Gar-Anat Hotel Boutique

This upper-mid-range boutique combines the historic elements of its 17th-century building -- wood balconies surrounding a columned interior courtyard, carved wooden doors, terracotta floors, and a curved 16th-century cellar room -- with chic, modern furnishings and whimsical touches. The front desk sits below a quirky white chandelier and beside a multicolored abstract painting. The library lounge has low-lying wood chairs with gray cushions, a comfy beige couch, and quirky flourishes -- including a bowl of giant pinecones, and odd paintings of clowns above a coffee and tea service area -- balanced by dark wood ceiling beams, and shelves of poetry, literature, and travel books in English and Spanish. The hotel forms part of the Square of the Pilgrims, and its decor takes inspiration from pilgrims of all stripes, including Spanish writers and composers. As such, the atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, with guests holing up in the library or relaxing in the airy courtyard with a glass of wine or cup of tea. The property tends to draw tourist couples and single travelers seeking unique interiors and easy access to Granda's stylish tapas bars and incredible historic sights. 

The hotel is extremely well-situated for tourists, within a few minutes' walk of numerous tapas restaurants, bars, and shops. The Alhambra is a 20-minute walk uphill, and the San Jeronimo Monastery is about 15 minutes away on foot. Other historic sights are in closer walking distance -- including the popular and lively Plaza Nueva, and the stunning Granada Cathedral, both about five minutes away on foot. The Albaicin area, with Islamic architecture, historic sights -- including San Nicolas church -- and cool cafes, is about a 15 to 20 minutes' walk away. The airport is a 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. 

Rooms at the Gar Anat Hotel Boutique are super-clean, individually decorated, and inspired by poets, novelists, and composers from Spain and beyond. All have exposed, dark wood ceiling beams and carved, wooden doors and window shutters, along with wood floors, crisp white bedding, and stylish, modern furniture. Many have lines of poetry or literature-inspired imagery painted on the walls, though otherwise decoration is kept to a minimum -- which some guests may find a touch clinical. Each room has a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and glazed windows for soundproofing; however, some street-facing rooms can get a bit of traffic noise. Bathrooms have gray, marble tiling, slim sinks, and modern, shower/tub combos with glass walls. Some rooms overlook the Square of the Pilgrims or pretty San Matias Street. Deluxe Rooms offer luxe features, like iPod stereo systems, anti-noise carpentry, private whirlpool tubs, or lovely balconies with Alhambra views. The Suite has a whirlpool tub, a four-poster bed, and three original balconies looking out upon the streets and square below. 

The library lounge is stocked with books, has plenty of seating, and offers a tray of free tea and coffee for guests to help themselves to between noon and midnight -- pastries are also offered sometimes. Breakfast is served in the atmospheric vaulted cellar at a long communal table, and includes orange juice, teas and coffee drinks, fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, cereals, and olive oils (for a fee). In-room breakfast and limited room service -- including small plates, like ham and cheese, omelettes, and wine or champagne by the glass -- are available for a fee. There's a meeting room with audiovisual equipment and space for 24 guests. The hotel hosts regular art exhibits, and has a public computer in the library for guest use. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Parking is available for a fee within walking distance.