Hotel Casa Morisca

Hotel Casa Morisca is a grand old house dating from the end of the fifteenth century, on the Cuesta de la Victoria, a steep lane rising from the Paseo de los Tristes at the end of the Carrera del Darro. It was carefully restored and converted into a small hotel, and the restoration won wide praise. The heart of the house is its patio, with the original Morisco pool and galleries on all four sides, and many of its fourteen rooms look onto it, while others face outward towards the Alhambra and the Generalife. The decoration is traditional, with exposed beams, vaulted doorways, antiques and restored original details, and the bathrooms are fully modern behind their tiles. The top-floor Mirador room, set in a tower-like structure, has the best views in the house. There is no restaurant, but breakfast is served in a vaulted, brick-lined room, and the garden looks up at the Comares Tower of the Alhambra. It is officially a three-star hotel, but it feels like staying in a private Granada house.

Location and getting around: the Cuesta de la Victoria climbs from the eastern end of the Carrera del Darro, the riverside street below the Alhambra, so you are at the meeting point of the Albaicín and the Sacromonte. The Paseo de los Tristes, with its terraces under the Alhambra walls, is at the bottom of the lane, the cave flamenco shows are a short walk along the Camino del Sacromonte, and Plaza Nueva and the cathedral are an easy stroll down the Darro. The Alhambra is a ten to fifteen-minute walk uphill, or a short ride on the small buses that run along the Darro.

Rooms: most rooms are small, as you would expect in a historic house, but full of character; courtyard rooms are quiet, while exterior rooms trade a little street sound for views. Book the Mirador room if you want the full panorama.

Who it suits: couples, history lovers and travellers who want atmosphere over facilities, and anyone planning evenings of flamenco in the Sacromonte.

Good to know: there is no restaurant, spa or pool, and reviews describe breakfast as expensive, so consider a café nearby. Private parking is available nearby with a reservation for a daily fee, which is very useful, since driving in the Albaicín is restricted. The lane is steep and cobbled, so travel light.