Calle Real de La Alhambra s/n, Granada, Spain | (888) 240-0568
Inside La Alhambra, Granada’s top attraction
Housed in an old palace built in the 15th century
Contemporary, minimalist rooms with flat-screen TVs and minibars
Some rooms have views of the Generalife
On-site restaurant serving traditional local cuisine with a view
Lovely grounds dotted with stone gurgling fountains and plants
Striking 15th-century chapel, and Nasrid ruins on-site
Free Wi-Fi
On-site outdoor parking
15-minute downhill walk to the city center
No fitness center
A couple of rooms have limited views
Originally a Nasrid palace built in the late 15th century, the Parador de Granada is now an upscale hotel offering the unique experience of staying inside La Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the common spaces feature antiques and traces of the building’s grand past, but its 40 rooms are contemporary, with understated Spanish decor and up-to-date amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Highlights include a traditional restaurant -- known for having hosted former first lady Michelle Obama -- gorgeous, serene grounds, and striking ruins dating back to the 15th century. Just note that there is no fitness center on-site, and that the city center is a 15-minute walk down a steep path.
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Scene
A small boutique with tons of history
This upscale boutique is steeped in history. First built in the 15th century as a grand Nasrid palace for a Moorish prince, and later transformed into a Franciscan convent by the Catholic Monarchs, the property has been witness to centuries of Spanish history. Upon entering through the wrought-iron gate in the original brick wall surrounding the property, guests cross a lovely, serene garden with cobblestone paths lined with plants and trees. The lobby is an airy space with a mix of contemporary decor and original antiques, such as a series of grandfather clocks, writing desks, statues, and paintings with ornate golden frames. Those willing to take in the stunning views of the Generalife (La Alhambra’s beautiful 13th-century royal palace) can stroll through the serene gardens, some of which still retain the traditional Nasrid design, with gurgling fountains and lots of plants.
Location
Inside La Alhambra, a 15-minute walk from the city center
Those looking to visit La Alhambra, Granada’s top attraction, will be hard-pressed to find a better location -- the hotel is literally inside the site. This privileged situation atop a hill allows for striking views, but the city center is a 15-minute walk (or a cheap, quick cab ride) down a steep hill. Guests are discouraged to drive to town, as many of the streets in the center are closed off to non-residents, and traffic can be heavy during rush hour.
Rooms
Spacious and contemporary, with understated Spanish decor
The traditional Nasrid-style latticework shutters are some of the only details that give away the hotel’s history when it comes to the rooms. Decor style is mostly contemporary and understated, with blonde wood furniture, a few pops of fuchsia, and different shades of brown. Most have either striking views of the Generalife, or of the serene grounds -- but a couple of the rooms have limited views. Flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, electric kettles with free coffee and tea, and free Wi-Fi are all standard amenities. Bathrooms are spacious, with either a walk-in shower with rain showerhead (some have jets on the wall), or a tub. Junior Suites and Suites have jetted tubs.
Features
A solid restaurant, beautiful grounds, and striking ruins on-site -- but no fitness center
Guests interested in learning more about the building’s grand history may want to visit the hotel’s gorgeous 15th-century chapel, where the Catholic Monarchs were buried until 1521. It features coffered ceilings, a stunning altarpiece, and traditional wall moldings. Few of the original Nasrid architectural details remain, but guests can still visit the hammam, one of the grand halls, and the serene gardens, designed to recreate the image of Paradise as described in the Qur’an.Additionally, the hotel also features a solid restaurant serving a traditional regional menu; a business center in the lobby; outdoor parking; and a quiet central cloister with a fountain, and tables and chairs where guests can enjoy a drink at night. The solarium offers panoramic views, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout. There is no fitness center on-site.
