Granada city

Advantages: very central
Disadvantages: some rooms without views

...It was our first visit to Spain and we just wanted a quiet relaxing holiday. We chose Granada as we wanted to visit the historical sights. Having looked into many hotels at various costs our main priority was that it had to be very central within walking distance to sights and restaurants. We selected the Melia Granada as there was a promotion going on and we grabbed it at only €40 per night for a twin room. Our 3 night stay proved that it was the right choice being a city hotel within easy reach of everything, shops, restaurants and sights. It was easy to get to- we were pleasantly surprised to discover how simple it was to get the coach with pre- allocated seats, from Malaga to Granada and then a short taxi ride from the bus station to the hotel. Checking in was simple- we were given a room, unfortunately with no view... Read review

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Advantages: Spectacular site, fascinating history, beautiful buildings and gardens
Disadvantages: Crowds, especially guided tour parties

...for as long as there have been humans around to fight each other. It is one of those places, perched on a hilltop above the confluence of two rivers, that seem to attract ramparts and towers like magnets attract iron filings. Except where archaeologists have excavated, though, few of the earliest traces remain. Most of the Alhambra that we can visit today dates from the later Moorish period, and specifically from the Nasrid dynasty that ruled hereabouts from 1232 to 1492. With Granada their capital and the Alhambra, sitting as it does on the hill above the city, their palace and stronghold, the Nasrid sultans maintained an Islamic presence in Andalucia long after Seville and Cordoba had succumbed to the Christians. The sultanate's final downfall, marking the end of Moorish power in southern Spain, coincided with the 'discovery... Read review

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Advantages: Great location, good food, good level of comfort
Disadvantages: Not for the budget traveller, service variable

...with a high ceiling, and you are led down towards the lounge, beyond which is the terrace bar. The hotel is built on the side of the hill and overlooks the city of Granada and the hills beyond, so you do not actually get views of the Alhambra itself. The views from the terrace bar are impressive nonetheless, with glimpses of snow on the mountain tops when I was there at the end of April. The rooms seem to vary in size, but none of them are small. They are all modern, with air-conditioning and great bathrooms. One word of warning though is to ask not be too near the lifts, which have to be the noisiest of their kind in any place where I have stayed. A colleague who was also there for the conference asked to change rooms because of the noise. If you like Spanish food, you will certainly not complain with the standard of fare... Read review

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