Resting with Royalty
“My desire and instructions are that my body be buried in the Monastery of San Francisco in the Alhambra in the city of Granada.”
— From the will of Queen Isabel of Spain
Just because you cannot reserve space for eternity at this former monastery, now the Parador de San Francisco, as Queen Isabel did, don’t let that prevent you from spending time there.
A few steps beyond the front desk, with its friendly staff, in a courtyard with a Moorish-styled arch, is the marker indicating where Isabel and Ferdinand were buried (see photo #5) before being transferred in 1521 to the Royal Chapel next to the Cathedral.
When you make your reservation request room #304. Its selling feature is the view of the 14th century Generalife, where the sultan went to escape the pressures of court life. Because the Parador is situated within the quiet confines of the Alhambra, its well-tended gardens can also be seen.
As you make your way to your room you will have the pleasure to walk through the delightful main patio. After climbing the dramatic main staircase, walk up a short flight of stairs to reach room #304 with its twin beds, two armchairs and table, and 12-foot high ceilings. The room's individual heating and air conditioning controls make it quite comfortable. The spacious, white-and-blue tiled bathroom is outfitted with double sinks, and a large bathtub.
The Parador's restaurant is superb. Each morning breakfast can be taken there; the cost of the breakfast is NOT included in the room rate; it is quite good. Try to sit down to at least one other meal there, too; you'll be glad you did.
When you select the Parador de San Francisco you will be in good company. Its former guests have included Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Prince Rainier II and Princess Grace of Monaco honeymooned here in 1956. Guitarist, and Granada native, Andre Segovia practiced on the patio next to the restaurant. Movie queen Rita Hayworth and President Lyndon Johnson also enjoyed this special retreat.