Parador de Granada, Granada

Pros

• This historic hotel is located within a 15th-century convent that's part of the UNESCO-listed Alhambra palace complex.
• The large grounds include gardens and courtyards with fountains, seating, and walkways.
• Some rooms have an incredible view of the Alhambra, plus elements of the hotel's history, including original archways and wood-beamed ceilings.
• The hotel's upmarket restaurant is a popular place to dine, with refined service in a beautiful setting and seating that spills out onto a terrace overlooking the Alhambra's gardens.

Cons

• Though you'll be next door to the Alhambra and Generalife, the hotel is about a 25-minute walk from downtown Granada.
• Some rooms could use some updates to match the elegance of other luxury hotels in Granada.

Authenticity

It doesn't get much more authentic than staying in a former 15th-century convent on the grounds of Granada's Alhambra palace complex. Originally built as a palace during the Nasrid Dynasty, the building was turned into a Franciscan monastery after the Reconquista, when Granada fell to the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. Today, it's a Paradores, one of almost 100 state-owned historic properties-turned-luxury hotels. Though the rooms have been updated to more contemporary standards, you'll still find plenty of reminders of the building's history throughout the property, including original archways, wood-beamed ceilings, tiled walls, and mosaic walkways. 

Location

The location is nothing short of spectacular—not only do you get to sleep surrounded by centuries of history, but you'll also be able to explore areas of the Alhambra on your own after the palace is closed to visitors. It's about a 25-minute walk to Granada's historic center, but keep in mind the return trek is uphill, though the experience of approaching the Alhambra on a winding cobbled path makes it a scenic one. There's paid parking available on-site at the hotel, and it's a 20-minute drive to the train station and 30 minutes to the Federico García Lorca Granada Airport.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You'll find 40 air-conditioned units throughout the former monastery, ranging from standard doubles to duplex-style suites. Each has views of either the Alhambra, the gardens, or the surrounding hills, though the best suites take things to the next level with a wall of windows overlooking the palace. The decor is contemporary and neutral, with wood floors or terracotta tiles, neutral tones of cream and sage, and modern, spacious bathrooms. Superior rooms on upper floors have more character than the Standard options, and some suites add original beamed ceilings, walls of antique windows, and Mudéjar shutters.

Amenities

A stay at Parador de Granada is more about the setting than the amenities, but you can enjoy the plentiful common areas steeped in history and atmosphere, including an inner courtyard with a sun deck and fountains, fragrant herb gardens, and the original chapel. The on-site restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike, so booking ahead is essential. The eatery's terrace overlooking the Alhambra's gardens is its biggest draw, but its refined indoor dining with white-clothed tables and romantic lighting is also a perk. The unique menu elevates traditional recipes, such as salmorejo (Andalusian gazpacho), habas a la granadina (fava beans with artichokes), and piononos (sponge cake rolls topped with cream).

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome here, though there aren't any amenities geared specifically toward children. The larger suites with two bedrooms or an extra sofa bed can accommodate two adults and two kids comfortably, and there are cribs available for infants.