Granada hotel choice - narrowing decision!
 

Admittedly, I've been obsessing over this hotel for ages - have not spent nearly as much time on all the other hotels put together for our trip next May! I'm using AA frequent flyer miles to book the hotel, so my choices are limited to those available.

I'm pretty sure that we'd like to stay in the lower Albayzin (with option to change mind again!) and the hotels that are available are the following, with pros & cons I've noted:

1) Palacio Santa Ines
- gets generally good, but mixed reviews, depending upon room, which seems to vary a lot.
- I can only book a standard room (probably small, no Alhambra view), although I've sent an email to see if I can upgrade and what it would cost
- up one of the narrow streets off Rio Darro

2) Casa del Capitel Nazari
- like the above, also gets very good, but mixed reviews, depending upon room.
- I can book a superior double room, which may be lighter and airier than standard room, but no view of Alhambra (unless I can upgrade to the one room at the top)
- again, up one of the narrow streets off Rio Darro

3) El Ladron de Agua
- A little more expensive than the above and located directly on the Rio Darro
- Can book a deluxe room here, but would need to pay extra (still very affordable!) which has room with Alhambra view
- gets the best reviews of all three hotels, but again, room makes a difference
-This hotel gets a nice writeup in Maribel's guide

I'm leaning toward El Ladron de Agua and "splurging" for the deluxe room with view; any thoughts about whether it is worth the out-of-pocket cash (less than $200 extra) or whether either of the other 2 might be worthwhile as well.

Many thanks!
Paule

You have answers here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#61518717

Thanks for the link to my own post, ribeiasacra.

I was hoping to hear personal experiences from other members of the board. I know a few are familiar with Granada, and many have visited, so I would love feedback, if anyone can give it.

I posted on both boards -- each board has a different flavor, and it often helps me make decisions, tho so far, not so much.

I wish I could help. When we went we were absolutely convinced being at the parador at the Alhambra was the only place we wanted to stay in. But, that was because we didn't have a lot of time to see anything else in the city. In retrospect, the Alhambra was interesting but it wasn't totally unique when compared to at least two other buildings in two other Spanish cities. I wish now we HAD spent more time in the city itself since after a while a bunch of empty rooms decorated the same starts to get monotonous.

I hope you have a wonderful stay.

Thanks, Dukey, I appreciate the thoughts! I look forward to seeing the Alhambra, of course, but am also looking forward to seeing the city, too.

This isn't your question, but for my forthcoming trip I'm staying in an apartment in Realjo area, which is about 10 minutes' walk from the cathedral. Fully equipped, with free on-site garage and $100 a night.

Going back to this post:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...omment-8921135
And asking too many folks on the street for directions gets you confused. ;-)

Ribeirasacra--

I wouldn't ask if I didn't want feedback. I'm pretty good about making plans, so I thought I'd ask for more feedback. So what if I asked before? My thought process changes as I research. This has had me a little stumped, and getting other people's thoughts can help. If there are people who have knowledge, that's great -- if not, I really don't need to be told what I shouldn't be doing.

Paule