Question about Alhambra
 

I was just wondering if anyone has stayed at Hotel America, which, if I'm not mistaken, is within the Alhambra? How much would a cab cost from the airport? Do I still need to buy tickets for the Alhambra? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

You will need tickets for the Alhambra and the lines can be long. Give yourself enough time. You will have a great time. Do a search under Alhambra and you will find some info. I stayed at the Alhambra Palace which is very close and tres cool. Have fun!

Yes, I agree with Phil. Get there early in the morning to avoid the rush. As far as I recall, cabs were cheap from the airport as it is very close by. The hotel in the Alhambra is The Parador (national Spanish government owned hotels). It is a beautiful hotel, but a long walk into town and an even further climb back up at night. If you can make it, go down to Phil's hotel, have a drink on the terrace and watch the sunset. Unbeatable!

Doug, <BR>The Hotel America is a sweet, very popular, simple but charming B&B on the Alhambra hill, next door to and a bit below the Parador. I've stayed there several times. Both the America and the Parador are not within the Alhambra itself but outside the walls. You'll need an admission ticket to visit the Alhambra, and they are sold in timed, 1/2 hr. slots. You can ask the staff at the America to secure tickets for you, or you can buy them yourself at any branch of a BBV bank, anywhere in Spain (there are hundreds of branches). I buy mine in Madrid. We entered last June early, at 9 a.m. and enjoyed the Royal Apartments without the crowds that began to arrive around 10 on the tour busses. When it became really crowded, around 11, we were ready to move on, up the hill to the Generalife gardens, which can be seen at any time, as can the rest of the Alhambra other than the Palacios Nazaries. <BR>I'd suggest that you have lunch in the patio of the America (restful and quite pleasant) and dinner on the terrace of the Parador-wonderful views of the Generalife, fine food, nice service, very romantic. The view of the city of Granada from the terrace of the Alhambra Palace is also lovely -go for drinks before dinner at the Parador. The Alhambra Palace is only a short walk downhill from the Hotel America but still up on the Alhambra hill.

thanks eveyone for the suggestions. I am already booked at the Hotel America, it sounds like just what I was looking for. This honeymoon is going to rule!

Maribel, <BR>Thanks for the tip on purchasing Alhambra tickets ahead of time at the BBV banks. We leave next week to visit our student daughter in Madrid and are going to Granada while we are there. She purchased our tickets today at the BBV bank. Her host family did not even know you could do this!

Everyone on this group talks about how great Hotel America is. It is indeed very cool location. However, it has limited # of rooms. Even then, you may have to book many months ahead. FOr those who are unable to get in and want to stay close to the Alhambra - I suggest Hotel Washington Irving just outside the alhambra. It is very cool, affordable and clean. My only concen was that hot water was really luke warm. Otherwise it has very large rooms and very charming courtyard. It is also within walking distance of the Alhambra. <BR><BR>Strongly Recommedn it!

Does anyone know if there is a way to get Alhambra tickets from the states? (I'm in NY). We will be arriving into Spain late in the day and would like to go to the Alhambra the next morning.