Parador de Granada

Everything is perfect. We can easily relax us inside Alhambra.

Returning to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary. This is a beautiful parador in a stunning setting. Very helpful and pleasant staff. Spotless accommodation. Take note of their instructions on directions when arriving! and be prepared for the heat . The paradore is immaculate. It has been tastefully modernised but still has some of the original historic features. Highly recommended.

Paradors are typically buildings of significance which fell into disrepair and were acquired by the Spanish government. The concept is to preserve these iconic buildings and offer value for money experiences to Spaniards. The Parador de Granada is the jewel in their crown. Set within the grounds of The Alhambra, the Parador is a former monastery. The building has been well restored and is set within magnificent gardens which are always being tendered. However, there are several aspects which could be improved. The room was generously sized but the “double” bed was actually two beds pushed together. The bathroom is completely impractical. It has a sink the size of a baby bath but absolutely no working area. Nowhere to put toiletries. Gents- have fun trying to shave. Ladies, good luck trying to apply makeup. This is a complete absence of common sense. The dining area is a soulless cafeteria. The service was poor and the food only just average. Breakfast is underwhelming and nothing is cooked from fresh. This experience is at odds with the rest of the building. The experience would be vastly improved if they upgraded the restaurant and terrace, food and service. The terrace in the bar area has views over the Albacin and the Summer Palace were reserved for diners- we never saw anyone sitting there. So in-house guests are denied lovely views for no logical reason. The woman who checked us in spoke very poor English, so gave us a very limited explanation of things to do and see. The chaps on reception spoke much better English and were very helpful. Hugo in particular was great. Overall this hotel is special because of its location. But it’s eye - wateringly expensive without the comparable service experience. It felt a bit “public service”. Access to the palaces and gardens is exceptional.

This was meant to be the highlight of our trip and it was. The location is fabulous. Our room had a view across gardens towards the Generalife. The room itself wasn’t outstanding, good but not outstanding. Everything else was. We really liked the restaurant, open air with another view of the Generalife. The food was reasonably priced and appropriately regional. The real thing. Local wines were excellent and reasonably priced. We had booked parking which is limited and did not move the car during our stay. We had arranged for a guided tour of the Alhambra booked with an outside agency but through the Parador office. This was very good. However on what was our fourth visit we were taken through and with the guides explanation. If you haven’t been before it might be worth a repeat and leisurely tour of your own. All the staff were courteous and helpful.