Granada is the place to come if you want to see what remains of the Moorish occupation of the Iberian peninsula. This city, capital of Granada province located in the region of Andalusia, saw the fall of the Moors in 1492, following over seven centuries of Muslim rule in Spain. Two grand palaces – the Alhambra and the Generalife – are relics of the Moors in Granada.
Of course, you’ll find ancient churches here – sprawling, ornately decorated, gold-filled examples of history – and much more since the Moors left. And when you’re done with history for the day, don’t worry; there are more tapas bars than you could wish for in Granada, so be prepared for a delicious food escapade in this city. When it’s time for bed, you’ll be staying at any one of the generally affordable mid-range to high-end lodgings dotted throughout the city. Here are some of the best places to stay in Granada.
8. Hotel Vincci Albayzin
This 4-star hotel is a definitive upscale offering. There’s a glass-roofed courtyard restaurant, two saunas, a fitness center, and a breakfast room. The guest rooms at Vincci Albayzin are high-end and stylish affairs, with a neutral color palette and Moorish design details. This hotel has a great location, too; it’s next door to the Fountain of the Granadas – famous as a good spot for photo opportunities – and a beautiful stretch of parkland along the Genil river. There’s a bus stop right near here, too. In terms of sights, both the Royal Chapel of Granada and Granada Cathedral are within easy walking distance. Even the famed Alhambra is only a 20-minute stroll away!
7. Hotel Universal
Two kilometers away from the Alhambra, Hotel Universal is well positioned for exploring plenty of Granada’s other sights. There’s also the beautifully ornate Monastery of Saint Jerome just over ten minutes away on foot, and the Royal Chapel of Granada, which is even closer. The hotel itself is a 3-star option, boasting a cafe on the top floor (complete with city views, of course) and a lobby lounge to relax in. The rooms are simple and come with TVs; they’re not lavish by any means, but the nightly rate is certainly something that makes Hotel Universal attractive to a visitor on a budget.
6. Smart Suites Albaicin
The rooms – or suites – at this place are cool. A palette of grey fabrics, whitewashed walls, and light wood make Smart Suites Albaicin feel design oriented and stylish. These funky apartments come with living rooms, flatscreen TVs, and even washer-dryers for extra convenience – a hip solution to self-catering apartments. Not only are the incredible Alhambra and Generalife palaces within walking distance, but so is the 19th century Botanical Garden of the University of Granada, Granada Cathedral, and other storied sights of the city. Even Granada’s main train station isn’t much of a walk from the cobbled streets where you’ll find these trendy apartments.
5. Hotel Andalucia Center
With multiple bus stops nearby, plus the tram stop of Hipica, it won’t matter all that much that Hotel Andalucía Center isn’t actually very central. Getting around from this hotel is pretty simple. Plus there are things nearby that make staying here worth it, like the Palacio de Congresos de Granada – which holds numerous conferences – plus the interactive exhibits and observation tower of Granada Science Park. The hotel itself is equipped with a cool roof terrace which boasts a plunge pool, a BBQ bar and restaurant, and a hot tub. There’s also a lobby bar and another restaurant at this hotel. The rooms here are simply stylish in a modern way.
4. Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites
Colorful details and a cool, contemporary finish with clean lines and a sense of minimalism make the rooms at this hotel feel relaxed, and design led. You could even upgrade to a suite for more room; families would get the benefit of their very own private playground area for the kids! A contemporary bar, rooftop pool, and sauna are just some of the luxurious amenities on offer at Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites. Location-wise, this is a great option; staying here means being a short walk away from the Alhambra and Granada Cathedral, plus there is a whole host of tapas bars to choose from in the surrounding area.
3. Hotel Granada Center
This hotel is truly stylish. The rooms are modern but with a decidedly retro-meets-contemporary vibe, feeling polished and sophisticated. The vaulted interior courtyard glistens with polished stone, seating areas, and potted plants, where you can chill as the gleaming elevators go about their business – it’s very cool. It also boasts a bar and a restaurant. The tram stop of Universidad is just a few minutes’ walk away. Granada train station is very close, and the magnificent Basilica of San Juan de Dios is within easy walking distance.
2. Hotel Alixares
Virtually next door to the Alhambra, Hotel Alixares is the wallet-friendly option for those wishing to stay near this incredible landmark of Granada. And it’s not just the Alhambra you’ll be near; there are plenty of museums to wander around nearby, too. You’ll also be close to the Generalife palace, making this a good choice for those who really want history on their doorstep. The rooms at this hotel are simple but clean if a little bit retro. If you don’t mind that, then the bargain price of this hotel will help you keep costs low on your trip to Granada. There’s a cafe/bar and a restaurant on site as a bonus.
1. Hotel Alhambra Palace
It’s called a palace, and this 5-star offering certainly is a palatial option in Granada. The rooms here reflect the historic sights of both the Alhambra and Generalife palaces – just a 10 minute walk away; the rooms are laid back and decked out with Moorish details. The luxurious vibe at this hotel continues at the formal restaurant and bar, which spills out onto a terrace. But once you feel like you’ve got to grips with the old Moorish palaces virtually next door to the hotel, the nearest bus stop is just a minute walk away, so you can get into the city center to explore further with ease.
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