Where to Stay in Granada: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
Deciding where to stay in Granada, Southern Spain, is not as easy as it seems. Since it’s one of our favorite cities in the country, we’ve been several times. Granada has some of the best neighborhoods and hotels in Spain. You can stay in grand palaces, cute houses, and contemporary buildings.
The city sits on a plain in the Baetic Mountain Range. Its incredible mountain backdrop is a sight to behold. These mountains feed the Genil River that crosses the city. No other city in Spain has such dramatic views. Since the Mediterranean is just an hour away, the vegetation is splendid.
Some half a million people live in Granada. The center is much smaller, though. However, it’s packed with some of the best historic architecture in Europe. Every neighborhood is different and worth visiting. We’ve selected the best hotel in each based on comfort, views, and class. You’ll find the one that’s suits you!
The Best Hotel to Stay
The best place to stay in Granada is inside one the most iconic landmarks in Europe, the Alhambra. Indeed, you can stay on the grounds of one of the most incredible palaces in the world. The Parador de Granada was a mosque built from 1332 to 1354. The Catholic Kings built a convent on the premises as soon as they conquered the city.
Very few hotels in the world are inside a UNESCO Listed Heritage Site. The building is simply stunning. You can spend hours discovering the art inside. We love the carved vaulted tall ceilings. The gardens are the ones from the palace! You will regret not staying here. It’s worth every single penny.
The Aurea Washington Irving Eurostars has awesome views of the Alhambra. The hotel is 1000 feet (300 m) from the palace. It’s a luxury property with a fantastic pool and sun deck. The best rooms overlook the palace. They’ve got parking.
Best Areas to Stay
Centro – Sagrario
The Alhambra is not in the center of town. Though you can see it from the city, it’s a half an hour walk there. The historic core is around the Cathedral, one of the best free places to visit in Granada. Locals call it Sagrario. It’s a beautiful area full of historic architecture. Tapas bars, restaurants, and shops line its narrow streets and lovely plazas.
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1518 and ended in 1698. The massive temple is the most important Catholic building in the city. Do not forget to check the Royal Chapel, the resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella. The Palacio de la Madraza in front is a cultural center inside a 13th Century palace.
From there, walk to the AlcaicerÃa. The city’s grand bazaar is pretty atmospheric and fun. Two minutes north is the Basilica de San Juan from the 18th Century. The frescoes inside will take your breath away. To hang out and grab a bite, head to Rib-Rambla Square. For beer and tapas, to Robanilla Square.
We Recommend These Hotels in the Centro:
Aurea Catedral by Eurostars
The best hotel in the center is the Aurea Catedral by Eurostars, next to the Cathedral. The hotel took over several buildings, including a 16h Century manor. It has its own archaeological remains where you can have wine. There’s also a terrace with great views. The best rooms overlook the temple.
Bibo Suites Gran Via
We love the studios at Bibo Suites Gran Via. The building is on the city’s most important street. However, the fully equipped studios and apartments are super quiet. The best ones have a balcony with views. It’s a local hotel with a friendly and professional staff. Ask for anything you need!
San Pedro
San Pedro is the neighborhood along the Darro River at the foothill of San Miguel hill. The Alhambra is in front. It’s just a 5 minute to the Cathedral. Therefore, it offers the best views in Granada. The neighborhood itself is beautiful. Big houses line its streets. Most have lovely patios in the middle.
We love walking along El Paseo de Los Tristes. You get to walk along the river, through lush green nature. There are bridges, arches, and several places to grab a bite. If you have energy, go all the way to La Perla viewpoint for the best views of the city and beyond.
The Palacio de Los Olvidados is all about the inquisition and their torture methods. The Palace is from the 16th Century. From there walk to Mirador Carvajales. The cobblestone plaza is intimate and offers breathtaking views. Locals and tourists flock to Nueva and Santa Ana squares for tapas and beer.
We Recommend These Hotels in San Pedro:
Casa Morisca
Our favorite hotel in San Pedro is Casa Morisca. It’s a 15th Century house fully refurbished to include modern-day conveniences. Without a doubt, it’s a fantastic luxury hotel. They’ve taken care of every detail. Though centrally located, it’s on a quiet side street. The views of the Alhambra are epic.
Plaza Nueva Hotel
Plaza Nueva hotel is great value for money. It’s a traditional building on Nueva Square. Thus, it’s got the best location in town and fabulous views. Book the ones on the top floor overlooking the Alhambra. The complimentary breakfast is delicious, and the service is super professional.
AlbaicÃn
AlbaicÃn is a great place to stay if you like dramatic views. We are talking about the neighborhood north of San Pedro. It’s on the hill opposite the Alhambra, with the Darro River in the middle. UNESCO included it in its World Heritage Site. We simply love it. The neighborhood has retained its medieval feel. Get lost amongst its narrow streets and cute little plazas.
Begin your walk in San Juan Church from the 16th Century. It offers brilliant views too. Walk along the old city walls from the 11th Century until you reach the Las Pesas city gate. Stop by Larga Square to check the market. The flower market is on Saturdays. From there, go east until San Salvador Church. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled in time.
The area around the San Salvador Church is the old Arabic quarter. Alto AlbaicÃn is the upper part of the neighborhood. Locals hang out in Aliatar Square, just beneath the medieval towers. Walk along the city walls to the west until you reach Dar Al Horra Palace. The Moorish queen lived there in the 15th Century. The incredible Royal Convent of Santa Isabel is nearby.
We Recommend These Hotels in AlbaicÃn:
Hotel Santa Isabel La Real
When in AlbaicÃn, we stay at the one and only Hotel Santa Isabel La Real. The hotel is next to the Santa Isabel Convent. It’s a gorgeous building with a terrace and an inner patio. The complimentary breakfast is delicious, and they have onsite parking. Your hosts will treat you like royalty!
Bibo Casas del Albaicin
For well-appointed and fully equipped studios and apartments, we recommend Bibo Casas del Albaicin. It’s a typical traditional house with a lovely patio in the center. The units are plush and perfectly isolated. You can walk up the hill and to the center in no time.
Sacromonte
You have to stay in Sacromonte if you are into music. The neighborhood is famous all around Spain for its incredible flamenco shows. It’s also known for its caves. In fact, flamenco shows take place inside millenary caves. Sacromonte goes from the Darro River up the hill opposite the Alhambra.
Walk up the hill to the Sacromonte Abbey. The 17th Century compound has magical underground chapels! From there, walk to the Sacromonte viewpoint for stunning views of the Alhambra. Don’t forget to visit the Sacromonte Cave Museum. You get to see original caves and learn about the history of Granada. It offers brilliant views too.
Go to Sacromonte in the afternoon. You can walk along its streets admiring the cave houses. The local community used to be Gypsy and Jew. Now, the atmosphere is vibrant and international. You can stop for some tapas and wine. We love the Flamenco show inside the Tarantos Cave. We’ll never forget the music and the dancers!
We Recommend These Cave Houses in Sacromonte:
Solar MontesClaros
Granted, the Solar MontesClaros hotel is not a cave. However, it’s the best in the area. The rooms are huge, super comfortable, and tastefully decorated. We love the plants and patios. Book a room with a terrace or balcony overlooking the Alhambra for a memorable experience. They offer nearby parking and require 3 nights minimum.
Casa Cueva El Duende
If you want to stay in a cave this is your place. You have to book in advance because they are pretty small. We stayed at Casa Cueva El Duende and had a great time. It’s an authentic cave managed by its owners. The fully-equipped units are clean.
Beiro – Near the Train Station
If you want to see the real Granada, stay in Beiro. We are talking about a traditional neighborhood north of AlbaicÃn. Few tourists venture here, and that’s exactly why we like it. The campus of the University of the Cartuha is in Beiro. Therefore, the neighborhood attracts a young creative crowd.
The Our Lady of Cartuja Monastery is the star of Beiro. If you think the monumental 15th Century compound looks impressive from the outside, wait till you get inside. Its lavish baroque decorations will take your breath away. From there, walk to the Granada Bull Ring, one of the biggest in the country. Though it looks Moorish, the ring is from 1928.
Granada’s train station is in Beiro too. Thus, stay in Beiro if you plan on moving around Andalucia. From Malaga to Granada it’s 1 hour and 45 minutes. It takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to go from Granada to Cordoba. From there, it’s an hour bus or train ride to Seville.
We Recommend These Hotels in Beiro:
Allegro Granada
The Allegro Granada hotel is near the bull ring and just 5 minutes walking from the train station. The contemporary tower offers big rooms with super comfortable beds. The best rooms have views. We like the rooftop pool. You will need it in summer! It’s got onsite parking.
Real de Cartuja Apartments & Suites
This one offers great value for money. Real de Cartuja has huge one and two bed room apartments. The fully equipped units are perfectly isolated and fully equipped. The train station is 10 minutes walking. They have onsite parking. Since the hotel is on a little plaza, it’s very quiet.
Realejo
Realejo is the neighborhood immediately south of the center. Queen Isabella square, with its fabulous statue, marks the beginning of Realejo. Locals know it as the Jewish quarter. Today, it’s a hip neighborhood of narrow streets. Realejo comes alive in the late afternoon when locals flock to its tapas bars.
Campo de Principe square is the epicenter. The best tapas bars in the city are here. People grab a beer and enjoy the shade. From there, you can walk up to the Alhambra through the Sol Gate. It’s a lovely walk that takes you through gardens and old traditional streets.
On the opposite side is the 16th Century Tiros Palace. Walk along Realejo’s streets looking for the Condes de Gaba Palace and the Church of Santo Domingo from 1492. Continue until you reach San Matias Street. Stop by the Imperial Church of San Matias and Mariana Square. The Captaincy House and the Convent of the Mercedarias are nearby.
We Recommend These Hotels in Realejo:
Gar Anat HotelÂ
Our favorite hotel in Realejo is the Gar Anat. It’s a 17th Century property full of history and character. The boutique hotel is on a quiet plaza in the heart of the city. Each room is different and retains the original character. Go for the deluxe room for extra space and a splendid hot tub.
Marquis Hotels Issabel’s
The contemporary Marquis Hotel is on Santa Isabel Plaza. It can get any more central. The rooms are big, airy, and well-appointed. The hotel has a wellness center very popular in the city. The onsite coffee shop specializes in organic food. The bus stop to Alhambra is at the door.
How Long to Stay in Granada
We have been living in Spain for over a decade. What can we say? We love it! For us, Granada is the most unique and impressive city in the country. There isn’t a place like Granada in all of Europe.
Consequently, you can spend months in the city and never get bored. Not only because of its heritage and nature, but because of its people. Andalusians are full of art and so much fun to hang out with. The city is safe, beautiful and has top notch infrastructure.
Now, we all have time constraints. Thus the question, how many days are needed in Granada to cover the basics? We believe you must stay at least 2 nights. You will see the most famous landmarks, albeit rushing. Besides, the city is connected to the entire country. Thus, you can go from Madrid or Barcelona.
