Hotel Casa Morisca, Granada

Pros

• The hotel received Spain's Europa Nostra Award for restoration, so you'll sleep among authentic, centuries-old decor laden with historical details.
• You'll be across from the Alhambra, just up the street from the Paseo de los Tristes, which has beautiful views of the palace and Darro River.
• Set in the Albaicín neighborhood, you can easily walk to several sites, including Moorish houses, viewpoints, the Sacromonte area, and the Cathedral.
• There's free parking available right at the Casa Morisca's entrance, which is unique for this area of Granada.
• Enjoy breakfast in a historic repurposed aljibi (cistern) and relax in the traditional inner courtyard, complete with a bubbling fountain.
• The rooms on the top floor facing the river feature Alhambra views. 

Cons

• You'll be farther from the city center (but closer to the Albaicín and Alhambra).
• The street is highly visited, so the neighborhood feels a little busy, though thankfully, the hotel remains quiet.
• Casa Morisca is on the top of a steep street, so it may be difficult for those with mobility issues to navigate. 

Authenticity

Casa Morisca is an award-winning restoration project transforming a 15th-century Moorish residence into a hotel. The former mansion was built by Morisco artisans using materials and flourishes typical of their craft. Elements like wood-beamed ceilings, intricate keyhole arches, and the riad courtyard are all lovingly preserved. Enjoy eating breakfast in an old vaulted cistern, sip a drink from the patio garden, relax in the inner courtyard, and marvel at its preserved elements, including tiled flooring, wooden balconies, and stone columns. Original art and Moorish architectural elements are present throughout, and the hotel offers a buffet breakfast featuring local dishes like tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelet).

Location

The location is ideal if you're okay with being outside the city center (and its dining options) and love being amid the medieval Moorish architecture of the Albaicín neighborhood, close to the Darro River. Casa Morisca is just steps away from historic Paseo de los Tristes, another spot for river and Alhambra views, plus statues, a park, and several outdoor cafés. You'll also be within a 20-minute walk of many sites, including the Alhambra, the Sacromonte area (known for cave houses and flamenco), Catedral de Granada, and all the best viewpoints. While parking is available on-site (unique for the historic area), reserve a spot in advance.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms offer beautiful quarters with antique furnishings, tiled floors, and wood-beamed ceilings; some even have traditional-of-the-times wood shutters. We recommend booking early to secure one of the top-floor rooms, like the Mirador, with vaulted ceilings and truly incredible Alhambra views (some with Juliet balconies). The Standard rooms are a little plain in aesthetic, though they have arched red brick ceilings and windows opening up to the inner courtyard, so you won't get any views, but you'll hear ambient noise during the day. The bathrooms—from 2012—are small and a little outdated, but the vintage tiling might charm you.

Amenities

Amenities at Casa Morisca are basic, as there isn't a gym, pool (save for the decorative pool and fountain in the courtyard), or spa (although in-room massages can be arranged). However, one of the biggest perks is its free parking right at the property's entrance, which can be challenging to find in the Albaicín neighborhood. You'll want to reserve a spot well in advance as they're limited. Guests can also enjoy a buffet breakfast in a landmark cistern, relax on the inner courtyard balconies, and take advantage of a 24-hour bar service. There's also a small garden patio with mosaic-clad tables and chairs and wooden beams adorned with greenery.

Family-Friendliness

Children of any age can stay at the hotel, and those under two get to stay for free. Cribs are available for infants (request in advance), and the Executive and the De Luxe can accommodate an extra bed for older children, sleeping a family of three. While there are some more spacious rooms, larger families must book multiple rooms. However, the hotel doesn't offer specific amenities or activities for children, and the surrounding cobbled streets may be challenging for strollers.