Parador de Granada

Having read the reviews and seen the prices, we were expecting something very special. Perhaps our expectations were too high, as we could not avoid a feeling of disappointment. Do not get me wrong, the Parador is a very nice hotel, with character and in a pleasent and peaceful setting in the Alhambra grounds. However, for 245 euros (plus 7% tax) per night for room only, we were expecting a special something that was unfortunately lacking. The price reflects the fact that this is the place to stay in Granada, and that is what you are... more

Several rooms are above the restaurant and kitchen . Ofcourse this is not disclosed before check - in . Other's are even less attractive according to the reception ! Restaurant is very understaffed and you may have to wait a very long time for attention. The place is magical . It could be really top class if it had more staff. As it is , the setting and surroundings are so stunning that these may make you forgive and perhaps even forget the above mentioned two problem areas.

Everything about this parador is first class. The grounds are immaculate and the rooms are clean, quiet, and comfortable. We did the Alhambra tour arranged through the hotel, and it was worth every cent, especially since you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn and stand in line for tickets. The restaurant patio is gorgeous with views of the Sultan's summer palace. The courtyard inside the hotel is a great place to have a drink, read, or write some postcards. One tip: park in the gated lot (off to the right after you enter the hotel... more

The Parador in Granada is very beautiful, immaculate, and convenient for Alhambra sightseeing. Unfortunately our ground-floor room, which looked out onto a rose garden and a long rectangular pond, smelled badly of sewage. This may have been a result of the very hot weather or some problem specific to that room, but it was awful. The front desk had a variety of responses - some denied it, one man said it was the wind (??). For what it's worth, we also spent time in Cordoba, Seville, Sitges, Madrid, and Barcelona - all very hot - all with no... more

This is the best hotel I have ever stayed in. We had one night here last year and came back again in 05. The setting is of course unique and spectacular. What a feeling even driving up the road to the hotel. The hotel's central courtyard is simply the most beautiful place you can imagine. You can have a drink in the cool atmosphere with the tinkling of the fountains and bird song. When we went , we were the only people using the courtyard. Lovely rooms with a complimentary set of prints of the Alhambra. T he view out of our room almost... more

We booked several months in advance via Parador web site, and only room available was handicapped. Alas I loved it. It was on main floor,had grab bars in the tub and raised toiled. The room had its own foyer, and was very large with big marble washroom. It was on a garden level, facing a long rectangular pond surrounded by well tended garden. It was so quiet day and night! Breakfast had large selection, the only disappointment was a weak coffee. However when I pointed it out , they explained it is served to satisfy american tastes for... more

Having been to the wondrous Alhambra twice before, this time we stayed at its parador – a magical and special place. All the parador’s services (reception, housekeeping etc) are professional and polite. Our room was excellent, larger than I thought would be the case in an ex-monastery and with a nice view of gardens, a pool and the Generalife. Everything was so so quite, we felt as though we were temporary custodians of a bit of history – and didn’t even feel the need to turn on the TV. All the guidebooks etc describe the... more

We spent two superb nights here and felt like royalty. The staff bent over backwards to be pleasant and helpful. Our four person room included a large foyer, two large rooms and double sinked bathroom. We received a complimentary set of prints of the Alahmbra and the pleasant nightly chocolates, as well as candies sitting by our beds on our arrival - the little things really add up and make you feel welcome. Our two porches opened over the private well-maintained garden as well a lovely view. We enjoyed sitting on the upper balcony of the... more

What can be said. You will be staying at the Alhambra. This is a wonderful place steeped in history. The catholic monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand were even buried here before being moved to the Cathedral in Granada. The parador rooms were very nice but not too special. Be sure to follow advice in guidebooks and, if it's important to you, get a room with views of the Generalife. The bathrooms are nicely done. Location is nice and quiet at night as it is up at the Ahambra away from the busy city below. Help from the front desk was very good... more

I read that you need to reserve 4 - 6 months in advance. So when I called a week ahead (for the week prior to Holy Week), I didn't expect much. But they had a room for two nights available! I snatched it up and now have only the memories. I went with my teenage daughter on a special father-daughter trip, and I'll go back with my wife. It's wonderfully romantic. One night, my daughter stayed in and relaxed. I went to the bar to buy a Cuban cigar (my daughter was horrified when I told her) and a glass of cognac. Then I walked around the... more