The Best Boutique Hotels in Granada, Spain

At the foot of the Alhambra, this upscale boutique hotel sits inside a renovated 19th-century structure, with a facade that seamlessly combines the old and new. It’s all on-trend contemporary inside, with glass and wood playing key roles throughout, including the understated guest rooms. Head to the rooftop terrace for drinks and nibbles under the gaze of the ancient fortress. When you’re ready to explore, ask at reception about its free guided tours.

As you might guess from the name (meaning Moorish House), Casa Morisca wonderfully captures the spirit of Granada’s Arabic past. The coffered ceilings, intricate plasterwork and ancient timber detailing from the original 15th-century residence have been superbly restored, and gothic and renaissance elements add to the enchanting Moorish-Spanish melange. Guest rooms are equally captivating, and to pile on even more historical charm, some offer views out to the neighbouring Alhambra.

With its roots trailing as far back as the 16th century, this family-run hotel balances historical charm and a cosy setting with aplomb. A central courtyard with an elevated wood-carved walkway forms the heart of the property, while the welcoming, unpretentious rooms continue the traditional Spanish vibe. Upgrade to the upper-floor deluxe for Alhambra views. Before heading out to explore the city – you’re only a 10-minute stroll from the centre – enjoy the complimentary breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs.

Originally the house of a wealthy Moorish family, the Gar Anat then passed into the hands of the Catholic Church and became a hospital and refuge for pilgrims. After many other incarnations, it reopened as an inviting city centre hotel. Individually styled rooms range from simple to playful and contemporary to traditional, with artworks and literary snippets lending cultural cachet. Room service and pillow menus provide comfort where it counts, and you can help yourself to tea and coffee in the hotel’s library.

This adults-only hotel, on a hillside below the Alhambra, offers some of the city’s finest views over the surrounding plains and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The former Moorish-style residence has been updated in calming tones while maintaining a timeless and intimate atmosphere. A secluded and leafy terraced garden makes a lovely spot to relax while soaking up the surrounding Realejo district. Spread across three floors and a tower, the guest rooms offer some wonderful vistas, too.

As it sits on a cobblestone riverside footpath lined with Medieval buildings, arriving at the Shine Albayzín hotel truly feels like stepping back in time. The building itself is a lovely 16th-century palace, complete with an ornate frescoed facade and a columned courtyard. Meanwhile, the rooms lean more towards the modern, with neutral tones and comfy seating, not to mention some fabulous views of the Alhambra. If you’re staying for a while, it also offers apartment-style accommodation with cooking facilities.

Looking for somewhere a little more elegant during your stay in Granada? The Hotel Casa 1800 could be the place for you. Guest rooms in this 16th-century mansion don’t hold back, combining items such as cut-glass chandeliers, gilt-framed headboards and rococo-style antique furnishings to palatial effect. Many also feature Alhambra views, while a few add jacuzzi tubs, too. Breakfast is served in its pretty central courtyard, and you can also return here for afternoon tea.

With a history that can be traced back to 16th-century nobility, it’s certainly easy to imagine this grand mansion occupied by the aristocracy. However, it was its 20th-century owners who commissioned the beautiful fresco on the facade, complete with Masonic symbols. Today, literature and art remain at the heart of this storied boutique hotel, with a well-stocked library and monthly exhibitions. Terracotta tiling, Asian rugs and dark wood furnishings lend the rooms a traditional, atmospheric air, while high-end toiletries and quality bedding add a touch of luxury.