OReilly

Hello all:

Spain calls me back once again!

I am in the early planning stages and am looking for a recommendation on a town/city to use as a base to explore Eastern Andulusia so I can start planning my drives and book an hotel. I would also appreciate your recommedations on where to focus my visits - which towns/areas.

Here are some details:
- I have four days full days, three nights
- I will fly in and out of Malaga airport
- I have explored the Western section, including Seville, and would now like to concentrate on the Eastern section
- I have NO interesting in the coastal region: Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos were all explored in my 20s and they have not improved since then
- Granada, Cordoba, and the region in between are of primary interest
- Interested in exploring “off the beaten track”, historically significant, architecturally important, nature
- Would prefer to stay in one place for the three nights, but would consider moving around if it was worth the effort

From what I have read so far, the glorious Parador in Granada may be a perfect base.

I have lots of books, including Michelin Andalusia, Cadogan Andalusia, Frommer’s Spain Driving Tours and several other Spain guide-books. Its all a bit overwhelming and I am struggling to know where to start. As always, I would be grateful for your direction and advice.

Many thanks in advance for your assistance.

Best wishes Ger

Dukey

I am not sjre how you know those places mentioned "haven't improved" since you haven't been back but I digress.

The parador at the Alhambra is not necessarily "glamorous" but for the Alhambra it is IMO the perfect place to stay (although there are two other hotels literally next door which are cheaper). But be aware that you are up on the hill and not down in the city but if you are driving that shouldn't be a problem.

The room we had was somewhat plainly furnished but the furnishings were of good quality; the bathroom had a marble vanity and was of decent size. Staff very helpful. The place is a former monastery as I recall and, more importantly, THE most popular parador in Spain.

In warmer weather it is wonderful to dine on the terrace which overlooks somewhat the Generalife...food was good we thought and service excellent.

OReilly

Thanks Dukey - I am interested in the hotels "just next door" - I would prefer to pay less than 260 Euros per night, if at all possible

Dukey

You might want to look at Maribel's guides as I do not remember the nemas of both; however, one is named Hotel America and I'll try to find the name of the other and re-post soon.

Dukey

The other hotel is the Hotel Guadelupe and here is the website:

http://www.hotelguadalupe.es/

You might want to check out any rerviews which might be on TripAdvisor

josele

Hi,O'Reilly.
It is not clear to me if you are interested in Granada as well; as if you are not, you may look for an hotel near the highway and not in the center (or in nearby Santa Fe).
South of Granada (but before getting to the coast) you have the Alpujarras, small white towns in the hills (Lanjaron, Capileira, Trevelez), but very different to those in the Ronda area.
North of Granada your aim should be Ubeda and Baeza, Renaissance jewels right west of Jaen.
Going north-east, the choice is Priego de Cordoba, which I know well and highly recommend. On the way you have Alcala la Real (which I have not visited), with a beautiful church on top of the hill.
And if you want a little further towards Cordoba, you have Montilla.
If you want to visit Cordoba city, it may take a full day. Granada another, and only the Alhambra takes half day at least.
When you choose itinerary, we'll go to must-sees and restaurants.

Dukey

here is the America's website:

http://www.hotelamericagranada.com/

Kristina

Hi-
My mom and I stayed in the Hotel Guadalupe last year. It was quite nice and very convenient to the Alhambra (about a block from the entrance). Affordable too. I believe they also have parking if you'll have a car.
If you want to see the hotel, I have pictures of our room on my website
http://www.wired2theworld.com/spain2005.html
I did take note of the Hotel America while there too. It certainly has a prime location right next door to the Parador. However, I did wonder if guests had a problem accessing it without a car. Seems like a taxi would be necessary. We were able to catch the little bus that runs up and down the hill into town from the Hotel Guadalupe.

carolynk

Ger,
We stayed at the Alhambra Palace Hotel( http://www.h-alhambrapalace.es/Web/Home.htm ) in Granada at the end of April and loved it. It's walkable to the Alhambra (which is a bit farther uphill)--we mostly used the inexpensive shuttle bus, which can take you to the Alhambra grounds or down to the city (we didn't have or need a car). The hotel lobby is amazingly decorated and we were very happy with our room, which had a great view of the city (but apparently the rooms vary, so you may want to ask to see yours before you check in.) It's cheaper than the Parador, but still a luxury hotel--it should fit your budget nicely, however. (We did eat at the Parador and I certainly wouldn't miss seeing it.) They wanted a one-night advance payment to hold the room, which I usually don't do, but I decided this hotel was worth it. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.
We also stayed in Cordoba and Ronda and I wouldn't miss either of them, but I'd spend more time in Granada. In Cordoba, in addition to the Mezquita, don't miss the ruins outside the city (I'm blanking on the name, but I can look it up--it will be in your books.)
Carolyn

OReilly

Thank you all for your advice – I really appreciate it. All the options look great and I would be happy with any of the hotels.

I am particularly excited by Carolyn’s recommendation, Alhambra Palace – gorgeous hotel for 167 Euros, as opposed to the 221 Euros at the Parador (Parador has availability).

Of course I have not eliminated the Parador as yet, as it has always been a dream of mine to stay there: Yes Dukey, it IS the most popular Parador in Spain.

A comment and question Dukey. Firstly, I said “glorious” not “glamorous”: I have stayed in many Paradors and while many were glorious, NONE were glamorous. The décor in the very best of Paradors is that heavy-handed “Early Spanish Inquisition” style.
Question: I know this is a difficult question to answer, but I will ask it anyway: Was the stay at the Parador worth the money? Did the room have a fabulous view? Would you have been just as happy in the Alhambra Palace Hotel ( http://www.h-alhambrapalace.es/Web/Home.htm ) for 60 Euros less per night? For example, I stayed at the Parador in Santiago, upgraded myself to a wonderful superior room – a huge junior suite with vaulted ceilings, a seating area, four poster bed, massive bathroom, unrivaled location: It was SO worth it!

Anther option: I have found this interesting boutique hotel; mixed review on Tripadvisor, from spectacular to poisonous. I am waiting on a response to my request for price:

http://www.totallyspain.com/aloja.as...com&id=604

Hello again josele (BTW: many thanks for your recommendations for my trip with sisters to Salamanca – we had a wonderful time and I will update the thread over the next couple of weeks to provide more details. Ciudad Rodrigo was definitely a highlight).

To answer your question: Granada is defiantly an important part of this trip – I think I will need at least a day to explore, if not more.

I don’t NEED to stay IN Granada: I love driving and am open to a country venue. As before, you have given me lots of options to explore. Many thanks and once I have decided where I will be staying, I’ll get back to you with requests for restaurants.

I am reading feverously and enjoying the planning.

Thanks again for your assistance.

Best regards … Ger

josele

So glad the trip to Salamanca worked out satisfactorily.
The Alhambra Palace I know and recommend, the decoration is the very same of some of the Alhambra courtyards (though modern reproductions, very well done).
The ruins outside Cordoba are Medina Azahara. They are beautiful, but ruins most, with a glimpse of the splendor once had. Unless you have much time to spare, I should skip it (you cannot see everything!!!)
I await your updates.

Dukey

We enjoyed staying at the parador because of the fact that it is located on the Alhambra grounds. We did not have a car so we could easily walk in and out.

We had no memorable views from our windows; as I mentioned earlier the terrace of the parador overlooks the Generalife.

I want you to know that if you have explored Seville and environs including the Alcazar, etc., you are going to be seeing the same kind of interiors at the Alhambra; a lot of empty rooms with the same "moorish" wall decorations. I am not saying the place isn't worth it because it is but it is a good idea to be aware of WHAT it is. I am certain you'll enjoy it no matter where you stay.

snoopy12

You might consider La Posada del Torcal near Antequera. A bit of a drive from the main roads but what a beautiful place! Also close to great hiking at El Torcal. If you love nature and being off the beaten track this may be perfect.

I stayed in the Parador in Granada, liked it but thought it was overpriced.

NotMe

We were in Granada last week. The Parador at the Alhambra is currently closed for major renovations. According to our guide, it is supposed to be a 5 star hotel when it reopens.

john183

Another thumbs up for the Alhambra Palace Hotel. My wife and I stayed there 2 nights in October and really liked it. We had a very nice room with a huge balcony/terrace overlooking the city. Breakfasts were good and dinner one night at the restaurant on the terrace was good. Easy walking access to The Alhambra and short taxi rides to other sites in Granada. We had lunch at the Parador twice (on the terrace was not good, inside was excellent). Even though the Parador gets great reviews, we were very happy we chose the Alhambra Palace Hotel. I can't help you with your itinerary as we did not venture outside of Granada before driving to Ronda.

NotMe

We recently stayed at the Hotel Casa Morisca in Granada. Its a 15th century Moorish building turned into a hotel. It was very interesting architecture and furnished in antiques. You can check it out in Fodors or Tripadvisor. Its location allowed easy waking into downtown Granada and the Albacin. To visit the Alhambra, the hotel arranged a tour which had a minibus pick us up and an english speaking guide that took us through the Alhambra. While a guide isn't necessary, it was quite nice to have someone explain all of the details and answer questions.

Luhimari

Would you consider staying in the Albaicín in Granada? A couple of years ago we stayed at Casa del Aljarife, ( http://www.casadelaljarife.com/) . We really enjoyed our stay there. The hotel is extremely nice and quiet (just four rooms) and our host, Christian Most, was most helpful. The view from our bed was of The Alhambra Palace and well worth the daily climb back to the hotel. No cars are allowed in this area, but parking is available at Plaza Nueva or Parking San Agustin. You can’t drive directly to the Casa but Christian will help you with your luggage.

OReilly

Thank you for your recommendations.

I have done a lot of research and am now considering moving around, rather than staying in one location. Josele has mapped out the places I want to visit and I think I might be better to stay in more than one location in order to maximize available time to explore.

I'll be back once I have a basic plan.

Many thanks

Regards Ger

Graziella5b

Oreilly, how abour staying in Baeza and visiting both Baeza and Ubeda. They are two towns full of history, architecture, art, and they offer a joint walking tour of both which are very good to star with.

OReilly

Thank you all for your assistance.

Thanks Graziella5b: you made me re-think my plan to stay in Granada for the entire trip.

I have done a lot of reading and research and have developed a preliminary itinerary which you can find on this thread:

http://tinyurl.com/ykrs9v

I would welcome your comments and dining suggestions.

Regards Ger