That would be *overestimate*

Not all air bnbs charge a cleaning fee. But there is that consideration of service fee + rental. It is usually my 'go to' lodging, but for 2 days, I have chosen hostals (not hostels) for the night (they are similar to pensions). not renting a car until heading out of Granada would make the most sense, but friends used this apartment from VEO Apartments. It has parking but I don't think they had a car. It seems to be close to a main via, so not the same hassles of into the Albacin where only taxis and buses can drive through the day. http://www.veoapartment.com/apartmen...-jose-7-2.html
there are a number of apartments in that complex and they have services in Seville as well.

We rented from Veo in Seville and have nothing but good to say about them

Quiltingmama, the apartment you linked to is in the (lower) Albayzin; I know because we stayed in that building. We got there by taxi, but they may have parking. It's an area that I probably wouldn't have wanted to navigate on my own though. It's a ten minute walk to Plaza Nuevo. I liked the building and the front desk was super helpful, but I didn't like the area all that much.

With a short stay in Granada, I think I'd prefer to stay near the Alhambra.

We rented from Veo in both Seville and Granada. The agency was easy to work with, but the properties are not centrally owned/managed. You really need to read the reviews for each property.

And with a short stay in Granada, I'd prefer to be near the Cathedral. To each his/her own!

Yes, of course to each his/her own. That's why I used the word "I".

@ indyhiker: I wasn't criticizing. One person recommended the Albayzin, you recommended a place near the Alhambra, I noted my choice to be near the Cathedral. All I was trying to do is point out that people have different preferences. Nothing more.

thanks everyone for your replies. I was looking at some hotels the other day and they don't seem to be that expensive, so I'll just have to compare. My husband likes to cook from the local markets but we won't have time in Granada so a hotel could definitely be an option.

@quiltingmamma we would not get the car till we were on the way out (Unless it's Christmas...)
@Elisabeth good point about the cleaning fees!
@indyhiker I'll check out the Veo rentals
@kja thanks for the suggestions!

just want to point that if you wish to see the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra you have to buy tickets on line asap. Access to the Nasrid Palaces has to do at the scheduled time printed on the ticket.
you can check it here
http://apc.ticketmaster.es/nav/en/mu.../entradas.html
maybe there are other sites to buy from.
We stayed at hotel Carmen which was very nice, perfect location to reach, to walk to the Cathedral, Albayzin and every were.
Not far from the bus station to the Alhambra and they have parking.

Will do hktraveller, thanks. I'm glad its the weekend so I can look at all the links!

Málaga city is something special from late November through Christmas times. People travel from far to experience this season in Málaga:
http://www.spainforpleasure.com/2014...ime-in-malaga/
http://www.guidetomalaga.com/5-reaso...mas-in-malaga/

A wonderful, genuinely laid-back Andalucian atmosphere city by the Med, one of the oldest in Europe, and ideal as a base. 50 mins to Córdoba, 90 mins to Granada and less than two hours to Sevilla. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/malaga
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/25/t...aga-spain.html

And the Atarazanas food market in Málaga is a must: top quality, long history, relatively small, local atmosphere and fabulous tapas bars. https://eastofmalaga.net/2014/07/25/...ry-perception/

I suggest that you reserve your place at the Alhambra well ahead of time, though it's possible that it will be easier at Christmas. The first time I visited it was in January and it wasn't at all crowded.

However on my most recent trip to Granada, I reserved my place a month before my trip and couldn't get in during the day time. It turned out that the after-five slot was just fine, though I had wanted to go during the day.

We really enjoyed Malaga; it was a surprise to us, and we wished we had more time there. Weather is warmer in winter, it could be quite cool up in Granada and in the hills.

I wouldn't recommend Arcos de la Frontera as a base for the places you want to see.

By the way, if you want to stay in Granada for a night or two, there are a couple of centrally located car parks in the city. You can park then take a taxi to your hotel. Google Granada parking guide TripAdvisor for info.

You can buy tickets for Alhambra 3 months in advance. One website says it is closed Dec 31 and Jan 1. Another website says it's closed Dec 25 and Jan 1. Maybe someone knows for sure?