Shine Albayzin

Shine Albayzin has a beautiful Moorish courtyard that serves as the hotel's lobby, and is its most striking common space. It has classic elements, like dark-wood trim and railings and two tiers of marble pillars, combined with a minimalist-chic seating area that has sleek, white side tables, and gray sofas dotted with hot-pink velvet pillows. The breakfast room's decor is simple but elegant, with neutral tones, white walls, and traditional accents. The setting is hushed and unhurried, and guests tend to keep to themselves. With its romantic atmosphere and charming architecture, the hotel attracts sightseeing couples. 

Shine Albayzin is situated on busy Carrera del Darro street in Albaicin, one of the city's most picturesque areas, with winding streets and Moorish architecture. The property overlooks the Darro River and Espinosa Bridge, and there are several shops, restaurants, and bars just a short walk away.

The hotel is in a terrific location for visiting the Alhambra: the Watch Tower at the western end is a little more than a five-minute walk east. The Alhambra also contains the Renaissance-era Palace of Charles V, the Alcazaba Moorish fortress (the oldest part of the Alhambra), and Nazaries Palace, often considered the most beautiful islamic building in Europe.

Other sights within walking distance include The Palace of the Forgotten museum, which documents Granada's Sephardic Jewish history, and is a two-minute walk away. It's only a three-minute stroll to Plaza Nueva, Granada's oldest square, and it's 10 minutes on foot to Mirador de San Nicolas, which boasts sweeping views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The 16th-century Granada Cathedral is only a five-minute walk west of the hotel. 

Granada train station is a little more than a 10-minute drive, and Malaga–Costa del Sol Airport is roughly 30 minutes away by car.

The spacious guest rooms at Shine Albayzin are attractive, with modern decor and charming original architecture. They're dressed in warm neutrals like cafe au lait and chocolate brown, and there are wood-beamed ceilings, walls with traditional artworks and mirrors framed with intricate metalwork, and high-quality furniture covered in contemporary prints. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Some boast views of the Alhambra and espresso machines, but most lack coffeemakers or kettles. The hotel also has apartments in a separate building nearby, and units all feature living areas and kitchens. 

The marble-clad bathrooms are equally stylish and roomy, and all contain large walk-in showers with removable showerheads, double sinks, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

As a small hotel, the Shine Albayzin has few on-site amenities. But there's a solid continental breakfast for a fee, with a spread that includes boiled eggs, cold meats and cheeses, pastries, cereal, and fruit. The hotel also offers free tea and cookies in the afternoon, and there's an outdoor patio that's open in warm weather to have breakfast and snacks. The Shine also offers luggage storage, laundry service, and a 24-hour front desk that provides information for tourist and books Alhambra tickets. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, but no on-site parking. Guests are advised to call the hotel ahead of time for directions to a nearby parking lot, as it can be difficult to find. Also, travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the apartment annex doesn't have an elevator, though there is one in the main building.