Calle Acera del Darro 62, Granada, Spain | (888) 252-0567
Located in the commercial heart of Granada, one mile from the Alhambra
Lavish and glitzy lobby area with glittering metallic motif
Rooftop terrace with amazing views, bar-restaurant, and pool
Smart, simple, and stylish rooms have mini-fridges and 32-inch flat-screen TVs
Some rooms open to balconies with views over the city and mountains
Kids' club with colorful activity room
Underground parking (for a fee)
Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel
Pool is small and it gets crowded
Internal and external noise problems in some rooms
No fitness center
The upscale 222-room Carmen Hotel might not be much to look at from the outside, but once inside it's hard not to be impressed by the lavish reception area. Rooms tone down the glitz and are smart and spacious, and many have balconies. Views from the rooftop terrace are a real highlight, and the pool's a nice touch, if a little small. A kids' club gives an air of family-friendliness. Rates are very competitive for its central Granada location -- especially for guests who snag a higher-floor room with a balcony.
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Scene
Plain '70s facade belying glitzy interiors in marble and gold
The Carmen Hotel first opened its doors almost 40 years ago, which is very evident in its unattractive '70s-style facade. Its 2011 renovation, however, is very evident in the spacious lobby area, which blends polished marble floors, dark-wood paneling, eclectic sumptuous seating, and gold-trimmed columns. A glitzy palette of metallic tones continues in gilded objets d'art and grand gold and copper murals, while a pair of shimmering golden elevators and a similarly gleaming staircase lead to smart, low-lit corridors. The ambience is buzzy and upscale, though occasionally the glitz tips into gaudy. The Carmen attracts an equal mix of tourist and business travelers.
Location
Located in the Granada's commercial heart, one mile from the Alhambra
The hotel is located in the commercial center of Granada on one of its main shopping streets, across the street from the large El Corte Ingles department store. The famous Alhambra fortress is situated a little more than a mile away, and buses leave from near the hotel. The Palacio de Congresos exhibition center is within a 10-minute walk, while the leafy riverside Plaza del Humilladero is five minutes away on foot. The Federico García Lorca Airport is 12 miles away, and the Sierra Nevada ski resort is about 18 miles from the hotel.
Rooms
Rooms are air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, and some open onto balconies
The gaudy glitz of the lobby area doesn't quite extend to the hotel's 222 rooms, which have clean contemporary lines, simple, stylish furnishings, and dark-wood floors. All rooms are air-conditioned and have mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are smart and modern, with bidets and walk-in showers or tubs -- premium rooms have jetted tubs. Some rooms have balconies; rooms in the back have larger, furnished balconies, while those on higher levels offer great views of the surrounding city and countryside. Street noise can be a problem in some lower-level rooms, and soundproofing could be better between the rooms.
Features
Rooftop terrace with amazing views, bar/restaurant, and a small pool
The hotel features a spacious rooftop terrace with wonderful views of the Alhambra and the surrounding city and Sierra Nevada Mountains. The terrace includes a bar and restaurant, as well as a pool, though it is small, and the rooftop area is open only from June through October. There is also a restaurant and cafe lounge bar inside, as well as the Bizet Cocktail Bar. Underground parking is available for a fee, though cars need to be registered to avoid a fine.
