Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, sitting majestically at the bottom of foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The city has some of the most stunning and dream-like Medieval Arabic architecture in the world. The most prominent structure is the Alhambra, a 14th-century Moorish palace, which was the largest political and aristocratic centre of the Arabic West and since 1984 has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Granada offers some spectacular boutique and 4 Star hotels and here at TravelMag we’ve selected five of the best based on location, comfort and pure elegant Moorish style, which is so abundant across Granada.
Parador De Granada
FROM €320/ NIGHT
Positioned within the grounds of the Alhambra palace in a 15th Century convent, the Parador de Granada boasts some exceptionally chic and rustic décor, harking back to a time when the city was a mix of Arabic and Christian architecture. Part of the Parador chain of hotels which dedicates itself to preserving Spain’s historical buildings, the hotel is just a 5-minute walk to Bib Rambla Square, known for its sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and the Alcaicería bazaar which sells Arabic silks and spices. The hotel also has a terrace restaurant overlooking the Generalife Gardens and the Nasrid palace, offering typical Andalusian cuisine such as gazpacho and grilled octopus.
Villa Oniria
FROM €110/ NIGHT
Villa Oniria is a 19th Century manor house which has been carefully restored to reflect the intricate and traditional Moorish style of Granada. The hotel is located in the city centre, with Granada Cathedral and the famous Batalla fountains just a few steps away. The hotel offers an incredible inner patio and garden filled with fragrant plants, which serves as an oasis of calm away from the crowds of visitors. The hotel also has an onsite swimming pool, gym and massage facilities.
La Almunia del Valle Boutique hotel
FROM €90/ NIGHT
Located in the Sierra Nevada national park in the village of Monchi, just 8 kilometers from the centre of Granada and 18 kilometers from Granada airport, is La Almunia del Valle Boutique hotel. It is a perfect spot for those looking to get close to nature and experience some awe-inspiring views. The hotel has a romantic hideaway feel with chic uncluttered decor. The area is well known for trekking where you can find yourself among orchids of cherry, apple and almond trees. The hotel also has notable dining facilities with a terrace that looks out over the Sierra de Granada mountains, and they source produce locally from the fresh food markets which are served up poolside for causal lunches and full three-course meals with views to match.
El Ladrón De Agua
FROM €90/ NIGHT
Set in a stunning 16th Century manor house on a cobble stone street, El Ladrón De Agua, which translates as “The water thief”, is a centrally located boutique hotel inspired by the writer and poet Juan Ramón Jiménez, whose poetry adorns the walls. It is conveniently located on a narrow pedestrian street bordering a stream at the foot of the Alhambra and in the heart of the Albaizin, the old Moorish quarter. The hotel also features some impressive décor, including a painted façade, pillars and marble floors.
Anacapri
FROM €110/ NIGHT
The Hotel Anacapri is perfectly situated in the historical centre of Granada, next to Plaza Nueva, a square filled with bars and cafes, and the Moorish neighborhood of the Albaicín. The boutique hotel is also located only 500 metres from the Alhambra. The building is a typical Granadian house from the 18th century which has been completely renovated in an effort to maintain its original charm. The Granada airport has a bus service which stops 50 metres from the hotel in front of the Cathedral. Hotel staff can reserve tickets to visit the Alhambra, flamenco shows, and to the various museums dotted around the city.