Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection, Granada

Pros

• Enjoy staying in a historic hotel, as the property encompasses two buildings, one once the Santa Paula convent in the 16th century and the other Casa Morisca in the 12th century.
• Because the grounds combine two historic buildings, the rooms feel quite private with small corners, a few courtyards, and idyllic garden areas.
• The breakfast buffet, bar, and fine-dining dinner restaurant feature a large and open-air inner courtyard where you can enjoy alfresco dining.
• The hotel is on Calle Gran Vía de Colón, the city's main avenue featuring beautiful architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, plus plenty of shops, restaurants, and the entrance to the Catedral de Granada.
• The train station is a 15-minute walk away, and you'll be within walking distance of numerous sites, including the Sacromonte and Albaicín neighborhoods, plus La Alcaicería and Plaza de Bib-Rambla.

Cons

• The furnishings in the rooms are relatively standard without much character, unlike the building itself.
• To get decent WiFi, guests must be members of the Marriott Rewards program or pay extra. 

Authenticity

Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula got its name from the building's history, which housed the Santa Paula Convent in the 16th century and the Casa Morisca in the 12th century. Though the entrance and lobby are quite modern, the hotel's inner courtyard is a historic jewel, and wandering the grounds feels like a mini-tour of Granada.

Location

Set on Calle Gran Vía de Colón—the city's main artery lined with 18th- and 19th-century architecture—the hotel is in the heart of it all, within walking distance to the train station, plus significant sites like the Catedral de Granada and the Albaicín. You'll be just one block from Calle Elvira, an excellent stretch for tapas bars and craft shops. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms feature wood-beamed ceilings and warm colors, plus modern furnishings and spacious bathrooms. But if you want to truly experience the hotel's historical elements, opt for a suite with preserved wood paneling and windows, antique furniture, and four-poster beds. Some rooms have slightly more privacy, with entrances in areas of the building with separate courtyards.

Amenities

Although you won’t find a formal spa in the hotel, the basement has a gym, sauna, and hammam steam room. Valet parking is available, and the hotel is great for accessibility. There are elevators and accessible rooms, and all common areas and entrances are wheelchair-friendly. Despite not being a rooftop terrace, guests enjoy relaxing in the historic cloister area. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel mostly caters to adult travelers but is welcoming of families. If you need a baby crib or a cot, you will need to book a suite. However, there is also the option to book interconnecting rooms, which are also great for families. You can arrange for a babysitter (at a fee), but there are no other amenities for families with children. 

Other Highlights

Enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet in the hotel's historic dining room or on the outdoor terrace in the inner courtyard. Next to the restaurant is a cozy bar serving light meals and drinks. The onsite El Claustro fine-dining restaurant serves dinner with the option of enjoying your meal on the romantic patio.