The Best Cultural Hotels In Granada, Spain

At the foot of the Alhambra, this boutique hotel, housed in a grand 16th-century house with a protected renaissance facade, is located in the heart of the historic centre. The beautiful rooms – featuring classic Spanish heavy woods and terracotta floors – have every detail considered, and some have views of the Alhambra itself. With a generous breakfast and even a complimentary afternoon tea, it’s all about the ambience, comfort and tranquillity.

Centred around a stunning courtyard, this restored masterpiece replaced the Santa Paula Convent and the Casa Morisca, which existed in the 16th and 12th centuries, respectively. In the historic centre of Granada near the Albaicín and Sacromonte areas, the earth-toned accommodation is rustic and luxurious, with many rooms boasting beamed and vaulted ceilings, dreamy for taking your siesta under. There’s also a gym, terrace and bar, too.

If it wasn’t for the air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and breakfast buffets, you’d think you’d travelled back to the 15th century, when this gorgeous building was erected. A Moorish house, it’s all vaulted ceilings, carved doors, terracotta flooring and a striking atrium, with accommodation beautifully restored by the Granada architect Carlos Sanchez. There’s also a bar, an original courtyard pool and a patio garden with views of the Alhambra’s Comares Tower.

A former monastery built on the orders of the Catholic Monarchs on the site of a Nasrid palace, this hotel has an utterly enchanting interior, in keeping with the atmosphere of the city’s twisty-turny calles. An idyllic spot, the stripped-back-but-luxurious rooms range from comfortable doubles, right up to a glorious suite in a tower, with 360-degree views of the Palacio del Generalife, Alberca, Sierra Nevada and the site of the Alhambra.

The name of this hotel translates as “palace of the ducks”, and you’d be quackers not to stay here. A beautiful and sympathetic renovation of a 19th-century palace with architecture so unique it’s been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, the gorgeously decorated rooms will put you in anything but a foul mood, and the comfort and indulgence offered – including an indulgent spa, high-end restaurant and secluded grounds – means you’ll be happy to foot the bill.

This family hotel proudly claims that they “have created an environment to dream, rest and feel the vibrations of all its inhabitants throughout history”. And this 16th-century Moorish house has quite a history – they even used to make rose water here. With views of the Alhambra, you’re a three-minute walk from the Palacio de Dar al-Horra. The elegant rooms are centred around a striking courtyard, and there are even private guided tours of Granada on offer.

Locally known as the Arts Hotel, this beautiful mansion was lovingly and carefully restored to its former glory in 2001. Even the most basic rooms in this boutique hotel are beautifully finished with Moorish decor, featuring hand-selected furniture and individual pieces of art. There are complimentary evening snacks and wine in the snug library, a bar and an impressive courtyard and lobby with a fountain – all festooned with temporary local art exhibitions.