Parador de Granada

The Parador de Granada occupies one of the most extraordinary hotel sites in Europe, within the Alhambra complex itself, on the Real de la Alhambra between the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife. The building began as a Nasrid palace, the Palace of Los Infantes, and after 1492 the Catholic Monarchs turned it into the first Christian monastery in the Alhambra and chose it for their own burial; their provisional tombs can still be seen under the muqarnas dome, before their remains moved to the Royal Chapel in the city. Today it is run by Paradores, Spain’s state hotel group, with rooms ranging from standard and superior doubles to junior suites, a restaurant and bar, and gardens that look out over the Generalife and the Albaicín. Staying here is the definitive Granada splurge: you wake up inside the monument, wander out to the gardens in the quiet of early morning and return in the evening when the day visitors have gone. It is in high demand and books up far ahead, especially in spring and autumn.

Location and getting around: the parador is at the heart of the Alhambra precinct, a few minutes’ walk from the Nasrid Palaces entrance and the Generalife. Vehicle access to the Alhambra grounds is reserved for guests with a room, who show their reservation at the barrier and use paid outdoor parking. Without a car, the small Alhambra minibuses and taxis link the hill with Plaza Nueva and Plaza Isabel la Católica, and the walk down through the Alhambra woods to the city takes about twenty minutes.

Rooms: expect classic parador style, with traditional furnishings and tiled floors, and rooms that vary widely in size and outlook. Superior rooms and junior suites tend to have the better views, so it is worth paying more if a view of the gardens or the Albaicín matters. The cloisters and courtyards are the public highlight, and the restaurant terrace is a beautiful place for breakfast or a drink.

Who it suits: couples on a special trip, history lovers and anyone for whom the Alhambra is the main reason to come to Granada. It is less convenient for evenings in the old town, since every outing means a trip down the hill.

Good to know: a room here does not replace an Alhambra ticket, and you still need a timed Nasrid Palaces slot, so book it as soon as you reserve the room. Breakfast is usually charged separately unless your rate includes it. Rooms sell out months ahead for spring, so book early, and check the parking and cancellation terms of your rate.