Parador Granada
Spend a night at the site of the Alhambra, among gardens and fountains which recall a past where the Arabian merged with the Christian. This is the exclusive opportunity the Parador in Granada affords us, 
an ancient convent built on the orders of the Catholic Monarchs on top of a Nazrid palace, of which important remains are still conserved, such as the Nazrid Hall. This monumental complex offers the guest peaceful walks around the area and the city, while the building itself and its gardens invite you to discover a fantasy-like interior.
Numerous works of art and exceptional pieces of furniture decorate the Cloister and the interior rooms. In the dining room or in the coolness of the summer terrace, with exceptional views of the Generalife, Andalusian gazpacho, Granada-style beans and Santa Fe pastries are served.
Information and reservations at Parador of Granada
Yes, I would recommend this parador to others; we were well looked after. Of course the place sells itself due to the amazing location. Very beautiful, the food was excellent.
I stayed at this Parador in late November with my sister and good friend for my 50th birthday. It was a wonderful experience! The hotel arranged for our visit to the Alhambra; the food was incredible, our rooms were large, beautiful and had great views. The price was very reasonable for what we received. I would really recommend this Parador, it’s an experience not to be missed.
We stayed here for our anniversary and loved it. They do milk its location in terms of price but it is a fabulous spot. Staff at reception very helpful with parking, picking up our tickets for the palace (giving us a good tip to collect them the day before if visiting early in the morning) and with any queries. Our room in the tower was excellent, duplex layout with lovely views of the gardens and the Albaicin. It is great to be able to drive into the palace and then be able to walk around some of the grounds when everyone has gone home. The restaurant is fine. The nature of Paradors tends to lead to high expectations of the food, but they are not noted for their fine dining. The food can be very good, but isn’t always so. What they do major on is local cuisine. Having lunch on the terrace at Granada is a highlight, just don’t expect special service there because you are staying at the hotel. There are alternatives to eating in, but not many are within walking distance, so a taxi is advisable. We especially liked dining in the Albaicin quarter looking back at the Alhambra. The main negative remark we have is reflected in other people’s comments: namely that it is almost impossible to find the way in to the Parador by car the first time! It isn’t well enough signposted and the available maps aren’t precise enough. Once done though, it is easy enough.
Granada is a lovely city and a great destination for a weekend. We have been twice and the first time we stayed in a hotel in the centre of town because we didn’t book the Parador early enough. There was no comparison, even though it wasn’t cheap either. The Parador wins hands down!
We stayed at the Alhambra for 3 days in October 2011 a wonderfull experience. Cost is high, check before you finalise booking, and finding the hotel by car is difficult.
The staff were friendly and helpful and the rooms and facilities very good
Stayed one night in late September. Excellent location once found (sign turning off road into Alhambra is small and obscured). Warm welcome with reception coming to car to help with luggage and spending time telling us all about Granada. Lovely room though bubble bath didn’t work. Disappointing service at dinner when my husband did not receive what he had ordered (quickly rectified and people on next table had same experience) and wrong bill presented for signing. My food was excellent. Breakfast was disappointing. Only available from 8am and we had tickets for Nasrid Palace at 8.30am but luckily only 5 minute walk up hill to access Palace and as all self service were able to grab a rushed meal. For visiting Alhambra at night and early morning it is ideal. Cost is high but justified for a very special occasion to enable visit to Alhambra to be magical.
5 – 7 September
Hotel clean,quiet and comfortable but horrifically overpriced.reception polite and helpful.restaurant food average and although staff pleasant and attentive to us we observed some dreadfully unprofessional behaviour when the usual maître d was absent, talking/gesticulating about other diners,arguing amongst themselves. Terrace facing generalife very pleasant.on arrival bottle of cava and a few little cakes in room, not on day 2/3 though, a shame because for the huge quantity of cash I surrendered I think they could have stretched to that little gesture each day. Very big plus is how quiet it is in the Alhambra at night, good sleeping……at a price.
Our stay at Granada Parador was one of the best ever. The location and grounds were magnificent. The room was modern, very functional, extremely clean and very quiet. I cannot wait to come back to Granada just to stay at the Parador. Tha staff could not have been any nicer. They went out of their way to help us with all of our questions and requests. Thank you for doing such a great job and for making our experience in Granada a memorable one..
Very disappointing: we booked a suite for 2 nights.
Indeed, the location is magnificent.
But the room was not up to the price: cheap furniture, which does not suit the building and certianly not the price paid.
The bathroom was not up to standards either: the shower worked; but the “bubble bath” did not: the bath itself did not keep the water and we had the plumber twice, but in vain.
The staff are not very pleasant: they pretended the bath did work, when it did not. They behave as if they were spoiled, benefiting from the location in the Alhambra.
Compared with the quality and service of other paradors (especially Toledo), this one is not to be recommended: the Director should control his staff better.
Our stay at the Parador San Fransisco in July was totally magical. On arrival the guy on reception was very friendly and helpful racing up the stairs with our luggage! We were treated to a compliamentary upgrade to a beautiful suite in the tower (room 304). It is such a romantic suite with state-of-the- art hifi, fittings and bathroom downstairs and a lovely cool bedroom upstairs with wonderful views. It was an absolutely perfect place for us to celebrate our recent 20th wedding anniversary.
The setting of the Parador is unique with the splendor of the Alhambra on it’s doorstep. The restaurant has especially wonderful views and the food is fantastic too. My only critisism is the cost of the guided tour and that there was nowhere outside to sit in the sun and and relax.
Yes it’s true it’s not cheap but it is such a special place to stay we thought it worth the cost and hope to return again in the future.
Overall we had a great time – Reception staff were very friendly and helpful, the location and views are superb and the grounds are beautiful. On the critical side, having previously stayed at quite a few Paradors in the past, we were disappointed by the size of room for the premium cost. The lunch menu in the terrace restaurant was unimaginative and breakfast poor compared to other Paradors. The biggest criticism however involves the solarium terrace – very stark and no real place to relax after you’ve spent the day going up and downhill in 38 degrees C (some loungers, tables, plants and parasols would help). The large water cistern (part of original hydraulic system) on this terrace also badly needs a clean up (the water looked pretty stagnant).
Sadly our visit did not live up to expectations – the beautiful exterior of the Parador is in complete contrast to most of the interior which is decorated in a very modern style completely out of sympathy with the building. We also found the technology in our room for lights and water to be rather fiddly and complicated. The outside terrace where we ate was delightful and the food was quite good, but the staff seemed unfriendly. This was not value for money at all – we were glad it came in the middle of a great trip and we had wonderful experiences before and after Granada. We will not be visiting again nor – regretfully – will we be recommending a stay to anyone else.
Because of the location, our stay at the Parador San Francisco and it surrounds was memorable. However the cost for the experience was excessive.
The below standard of service at the restaurant and to the general lack of attention given to the guest was missing considering the cost spent. Magical the Alhambra is, magical the parador is not. What a pity.
A splendid Parador in every way – the location, obviously, but also the food, and the wonderfully helpful staff. Can’t wait to make another visit
We spent 1 night in the hotel. Great service, perfect in everyway! We love the Palace and the hotel is just the right place to feel it!
Strongly recommend the hotel restaurant! The best that we had in Spain. Try the tasting manuel! (as a matter of fact, try all their dishes). You will love it!
What an excessive waste of money. Poor quality, scratched, false-wood floor; no towel replacement after removal. Outrageous cost for not-working-earphones for way-overcrowded-group Alhambra tour. Good food on beautiful patio, great breakfast room, and lovely grounds, all of which I could have had without an over-priced room. Never again! and I have told my traveling friends. Nice people at the desk who spoke English well.
We stayed at the Parador San Francisco on the Alhambra complex. It was a great delight. Not only is the Parador beautifully located, but the facility is clean, modern and comfortable. I have stayed in many Paradors over my years of travel. I would consider them first on any trip. I think the rates are reasonable and competitive.
Staff was accommodating, friendly, and always helpful. The meals in the dining room was exquisite. We ate many memorable meals at this facility. I can’t recommend this facility any higher. I can’t wait to return.
The trip to the Alhambra was a dream of my husband’s and so we decided to splurge on the Parador. WE got 2 sets of tickets to the Alhambra and after touring all day went back for the night tour of the Nasrid palaces the evening we stayed there. This was a wonderful experience. For this I feel that our stay at the Parador was worth it, although there is another hotel that is also up at the site of the Alhambra. The Parador was very nice and the location wonderful, but not worth four times what we paid on the rest of our trip for places that were as nice and in great, but perhaps more mundane, locations.
Todo magnifico……..menos la habitacion……no gavetas(cajones)……no espacio para equipaje…..por supuesto uds esperan huespedes de un solo dia
Nosotros consideramos cuatro noches para disfruta del parador………el precio de nuestra habitacion alrededor de 650 euros……suficientes para confort y mas……..el interior del parador no corresponde con el exterior demasiado moderno………el resto de nuestra estancia y toda la empleomania fue maravillosa……….una experiencias fantastica de La Alhambra de Granada
We stayed in the Parador Granada for two nights. We were welcomed warmly by the reception staff and we liked our comfortable room even although the shower /bath plumbing was overly complex. The great feature of the hotel is the wonderful view looking across from the terrace to the Generalife we enjoyed this in the evening sunshine whilst sipping a glass of sherry. This was a life enhancing experience and something to treasure.
Unfortunately the mediocre catering and rather austere dining room service did not match the expectations which the spectacular setting would lead one to hope for. Given the exceptionally high premium, it would probably pay the management some dividends to improve this side of things a notch or two. Then visitors might be tempted to return more often.
Staying here was everything my traveling companion and I had anticipated: awesome setting, elegant accommodations, interesting cuisine. We were welcomed and subsequently served by a bevy of gracious staffers.
Our stay at the Parador San Francisco was a great experience. Considering the location, the view, and the amenities, any adjective we might select would be understatement. I had the pleasure of making arrangements for my parents to stay at this parador in the Spring of 1973 and they have always described their visit in glowing terms. Our own visit lived up to my parents’ descriptions and memories.
The Parador itself, and of course its location, is an absolute joy! It is very peaceful and very beautiful with such a relaxing ambience.
My only word of warning would be to check the cost before you go if this may be an issue – it was difficult to judge what the final cost would have been and my stay ended up being considerably more expensive than I had budgeted. I also did not have a particularly helpful response from enquiries from reception after the stay to clarify charges – perhaps they were having a bad day!
Would I go back? Yes I would but I would make sure I knew what the charges would be.
Nos quedamos dos noches en este hotel y nos encantó!; uno de los mejores hoteles durante nuestro viaje en Andalucía y Marruecos. Las vistas espectaculares y el servicio muy bueno.
We stayed two nights in this hotel and we loved it; one of the best hotels we visited during our trip in Andalucia and Morocco. The view amazing and good staff and service.
Grading service (10 being the best):
Reception on arrival: 10
The bedroom: 8
The view from room: 9
The restaurant: 8
The location of the hotel: 10
We stayed in the Parador Alhambra for two days and nights and it was an absolute joy. From breakfast to dinner it was delightful. Walking from our room through the Courtyard was a great experience and the view from our room across to the Generalife was initially so unexpected but totally charming. It was the highlight of our trip to Spain.
We stayed at the Alhambra Parador for five nights in early January 2011 with some friends and, as most other guests remark, we had a most magical experience. Arriving from the frozen Canadian Prairies, we were overwhelmed by the lush landscapes and the serene surroundings. The essence of the Parador is its location inside one of the worlds most significant heritage sites – we were overwhelmed by the privilege to live inside history! Greeting us was the bubbling fountain in the middle of the courtyard and our room was wonderful with a spectacular view of the Generalife gardens and buildings. We spent much time on the terrace for lunch and highly recommend the breakfast buffet.
The design of the Parador was most ingenious and a sensitive fusion of contemporary details and heritage respect – note the unique pattern for the window screens! We didn’t know much about the Paradores before we came to Spain, but we now we know that there are 60 other heritage paradores throughout the country and we are definitely planning to return to others….and to the Alhambra in summer. What an ingenious idea for the state to redevelop heritage sites for tourist accommodation – other countries should take note! Be sure to have lunch at el Heurto de Juan Ranas which is an open terrace high on the other side of the valley looking back at the Alhambra.
Spending a day in The Alhambra and the staying overnight at the Parador San Francisco was an absolute delight. The service, accommodation and food were all very good and the ambience outstanding.
It was an absolute delight.
It was perfect in every way- wonderful staff- excellent food and service, views and scenery for once in a life time.
I woudl say it is a must for anyone visiting the Alhambra
Thank you!
Wonderful location, superb setting and views, friendly and hlpful Reception staff (who will arrange Alhambra tickets etc for you).
Worth paying extra for a superior room (fab bathroom too) to get the fabulous views at the back! Great food in the restaurant, could do with a bit more atmosphere but food itself was very good.
Short walk downhill (10 mins) into the old town, and 2 mins from the Alhambra entrance itself, in a peaceful and glorious setting with pretty courtyard gardens.
Wonderful place to stay!
Fantastic location, unfortunately the restaurant staff were unfriendly and very slow, spending most of the time chatting with each other, then getting the order wrong, and seemed very annoyed when ever you asked them for something. Food in the main restaurant was fairly good, but in the cafe it was poor. Rooms were pleasant, reception staff were very helpful. all in all a great place to stay, but massively let down by the terrible attitude of the restaurant staff.
Very modern small room, more designer than monastery, small window overlooking garden and entrance. Modern laminate wooden floors were noisy. Not what we expected. Staff pleasant and helpful, although restaurant staff were brusque and food of average quality. You are paying a lot for the location.
We stayed at the Parador at Granada as part of our honeymoon. Fantastic location and great views from our room across some of the gardens. We visited in mid october and it was still warm enough to sit out for some of the time on the beautiful terrace. It was lovely to be directly in the area of all the gardens, and to be able to wander around when it was quiet.
We stayed one night at this parador during a 20 day trip to Spain. I would recommend this hotel for the location and somewhat for the building, grounds, and staff. The decor seemed to disconnect with the beautiful aged building and mature gardens. I love modern decor, but it was jarring in this environment. You pay a premium for a mediocre room in a fabulous location. The restaurant seemed a bit sterile and since it was late October, the patio area, which looked like it would be wonderful, was closed.
We spent one night at the Parador at the end of October. Expectations were high and we were not disappointed. The staff could not have been more helpful, especially on the reception desk, and they managed to procure tickets for the gardens, which we had omitted to do! Service in the restaurant was excellent and the quality of both dinner and breakfast was first class. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Parador, especially to garden lovers. It was a memorable stay.
A wonderful hotel in a fantastic place – Alhambra… we spent 10 days travelling in Spain and no doubt, it was the best place we stayed. Room with a balcony and fantastic view of Generalife. The hotel staff was also very kind and the restaurant, we have dinner there, was amazing. In a next travel to Spain we for sure will spend at least a night there. Thanks!
My husband and I stayed at the Alhambra parador for two days to celebrate my 60th birthday. When we walked into the hotel courtyard it had a delightful atmosphere and when we were shown to our room, the receptionist flung open our windows and we stared straight out at the wonderful gardens of the Generalife. It was fabulous. The hotel also provided a bottle of sparkling wine, fruit , cakes and sweets for my birthday as a gift.
It was a truly memorable hotel with good service and good food and it was a marvellous place to celebrate a special day.
Some five star hotels may have bigger rooms but none has the unique atmosphere of the Alhambra!
Great staff. Great accomodations. Everybody tried their best to help.
The location is extraordinary.
I have nothing but good memories of the visit. Of the staff Nestor deserves a special recognition for his kindness and unobstrutive help.
Our stay at the Parador of Granada coincided with the General Strike. Everything at the hotel functioned perfectly and the staff went out of their way toi help us rearranged our train reservations and book a tour of the Alhambra for us on the following day so we did not miss one of the highlights of our trip. Our sincered thanks and kudos to the the staff for making our time in Granada memborable.
My wife and I spent two nights here and found this Parador to be of the highest standard, with reception and restaurant staff to be most attentive and helpful, and the chambermaid’s care of our room was also faultless. The standard of cuisine in the restaurant was also first class.
We hope to stay here again one day, and will have no hesitation in recommending this Parador to our friends.
We felt it was a truly magical experience. The staff was very attentive with restaurant suggestions, getting us a tour guide, and transportation. For us it is the only way to see the Alhambra. Maybe not 5 star in the room category but certainly with location and service.
The room was a disappointment, considering it’s amazing location. Modern and small with a very small window.The dining area was so crowded with tourists that we could not get in until evening. The food was good, but there was no atmosphere. I would recommend his hotel with some warnings. Guests are paying for the location.
The unique hotel and excellent location are clearly what drives the price of this hotel – not the service. The service was very nice, but not five star and certainly not commensurate with what we paid. The little details were missing that would make it a five star experience. This does not preclude me from recommending the hotel – just understand the costs are related to location and less about service.
We stayed during the first part of July. It was truly unmissable!
It was such a treat to be able to walk around this elegant and historic site without constraints as to time. To dine on the terrace, with the view across to the Generalife, was magical. Although we weren’t fortunate enough to have a classical concert playing, we admired the bats flying at dusk – and the swallows/martins during daytime hours.
It was expensive but wholly worth it. We found the staff properly attentive and would not mark it down from five stars on any grounds!
lovely location in Granada, food excellent including breakfast. Only dissappointment was bedroom lacked any feeling or atmosphere for our surroundings, very modern and masculine
Without a doubt, our 2-days and 2-nights at the Alhambra, staying at the Parador San Fransisco was the highlight of our visit to southern Spain. It was very special to be able to wander around this marvellous historic site in the late afternoon and evening when the other tourists had departed for the day. One evening we dined on the terrace with the view to the Generalife and the sounds of a classical concert drifting over the valley. It was one of those magical, unforgettable experiences and, although it costs as more than total of all our other accommodation, we decided it was one of those wonderful, unmissable experiences. The suite was elegant and luxurious with a wonderful view over the courtyard and gardens. My only complaint was that the staff do not offer the level of customer service you would expect for this kind of accommodation (and this size bill). The hotel is five star, but the staff are only three star, particularly in the restaurant.