Hotel Palacio de Santa Inés, Granada

Pros

• The quiet location is on a hidden square just one block from Carrera del Darro and within walking distance of nearly all the city's sites.
• Since the hotel is in a pedestrianized area, there's no traffic and very little noise.
• The inner courtyard is picturesque, with stone columns, wooden balconies, and plush seating, while the top-floor lounge has vaulted glass ceilings and Alhambra views.
• Enjoy a breakfast buffet (not always included in the room rate) with lots of variety in a wood-beamed airy dining space.
• Family rooms have a lofted space with twin beds ideal for children.

Cons

• Hotel Palacio de Santa Inés is initially challenging to find.
• The standard rooms feel a bit simple and could use a little refresh. 
• The hotel doesn't have a restaurant or bar, though there are plenty only a short walk away.
• Though there is an elevator, some parts of the hotel are only accessible by stairs.
• There isn't a pool or spa on-site.

Authenticity

Hotel Palacio de Santa Inés opened in 1995, following the renovation of the 16th century Casa del Padre Eterno, and then expanded in 2001 to include the Lavadero Santa Inés, which also dates to the 1500s and underwent renovation. Guests will be met with the property's history, noted in its Mudéjar stylings, delicate plateresque facades, a salon with a Mudéjar paneled roof, traditional inner courtyard, and an ornate colonnaded patio adorned with a fountain and authentic Renaissance frescoes. Yet the updates blend elegantly with the stately historic aesthetic with a modern, clean design consistent throughout the rooms, combining vintage furniture, contemporary art, white walls, and bright color accents. 

Location

The hotel feels tucked away on a little square in the Albaicín, just about one block from the busy Carrera del Darro. You can easily walk to all the city's main sites where a 9-minute walk will bring you to the Granada Cathedral or 15-20 minutes gets you to the Alhambra, plus all that there's to see in the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods. Plaza Nueva just a few steps away, offers a variety of shops, and there are numerous tapas bars and restaurants in the surrounding area. Since the area is closed to traffic (except for taxis) it requires some walking to access public transportation or a parking lot (discounted rates for hotel guests). The closest bus stop is about a 5-10-minute walk, for example, or a 17-minute taxi ride (or a 10-minute walk if you pack light). Note, youll be reimbursed for your taxi to and from the parking lot. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's architecture is striking, but the rooms feel slightly left behind, especially those in the standard category. Even so, you'll find cream walls, terracotta tile flooring, dark wood beams, carved wooden wardrobes, and pops of jewel toned colors in textiles. Six room caetegories range from Double Single Use to Family rooms, all with en suite bathrooms, some featuring decorative vessel sinks, and air conditioning and radiator heating. As some rooms provide stunning views of the Alhambra and Albaicín rooftops, while others face the inner courtyard, it's best to book early to secure a room or suite on the top floor if you want those views (some with private enclosed terraces). 

Amenities

While Hotel Palacio de Santa Inés lacks a pool or spa, the top-floor lounge is a highlight, as it features comfy sofas and a vaulted glass ceiling, revealing amazing Alhambra views. There's a buffet breakfast served in a salon adorned with intricate tiles and a wooden beamed ceiling (and the option to have it brought up to your room) and picturesque seating in the hotel's courtyards. The property provides complimentary afternoon tea and coffee, and vending machines offer drinks and snacks. Although there isn't a restaurant or bar on-site, the location's proximity to numerous dining options ensures you'll have plenty of choices for meals.

The hotel isn't ideal for those with limited mobility: there are 20 steps to enter the hotel, and some other areas are only accessible by stairs (even though there is an elevator). 

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome in the hotel, and children under 12 stay free (in existing beds or units with room for cribs or extra beds). Family units have a mezzanine separating the main sleeping area, so it's possible to accommodate two children comfortably. The hotel can arrange babysitting services at an extra charge. Due to the hotel's layout and stairwells, it might not be the best choice for those needing a stroller.