The building is in the Alhambra, a series of palaces started in 1238 and added to by later Arab rulers.

The Parador is part of a palace and mosque built between 1332 and 1354 which was later converted into a Franciscan convent with a charming tiled Patio remaining from this conversion.

Part of the building was the former chapel where the kings of spain were buried until their remains were moved to the Royal Chapel where they now lie.

The interior combines the Arabic and Christian styles with classical furniture, numerous portraits, engravings, embroideries etc. The bedrooms are all being different and have views of the famous buildings that make up the Alhambra site.

The dining room has a coffered ceiling and serves local and international dishes. Meals can also be taken on the terrace. The specialties of the chef include:

"Gazpacho Andaluz" the cold soup of the region;
"Tortilla de Sacromonte" the local omelette which is served very lightly cooked;
"Pollo a la alpujarrena" which is a chicken dish suitable for garlic lovers only;
"Piononos de Santa Fe" a typical cake eaten as a dessert;

In Granada, the cathedral is worth visiting. The "Capella Real", royal chapel, have the magnificent marble tombs of King Fedinand and his Queen, Isabella, their daughter Juana the Mad, and son in law, Philip the Fair. The sacristy has on display Ferdinand's sword and Isabel's crown and sceptre. King Fedinand was the Monarch who ended the occupation of Spain by the Moors.

The Albaicin neighbourhood is interesting. This used to be the Arab silk market but now is small streets with shops selling local handicrafts.

A very interesting day is to drive to the region of La Alpujarra and visit its villages. These include Lanjaron which has a famous spa, then Carataunas followed by Trevelez which is the highest village in Spain.

Various religious and cultural festivals take place in Granada:

Easter and Corpus Christi when there are processions through the streets;
The International Music and Dance Festival takes place in late June and early July;
The festival of the Cross is held on May 3;
The International Jazz Festival which takes place in November;

For an evening that is different, go to one of the gipsy parties which take place in the caves of Sacromonte.

In winter, there is skiing in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park which can be seen across the valley from the Alhambra.

The accommodation in this hotel of the Paradors group is in thirty three twin bedded rooms, one room with a double bed and two suites all with private bathroom.

In the rooms there is a telephone, television with TV canal plus and a mini bar.

The building is air conditioned and has a gift shop, restaurant and bar. Facilities to hold a meeting are available.

Pets are not allowed in the luxury hotels in the Spanish Paradores group.

Parador of Granada is a luxury hotel in a fifteenth century convent which is part of the famous Palace of Alhambra overlooking the city of Granada in Spain.

• 33 Twin bedrooms
• 1 Double bedrooms
• 2 Suites
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Telephone
• Heating
• Air Conditioning
• Television with Canal Plus
• Satellite television
• Minibar
• Safe
• Car park
• Currency exchange
• Garden
• Conference Facilities
• Airport: 15 kms
• Train: 4 kms
• Port: 127 kms
• Map with location
• Tours in Granada (inc Alhambra)
• Parador Granada comments