Message: many thanks for replies to last post re hotels. Unfortunately we cannot get a booking at any hotel in immediate Alhambra area or on outskirts of town for May 12 so am now onsidering &quot;dumping&quot; the car at the Alhambra parking lot and staying somewhere in the Albaicin area, using taxis. Could we expect to park in the Alhambra about 6-7pm? And is it safe/possible to leave car all night and next day? We have decided to visit the Alhambra 8.30 am slot so have decided not to run with an out of town hotel but go for somewhere where we could easily tumble out of bed, into a taxi and into Alhambra!<BR>PS Maribel - I think you are spot on re your posting about times for Alhambra - the web site is nearly incomprehensible but once I had calmed down last night and looked in a few guide books the booking arrangements became clearer!<BR><BR>

Hilary,<BR><BR>I would try to find a hotel in the center of town rather than the Albaicin. The Albaycin is a little rough around the edges and in town the cathedral and Capilla Real are not to be missed. Plus you should be able to reach your hotel reasonably easily and park there or right nearby. It is very easy to catch a minibus up to the Alhambra, as they run on a loop through town.<BR><BR>Check out the AC Palacio de Santa Paula, the Melia or the Tryp Albaycin (which is not located in the Albaycin despite its name).<BR><BR>www.ac-hotels.com<BR>www.solmelia.com<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR>Andre

Hilary,<BR><BR>Just checked out availability for May 12 and the AC only has a superior room @ EUR 174,46 without breakfast (ouch - perhaps you can do better by calling the hotel direct), while the Tryp is full.<BR><BR>However, the Melia has a double for only EUR 77,- including breakfast (but not VAT)! Probably your best bet, although the AC did look like a very nice property when I passed it (it's 5 star vs. the Melia's 4 stars).<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR>Andre

I am booked to stay at Casa Capitel Nazari for my visit to Granada in May. It's near the cathedral and the Plaza Nueva. Double room at 79E + tax. They've been very helpful via e-mail, including arranging tickets to the Alhambra for my preferred time slot.<BR><BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=2&amp;tid=34391812<BR><BR>http://www.hotelcasacapitel.com/

Hi Hilary,<BR>I echo Andre's remarks about the Albaic&iacute;n area; experience has told me that it's not quite &quot;prime time&quot;, the access is very difficult and some areas still quite seedy. I would try the Melia that Andre recommends or perhaps the Hotel Carmen (very near the Tryp Albaic&iacute;n) or Lesli's choice (well reviewed here recently by a trustworthy poster) of the new Casa Capital Nazar&iacute;, since the Meli&aacute; is not available.<BR>We left our car in the Alhambra parking lot overnight with no problem. We deposited it at around 7-8 p.m. and recovered it the next day, late in the day. To go up to the Alhambra hill from the downtown area, either take a taxi (inexpensive) or the easy minibus from the Plaza Nueva.<BR>