionally friendly, new faces, getting to know them and exchanging experiences and ideas. It's been very fulfilling helping them to improve their English!

Robert Chubb
UK

It has been a great opportunity to meet so many interesting Spanish and native English speakers. The programme has been excellent. It was well organised and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I want to repeat the experience again!

Keith Deller
UK

The programme has been a huge success for me, personally. I have gained knowledge and friendships that I'm sure will last a lifetime. Thanks to everyone for their patience and friendhsip this week.

Paul Harbour
UK

I did not know what to expect when I volunteered for this event and I can say in all hoesty it is the best and the happiest course I have ever been to. The course was extremely well organised and the activities were pitched at the right level for the Spanish participants. 10 out of 10 for Estación Inglesa.

Irene Scott
UK

It is always a great pleasure to participate in a Estación Inglesa programme. I have met many charming new friends, both Spanish and volunteers. I am already looking forward to returning to another programme! Thank you!

Jane Waygood
UK

It has provided me with an opportunity to continue to develop a love of Spain, its people, culture and geography - while at the same time establishing close relations with an amazing group of individuals!

Cindy Matheson
Canada

Tremendously rewarding week, making new friends, and seeing the Spaniards slowly blossom with newfound confidence. Gave me a sense of achievement having been a part of the shared experience.

Susie Asselstine
Australia
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