Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Granada questions

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Ana, dear: Ave Maria Purisima is right! A carrot truck and boy, did that guy drive slowly through those mountains.

I did read Maribel's threads..she was so helpful. Do you have any idea where she is, if she is okay, and why she has abandoned us? I feel a little lost planning a Spain trip for which there is no Maribel guide and no Maribel here "in person!"

I will do some more reading and come back soon....

And I DO want to see flamenco when I am there!!! I even have a CD of Camaron de la Isla! (I can hear you laughing at me way across all those miles..)

We stayed at La Bobadilla in 1999 and were not impressed. The food was not memorable and the place was full only of Americans. The room was very nice.

We had lunch at the Parador at the Alhambra and it was very nice.

Another town you might want to consider is Jaen. We stayed at the Parador there at the very top of the hill and it was great. It was a recreated castle next to a real castle. But being from a completely castleless country, we found it wonderful.

There is also a great little Inn on the way to the prehistoric cave paintings outside of Ronda. If I ever find my guide book I could look it up. We had lunch there and it was excellent. And the caves were just amazing.

Just in case here is an older post specifically asking for Parador preferences (you are there Scrunchy) in case you need it you
I hope this works I am not too good with these

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34833869

We stayed at Alhambra Palace when in Granada several years ago. We liked the location with the beautiful view from the balcony overlooking the city. We knew it would be a brisk walk to the city and planned on taking cabs or the bus (as who wants to take a brisk walk after a meal and wine! ;) )

The Parador in Granada is gorgeous but as you know it's secluded from the city. Either is a fine choice if you're using cabs. And lunch was fabulous on the patio with the Generalife gardens in view!! (Kellibellie, wasn't it beautiful!!) It was a wonderful day.

And the parador in Rhonda was everything I had hoped it would be with that million dollar view!

It was raining when we ate lunch at the Parador in Grenada so we had to eat inside, but still delightful! I did love the Generalife. We have several wonderful pictures from there with the Alhambra in the background.

We paid an extra 20 euros a night for the gorge view in Ronda. When we walked into the room it looked like if you just kept walking you'd fall right in the gorge! It was hands down the best room view we'd ever had. My husband said it would have been the stupidest 20 euros ever saved to not have that view. And it even had a balcony. We have a great picture of me with white knuckles holding onto the railing.

In the morning we awoke to whining lawn mower engines. But they turned out to be ultralight airplanes (basically go carts with a parachute) circling the valley. How cool! I loved Ronda. Maybe because I'm a flatlander, but the elevation changes were just amazing.

Oh, and to get back to the original question, part of the Alhambra grounds are always open to whomever want to go at any time I believe. There are stores on the grounds that we visited without actually going into the Alhambra itself. They are very anal about the tickets in the actual Alhambra itself, so you will know which is always open and which is secure.

And do some research about the bus that goes up the hill. I think it was cheap and easy, but by since it was the end of our trip, we were kind of done with figuring out new systems and just took a cab.

Minority opinion

We stayed at the Parador within the Alhambra and it was beautiful to open to open up the French doors and see the gardens beneath your feet and the snow covered mountains in the near distance.

At night we had a drink at the restaurant and viewed the Generalife. We usually stay in economy hotels and the ALhmabra is one of the few tourist attractions that lives up to its reputation.

Thanks everyone!

Kellie: How long did you stay at Jaen and what side trips did you make from there, if any? I understand that the parador is a bit out of the town there....

Amsdon: Thanks for posting that link. The parador in Ubeda sounds problematic because that is not the only post referencing the disparity between various rooms...how can one be sure to get a "good" room in any of the paradors, unless a fee is charged to move to a room with view, as Kellie describes in Ronda...

Has anyone here spent a night or two in Malaga? Nerja? Recommended? What about Carmona?

We did a circle tour of Andalucia flying in and out of Madrid, so we hit Jaen on the way down for a night and drove through again on the way back to Madrid. I thought there was going to be a bullfight in Jaen that day, but I read the sign wrong! Cordoba isn't far to the west and white towns to the east.

It isn't that the Parador is outside the city, it is just ABOVE the city, if that makes sense. I will look and see which photos I have uploaded to give you a better idea.

We did go to a great b&b in Benahavis. But that whole coastal area is what my husband called "British Florida". We preferred the mountains much more.

Oh, and one more cool thing about the Parador in Jaen, they serve you breakfast in bed for no extra charge. You just post your menu outside your room the night before and what time you want it and it shows up! That was really great for our first morning in Spain.

Hi eks,
Here I am-not wanting to abandon you at all!

Count me in the minority camp, those fans of the Alhambra hill (for me it's the romance factor, the mystery, the quiet...plus I truly despise driving in that downtown maze)

We've stayed at the tiny Hotel America when low on money, at the Parador (romance plus) and just as happily, at the Alhambra Palace with dinner taken on the Parador terrace serenaded by a classical guitarist, the scent of jasmine and orange blossoms in the area and that full moon shining on the Generalife....ay, the romance factor!
The Parador doesn't take reservations for non hotel guests, but if you just show up around 9 you'll snag a table.
We've never felt isolated up there, since we just take the bus down for sightseeing and grab a taxi back up after tapas hopping at night. And it's a snap to drive up to either hotel, circumventing the downtown traffic on the Carretera de Circunvalación, just following the pink Alhambra signs.

About the Albaycín:
About 10 years ago, when there were only two B&Bs of note there, I tried it but found it "not ready for prime time", pretty scruffy. We switched the next day to the Alhambra hill. But... the hotel scene there has changed so much with the openings of the Casa Morisca, Capitel Nazarí, Horno de Oro (a Rusticae), Casa del Ajarife, Carmen del Cobertizo, RoomMate Migueletes. Another inn there that intrigues me is the Ladrón de Agua (a Rusticae, Sawdays, Johansen's), but again, I would stay in the Albaycín only if car free, as parking seemed to us such a major hassle, along with huffing and puffing up the very steep back alleys. If you consider one of the above, I suggest reading the guest reviews at Inns of Spain and good review of Casa Morisca at i-escape in addition to the always great feedback of trusty and helpful posters here.

The deluxe spot downtown (again if car free) I'd love to try is the Hospes Palacio de los Patos, but alas, it's beyond the budget. The terrace views from the Casa de Federico downtown are purported to be the best in town and tariff quite reasonable if you decide on a downtown location. See it at Secret Places plus 147 reviews on Inns of Spain.

With only 7 nights, I might limit this journey to Eastern Andalucía. Given the broad expanse of the region, we allow a minimum of 10 nights to do both east and west (better still 2 weeks). I'd save Carmona for another trip. We did enjoy our stay there but each night ending up driving into Sevilla, as we couldn't resist the temptation of being so close-just had to do an evening Seville tapas crawl. Carmona isn't the liveliest of spots at night.

Córdoba, logistically, could fit in as it's not that far west from Jaén (little more than 1 1/2 hrs.) The Córdoba Parador, as you know, is outside the city and modern (kind of ugly, I think) but has all those fine Parador amenities and low tariffs for Amigos off season. The Hospes Palacio de Bailío in town is gorgeous, but again, pricey-running 175 on wkds. and Jan. And eks, Córdoba is a foodie destination.

In Oct. and Jan. rooms are usually available at Jaén, Ubeda and Gibralfaro-Málaga on the 5 night plan, if you were to do only 2 nights in Granada (trip from Ubeda is quick-Alhambra Parador never on the 5 night plan). Also, if you're an Amigo, you can find some terrific Amigos only online discounts Oct-Feb. (just stayed for 57€ in Fuente Dé, 70€ in Limpias, Lerma).

I'd do 2 nights again in beautiful Renaissance Ubeda in a heartbeat. We had a great time there with CathyM during Semana Santa a few yrs. back. We took day trips to next door Baeza and a full day in the gorgeous Cazorla park with fantastic lunch (venison, wild boar-you know me and FOOD) at the Parador there, deep within the park-unforgettable drive and enchanting views! The charmingly rustic Carmona Parador is sheer heaven but requires 2 nights, as it's a long trek up there.

We also like to stop for the night on the long drive down from Madrid atop the hill in Jaén with those equally dramatic views of miles and miles of olive groves. (Don't know if you're flying into Madrid and out of Málaga or directly into Granada.)

You could end with a night at the Parador Gibralfaro, which I've really enjoyed. Once again, fantastic views down to the city and the plaza de toros, up top next to the Alcazaba. And josele can give you the ultimate update on dining and tapas hopping there.

So here's how I would plan a 7 night Western Andalucía excursion:

Granada-Ubeda-Jaén-Córdoba-Málaga loop, sticking Córdoba in cause it finishs the loop.

I don't like several 1 night stands, particularly in a row, so I'd do 2 or 3 in Granada and put the other 2 nighter in Ubeda (with day excursion to Cazorla) or Córdoba.

And I'm with Marija about La Bobadilla-if I hit El Gordo, I'll use the dough to stay at El Bulli Hacienda Benazuza!

I've loved reading about your many travels and so glad you'll be Spain bound next year!

Regards,
Maribel
who will try never to abandon you again¡

Hola Maribel:

I read one cannot get to be an amigo without first going to a Parador in person. But is there a chance this policy might have changed?

ana maria

The following is from www.parador.es, the official web site.

Still don't have a card?

If you still don't have an Amigos card, don't wait any longer! Register for one during your next stay at a Parador. All you have to do is fill in the registration form and your card will promptly be sent to your place of residence.

Free. Exclusive. Filled with benefits.

The Amigos de Paradores card was created to reward our best customers, those who visit us most frequently.

Our card members will receive exclusive benefits, including:

* Free stays
* Welcome drink
* Exclusive offers
* Online reservations
* Free garage parking
* Amigos Customer Service Center

Just to name a few.

Hi Ana María,
We registered at a Parador, but I would send an email or better still, call the Centro de Atención al Cliente (34 902 54 57 57) to ask them to sign you up and send you a card.

Our recent Parador stays this Jan., March and Nov. booked online with special Amigos only discounts have been tremendous money savers¡ In the past year we've paid 60-70€ per Parador, have snagged some 2 nights for 1 specials, some double points stays (for building up our account) and have been able to redeem for a few nights stays, including Fuente Dé redeenubg only 175 pts instead of the usual 430. The Amigos fall bulletin lists many Paradors whose rooms are available either every day (save puentes) or Sun-Thurs. for only 80€

Eks,
Just tried to book the Granada Parador for next October through the Amigos online booking-shows availability for the random date I chose, Oct. 5, for 290 per night.

Ana María,
Forgot-artlover reported that she was able to sign up for the Amigos card when she made her first online reservation.

If you don't have a reservation yet to make online, just call or email the Centro de Atención al Cliente and ask them to fax you the application. Should have said that you'll need to fill that out before receiving your official card.

Maribel, you're back !! :) It's great to read you again !! :) (sorry for the hijack, ekscrunchy)

Yay Yay Yay..Bienvenidos, Maribel!!!

And thank you for all of the insight!!

I will consult with the travel partner and see if I can work out a plan..I would prefer going in October but this will depend on the dates of the baseball playoffs and World Series. (The TP is convinced his team will make the series NEXT year!) (He has not let me forget how he was once marooned in Paris with me and missed the "best game ever played.") If not October, I am hoping for January....(2009).

Another factor are the flights and our need to rent an automatic car. If I can confirm an automatic for Granada I can fly into that airport. Otherwise I may be looking at flying into Sevilla or Malaga. But I can still follow the plan you outlined..

Do you think weather in January will cooperate with the plan you outlined above?

When searching for your automatic car, use all the English speaking countries as your home country on the AutoEurope website and compare prices. Everytime I chose a different home country I would get an entirely different list of cars. And when you book it, you can put in the U.S. as your actual home country (assuming you are from U.S.) and once you get your voucher e-mailed to you, then you will be all set.

It worked great for us in Madrid. We had a great little Mercedes A Class automatic that was wonderful and half the price quoted anywhere else. We used the rates for England.