History and nature, culture and traditions. That’s what you’re looking for if you decide to stay in a Parador in Spain. But let’s start with the basics: what is a Parador? On the surface, nothing more than a hotel, typically of an excellent standard. True, but the Paradores de Turismo de España, more than 90 scattered across the country and owned by the Spanish state, stand apart from other hotels in one very particular way: almost all of them occupy buildings of great historical and artistic interest. By staying in a Parador you might find yourself sleeping in castles and ancient palaces, traditional houses or convents.
It was converted from an ancient convent and is perhaps the most visited Parador in Spain, thanks to its unrivalled location within the walls of the Alhambra. We’ve already mentioned it in our article where to stay in Granada – which I recommend you have a look at if you’re after options to suit every pocket – but here let’s try to get a better idea of what it means to spend a night at the Parador de Granada.
Check prices and availability at the Parador
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Parador de Granada: staying within the Alhambra
What did the Nasrid rulers feel waking up in the morning inside the Alhambra, able to stroll through the sumptuous gardens and admire their Granada from on high? Why ask that question when the answer is at hand? It is not impossible to spend the night in one of the most visited places in Spain and, by many, regarded as one of the wonders of the world. The Parador de San Francisco (called the Parador de Granada) gives us the chance to feel, at least a little, like sultans in their own realm.
The Convent of San Francisco
Built in the 16th century on the remains of an Arab palace, what today is the Parador de Granada was actually a convent. It was commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs, who were buried here. The remains of Isabella and Ferdinand were originally placed in a chapel near the convent’s cloister and only later moved to the Royal Chapel. Located in the upper part of the Alhambra, between the archaeological excavations of the Palacio de Abencerrajes and the palace gardens in the Partal, it is easily reached and recognisable by following the Calle Real. This is certainly one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Granada, but even if you sleep in another part of the city, I recommend that you pop into the Parador’s entrance to admire the gardens with flowerbeds and rose beds bordered by geometric hedges, as well as the fountain and the beautiful mosaic paving.
Some parts of the ancient convent are open to visitors even if you’re not staying here. Besides the beautiful patio, you can admire plaster decorations on the arches and walls, muqarnas windows and ceilings: Arab architectural art has been blended with Christian style to make this place to stay unique, giving visitors the chance to fulfil the dream of sleeping in a Moorish-style palace, just a stone’s throw from the sultans’ residences.
Rooms and facilities at the Parador de Granada
The interior of the Parador blends Arab and Christian styles with classic furnishings, paintings and meticulous attention to detail. The rooms are all different and offer views of the palaces that make the Alhambra unique. The Parador has 25 twin rooms, 10 double rooms and 5 suites. All the rooms are equipped with the facilities of a high-quality hotel and combine traditional architecture with modern furnishings. From the latticed wooden windows you can admire the panorama while enjoying Wi‑Fi, satellite TV, a minibar and music. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine, where you can sample typical dishes such as Gazpacho or Pollo alla Alpujara, perhaps dining on the terrace with a breathtaking view.
Hotels near the Alhambra
As I mentioned, the Parador has only a few rooms. Given the uniqueness of the place, it’s very difficult to find availability, especially in high season, unless you book well in advance. However, there is a good alternative for staying within the Alhambra. It is the Hotel America, which should, however, be considered a second choice. Situated along the Calle Real, this 19th-century building offers 17 retro-style rooms, with single, double and family options.
If Hotel America is full too and you don’t want to give up, just outside the walls, towering above the city, stands the Alhambra Palace Hotel. This 4-star hotel is a more luxurious option for spending the night beside the Alhambra. There are 126 rooms in total: it goes without saying that it’s easier to find availability here and you still have the chance to sleep in wonderful surroundings, furnished in the style of arabesque architecture and adorned with Moorish furnishings, particularly well cared for in the communal areas.
The restaurant’s cuisine is noteworthy, its quality matching that of the hotel. As there is no space for cars in the immediate vicinity of the property, the hotel staff arrange to move vehicles as required. In short, everything is beautiful and prestigious: of course the fact remains that spending the night in a historic building like the Parador of the Alhambra in Granada has an altogether different allure.
Don’t forget to read our general tips on the hotels in Granada: you’ll find not only suggestions relating to the Alhambra and its surroundings, but also detailed profiles of other characterful neighbourhoods of the city, complete with recommended places to stay.
Other useful links
- Tips on what to do in Granada
- Tips on the best restaurants in Granada
- How to book tickets for the Alhambra + information on opening times and tours
