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Hotel Class: 
4 Stars - 3 Reviews and 149 Opinions
Real de la Alhambra s/n, Granada, Granada Province, 18009, Spain
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152 Opinions
NedHopkins
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The Parador de Granada (Hotel San Francisco) is said to be the most popular of the nearly 100 government-owned luxury inns. Rooms are often reserved six (6) months and more in advance. I made ours five (5) months before we left for Spain and was told it was the last room available on the dates I requested.
We stayed two (2) nights in Room 109. Due to a mix-up, I was unable to get the tickets for the night tour that I had pre-paid. The next day, however, we spent over six (6) hours touring the site - the Nasrid Palaces and other buildings and gardens in the Alhambra itself and the gardens of the Generalife.
Aside from an exorbitant charge for breakfast (€17.76, or about US$26.60) my one cavil is what one must do to pick up pre-paid tickets for the palaces. Though they're just a five-minute walk from the hotel, one is required to walk down the hill to the Alhambra's entrance - and back up again - a trek that takes as much as an hour, in order to obtain tickets from an automatic dispensing machine.
Unique Quality: Rooms are luxurious, like something furnished in Swedish modern. Every convenience is provided, including one that's unique: as one approaches the large closet, lights go on automatically within. Each room has a large flat-panel TV set (with CNN international) and a commodious safe, ours had a shower with six (6) shower-heads (but no bath). Computers with high-speed connections - their use is free - are available in three or more locations.
The restaurant (qv) serves gourmet-quality food both for breakfast and at dinner.
Service is friendly and attentive, though the desk clerk / s get a bit flustered when many people are checking in or out. They will hold one's bags in a secure place to give guests a chance for a last look-around.
The cost is not to be sneezed at: €290.66 a night, or US$435), though it is not out-of-line with what first class hotels charge elsewhere in Western Europe.
Parador Photo: Walkway and tower
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von.otter
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“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.
Parador Photo: The Generalife seen from the Parador's Room #304.
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imcarthur
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The Parador is housed in an old Monastery between the Generalife & Nasrid. Ask for a room in the old part which has a tented inner courtyard & a shrine & a cute chapel & many antiques. Our room was small compared to the other Paradors, but very nice with a great view across to the Generalife (which you don't know until you walk it). We walked back downhill to the ticket area & picked up our Alhambra tickets for later in the day. A sandwich lunch at the Parador with Sangria. Very hot again. We toured the Alhambra - stunning of course, all afternoon. Back to the room for a siesta & dinner at the Parador. Same price again (27 Euro for 3 courses) + Margu?s de C?ceres Gran Reserva 1995 (28 Euro). The wait staff collapsed 1/2 through dinner & I complained to the restaurant manager. Quality & services was not even close to the other Paradors which had 'gourmet' food. Here it was just OK. We walked the Alhambra grounds in the dark. It was magical, but all of the 'good' areas were closed for the night.
Parador Photo: Parador from the Generalife
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the Alhambra
one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. sitting on the terrace of the Parador de Granada, drinking coffee.It's not as expensive as you expect and the view is wonderful !
There are only two restaurants within the walls of the Alhambra. The one we went to was at the Parador de Granada, one of a chain of hotels in spectacular and historic locations that are operated by the Spanish government. We had lunch at the Parador and since was a nice day and the patio area was mostly covered by the shade of mature trees, we chose to eat al fresco. If you get a table near the edge of the hill you can take in nice views of the Generalife and the Albayzin.
The paradors are known for their service, particularly this one which is reputed to be the crown jewel in the chain of paradors. Service was good without the feeling of being hovered over. I had a blanco ajo (almond soup) to start followed by the cabrito (grilled kid). Rita had the grilled swordfish. All were expertly prepared and were very tasty! The food, service, and atmosphere was truly unique! Blanco ajo, cabrito, swordfish
Al fresco dining at the Parador de Granada
Parador de Granada: a long way up
Visiting the Alhambra next month, tickets already booked online. Wondering though if there is any kiosk, cafe, etc inside the complex where food and drink can be bought or do you have to bring refreshments in with you? To see properly it will be a long thirsty day, so will need something.
There are vending machines for food and drinks.
http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/espanol/servgenrl/otrosco.htm
Yes. As far as I remember there is a cafeteria and some water and soda machines inside. And also an hotel and restaurant "El Parador de San Francisco". Anyway you can go out and enter again the same day. Ask in the door.
Greetings
I recommend to have a drink at the Parador. It may be a bit imposing to just open the door and find your way in, but if you just look casual and "in the know" you can enjoy a "benjamin" or small bottle of cava (like Spanish champagne) for less than 10 Euro in the most charming surroundings. Obviously a beer is much cheaper, but hey!
Rooms are luxurious, like something furnished in Swedish modern. Every convenience is provided, including one that's unique: as one approaches the large closet, lights go on automatically within. Each room has a large flat-panel TV set (with CNN international) and a commodious safe, ours had a shower with six (6) shower-heads (but no bath). Computers with high-speed connections - their use is free - are available in three or more locations.
The restaurant (qv) serves gourmet-quality food both for breakfast and at dinner.
Service is friendly and attentive, though the desk clerk / s get a bit flustered when many people are checking in or out. They will hold one's bags in a secure place to give guests a chance for a last look-around.
The cost is not to be sneezed at: €290.66 a night, or US$435), though it is not out-of-line with what first class hotels charge elsewhere in Western Europe.
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Address: Real de la Alhambra s/n, Granada, Granada Province, 18009, Spain
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