choosing an area in Granada
 

We will be vacationing in Spain in October. Our plans include 2 1/2 days in Granada (two nights). We will be arriving by train and using public transportation, and staying in budget accommodations. I've found a place on Calle Elvira that looks promising and in our budget, but I am concerned because I've read that safety after dark is a concern.
Does anyone know if this is a safe neighborhood - and also if transportation is available?
thank you in advance for your help.

I'm not sure what your concern is. Calle Elvira is a long avenue. Try to be a little more specific on the address, but overall the street is fine, it's one block off of the Gran Via.

I just looked on Street view. The road is narrow and seemly one way. As Robert says Gran Via is just around the corner Public transport will be on that road rather then outside the front door.

My concern was that I was told that area is called Albayzin and that violence is common at night - its perfectly safe during day but tourist muggings have occurred at night. I'm not sure of the origins of this report, but I know that if I ask a question here at Fodors I can get good advice.

From what I can tell from goggle map the place I'm looking at is closest to the Plaza Nueva end of Elvira and the tourist center of town, so I'm thinking its a fairly safe bet...I just am trying to validate my thinking.

Where have you found this information about muggings?

The Albayzín is interesting but the danger is somewhat overhyped. You might want to check out the Elvira Guide (www.granadainfo.com/elvirag/index.htm). You'll see it's a very busy and popular street.

ribeirasacra, my information comes somewhat second hand - from a friend who visited Spain last year whose travel planner told her to avoid the area. It really looks so close to the major tourist areas that it didn't seem too bad ...but I work in Washington DC and I know that the difference of a block or two can have a huge impact on the kind of neighborhood.

Robert2533, thanks for the link.

Kath thanks for come back and letting me know... have a good trip

Have you looked on Tripadvisor? Try reading reviews for that hotel and others nearby. Reviewers are usually quick to say whether they felt safe or encountered problems.

While you are right to gather information on Fodor's, often you'll get responses from people who've never stayed in that area and there is general reluctance from some travel boosters to acknowledge crime problems (in Spain in particular). I'm not trying to alarm you. I'm just telling you I would go further in looking for reassurances because it's important.