Where to Stay

Granada has understandably become a popular tourist destination and the range of places to stay has grown to meet the increase in demand. You'll find every category of accommodation available, from campsites to youth hostels to simple guest houses and hotels. There's something to meet most needs in terms of price, comfort, facilities and location. If you're looking for something close to the historic sights, you won't be disappointed. There are lots of comfortable, family-run, mid-range hotels within walking distance of the city's major attraction, the Alhambra.

Most visitors only spend two or three nights here, so there's a rapid turnover of rooms and as long as you're flexible about dates you'll always find somewhere to stay. The busiest times are during Easter Week and the Day of the Cross, at the start of May. If you want to see the colorful processions and dancing in the street, book a room well in advance.

If you're not short of money, the most memorable place to stay is inside the Alhambra complex itself, in the exclusive four-star San Francisco Parador. If you're looking for something unusual and different, try El Abanico Caves.

There are several hotels on the Alhambra hill set in leafy surroundings within walking distance of the historic complex: Los Alixares, Guadalupe, Washington Irving, Los Ángeles and the Hotel Alhambra Palace.

For cheaper accommodation that's still within walking distance of the Alhambra and the other historic sights, try Hostal Austria, Hotel Carlos V, Hotel Niza or Hostal Cónsul.

The area around the Cathedral and Royal Chapel has some more expensive and sophisticated bases for exploring the city's cultural and artistic heritage, in Anacapri, Gran Vía and NH Inglaterra.

If you want to be close to the central commercial and business district and the Conference and Exhibition Hall, look out for the eight-story Hotel San Antón with its prime location on the banks of the river Genil and its space-age external glass elevators. It's popular with business travelers and offers great views from the upper floors. For even greater luxury, close to the riverside, choose Hotel Tryp Albayzín. Two central hotels offer rooms specially equipped for disabled visitors, Hotel El Carmen and Saray.

You'll find three accommodation options all belonging to the same chain in the Camino de Ronda district alongside all the big department stores and shopping centers and close to the student nightlife area. Hotel Luz de Granada is popular with tour groups. Business travelers prefer Gran Hotel Luna de Granada. While families like the freedom offered by the self-catering facilities in Apartahotel Luna.

Away from the bright lights and noisy traffic, you'll find peaceful places to stay on the outskirts, including Hotel Sol Inn Alcano, Hotel Camino de Granada (near the airport) and Hotel San Gabriel, which has wonderful views of the Albayzín district.