The Alhambra Palace Hotel – Granada, Andalucia, Spain

Hotel Alhambra Palace in full frontal view

The Moorish décor of the Alhambra Palace itself, the fantastic buildings, gardens and castle that is one of the world’s must-visit places, the motifs that are so well represented there, form part of the Hotel Alhambra Palace’s visage and internal decor.

There is also an element of the palace hotel of a wild west town ( in a good way!), for the red-pink wash colour and the green window frame trim, suggest a stage-like structure.
The building was constructed in 1910 by the Duke of San Pedro de Galatino. But a stroll into the entrance hall, opening up from the lobby – with Moorish décor, cornices and floor tile patterns – solidifies the feeling that perhaps, after all, this is part of the Alhambra Palace itself…could that be?

I love the terrace, an adjunct to the bar, with a view that is impressive and – though not the most beautiful view in the world – it is soothing and spans part of the city, and great for sunset-magic moments!

There are many areas and alcoves at the hotel – not just one lounge – to sit and gather, chat, read, relax or plan your trip. A big plus.

Rooms have the most amazing bathrooms with tiles that feature the decorative motifs of the Alhambra Palace itself – gold patterns on glaze – and some have great views, as do the rear facing rooms.

Food was good. I ate only at the bar terrace, all bar menu items were fresh and full of flavour. A selection from vegetable-filled to meat and fish items. “Serrano” style ham was splendid and Gazpacho delicious and refreshing – supreme example of the way this cold soup should be.

Sports-field acres of wardrobe space are always a welcome relief. If staying for three weeks, there would have been plenty of space to unpack and hang all clothes.

A safe takes up to modest sized laptops and easily accommodates iPads.

Much of what’s good here should improve further, when the hotel re-opens in April 2012 after some extensive refurbishment and decoration changes, during this winter’s closure.

Parking, which looked to be at bursting point, will be expanded with a below-the-hotel parking area said to be ready for the reopening of the hotel in April 2012. At this visit, parking was available just at the area in front of the hotel, which never appeared to have room for another car – yet somehow all cars were shoe-horned into a magically found space by the hotel employees.

Do take a walk down into Granada. You can turn left out of the hotel and follow that road to the end, after passing the Rodriguez foundation, which is open to visitors, and then take the steps down. Just keep going downhill, follow the street you come to, which is one of the entrances to the Alhambra, through ancient arches – and you come to a square, the ancient church of Santa Ana is up to your right and several cafes to enjoy. Carry on through left and along the main road of Gran via Colon and you come to the Cathedral.

Numbers 30 and 32 buses pass outside the hotel – small buses that wind their way down the narrow streets and arrive close to the Cathedral. So you can walk down and take a bus back up. Bus tickets cost 1.20 Euros, payable on the bus (have some change on you!).

Hotel meal times:

Breakfast 07:30 to 10:30 (AM)

Lunch 13:00 to 15:30 (1 to 3:30 PM)

Dinner 20:30 to 23:00 (8:30 to 11:00 PM)

Double rooms 130.00 to 170.00 Euros per room (as at November 2011)

Sum Total:
A grand style hotel which reflects the grand style and atmosphere of the Alhambra Palace itself. And that’s the reason, you are probably here – to visit the Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Gardens and Nasrid Palaces! Even for a visit to the rest of Granada will happily stay again.

More details & reservation> Hotel Alhambra Palace.