The city of Granada is situated below the Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers. It has a population of 231,775 inhabitants and due to its Andalusian heritage and its impressive architectural jewels of Renaissance style it has become a widely visited tourist destination. Its main attractions are the Alhambra Museum, the Cathedral of Granada, the Cartuja Monastery, the Alhambra and the Generalife.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Granada
Granada is presented as a hidden treasure among the huge mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It is recognized as one of the most touristic cities in Spain, and thanks to this it is easy to find all kinds of accommodations. However, with such an extensive offer, finding a good place becomes a complicated task. To make your search easier, here is a list of the best areas of the city to stay and the most comfortable and accessible accommodations.
The city center
Granada is a medium-sized city, which means that the center is the best area to stay in Granada if you want to walk freely, go shopping, eat delicious tapas and/or visit the different tourist attractions that are available in the metropolis. Not far from the Gran Vía de Colón you will find accommodations of all types and prices, making it an excellent place to spend a couple of days and nights. Actually, the area near the cathedral is the best of all, but if you look carefully, any accommodation near the Plaza Isabel la Catolina, the Royal Chapel or the Royal Chancery are also highly recommended.
Arte Vida Suites & Spa
These fabulous Granada apartments are located within walking distance of the city’s main tourist attractions. They are beautifully decorated with artwork in the best traditional style and multiple historical design details. It has non-smoking rooms, private parking, Wi-Fi available in all areas, and facilities for the disabled. The double room costs 63€ and booking users have given it a score of 9.6.
Sercotel Palacio de los Gamboa
This magnificent hotel has a charming Andalusian-style courtyard with a beautiful fountain and a roof made of colored glass. Its rooms are decorated in a classic style with elegant wooden furniture. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar and bathroom with toiletries. The double room costs 51€ and booking users have rated it 9.5.
Albaicin
It is common for people who walk through this neighborhood to be captivated by its steep labyrinthine streets and small whitewashed houses that have been decorated with flowers of all colors. The area has a very special air from the time of Muslim occupation. Staying in this area has its advantages, especially if you are traveling as a couple because you will have access to many interesting places so Albaicin is an interesting area to stay in Granada.
Gloria Suites
The rooms of this hotel have air conditioning and free Wifi. In addition, they all have a living room with a sofa and flat-screen TV. The kitchen is well equipped with a microwave oven, a fridge and a coffee maker. On the other hand, the bathroom has a hairdryer. The double room costs 76€ and booking users have given it a 9.1.
Smart Suites Albaicín
One of the recommended hotels where to stay in Granada is the Smart Suites Albaicín, a modern accommodation just 5 minutes walk from the Plaza Nueva and Gran Via. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, an outdoor patio and private parking. Its avant-garde-style rooms are quite bright and some of them have a terrace. The kitchen is fully equipped with a dishwasher and state-of-the-art appliances. Similarly, the bathroom puts at your disposal a bathtub or shower, a hairdryer and toiletries. The double room costs 120€ and has been rated 9.4 by booking users.
Sacromonte
A few meters from the Albaicin is another of the liveliest neighborhoods of the city and another of the areas where to sleep in Granada. In this area you can hear guitars and singing almost daily, creating an atmosphere of eternal celebration. One of its most curious aspects is that you can live the experience of sleeping in a cave house. Yes, those that were excavated in the mountainside and today contain everything you need to live a comfortable life in a rustic style. The only downside is that the neighborhood is a bit far from the city center, and, although it is one of the most original and striking areas of Granada, it is not very practical for new visitors.
El Duende Cave
This unique accommodation features air-conditioned rooms and a kitchen area equipped with a dining area, microwave, kettle and fridge. In all units there is a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer apart from toiletries. Every morning, guests can enjoy a delicious continental or buffet breakfast. The double room costs 60€ and booking users have given it a score of 8.7.
Lindaraja Cave
This beautiful establishment offers views of the mountains and the Cathedral of Granada. The property has Wifi in all its facilities and all its bedrooms have a bathroom, towels, bed linen, satellite TV, dining room, kitchen and patio. The double room costs 110€ and booking users have given it a score of 9.1.
Beiro
Another of the lively neighborhoods where to sleep in Granada is the neighborhood of Beiro. It is one of the most acclaimed neighborhoods of Granada for having a wonderful atmosphere and hosting the most famous restaurants and tea houses in the city. It is a 15 minute walk from the center and can be easily reached by train, bus and other means of public transport. Beiro is defined as the hub of communications between several localities and it is worth mentioning that in this part of the city there are several tourist attractions such as the Plaza de Toros and the Monastery of San Jeronimo.
Allegro Granada
One of the hotel’s charms is its seasonal outdoor pool. The rooms are bright and soundproofed. They have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, desk, safe and minibar. The bathroom is private and includes a hairdryer and toiletries. The restaurant serves typical Andalusian food and offers gluten-free options. Guests can also spend a pleasant time at the hotel bar and use the laundry, shuttle and car rental services. The double room costs 166€ and booking users have given it a score of 8.1.
Hotel Elena Maria
It is located on one of the main streets of the community, making it easy and quick access to many historic sights and Granada’s busy tapas bars. The hotel has non-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi in all areas, parking and 24-hour reception. The double room costs 45€ and booking users have given it an 8.2.
Ronda District
It is located in the westernmost part of the metropolis. This area is dominated by residential buildings. It is a quiet area not far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. If you are looking for budget accommodation and don’t mind the distances, this could be a wise choice.
Barceló Granada Congress
One of the recommended hotels to stay in Granada in the Ronda district is the Barceló Granada Congress. It features large rooms equipped with flat-screen TV, safe, minibar and private bathroom. A varied buffet breakfast is served in the mornings, and the Arrozante restaurant offers guests traditional dishes made with Andalusian rice. The hotel has a spa and wellness center with a wide range of treatments. A small gym is also available. The double room is priced at 126€ and booking users have given it an 8.4.
Ibis Granada
This hotel fascinates its visitors with its splendid seasonal outdoor pool, modern rooms and exquisite breakfasts. Its Café Plancha Parrilla specializes in preparing local dishes based on meat and fish. Pets are allowed and the entire property has been adapted so that people with disabilities can move around without any problem. The double room is priced at 98€ and booking users have rated it 8.4.
Zaidín
If you are on a tight budget you can bet on Zaidín, one of the quietest and most picturesque neighborhoods to sleep in Granada. It is in fact a historic neighborhood that has been inhabited by humble, simple and friendly people. It is only 15-20 minutes from the center and has many accommodations with unbeatable value for money.
Hotel Andalucía Center
This cozy hotel has a lovely rooftop terrace with a seasonal pool and a hot tub. Its comfortable rooms have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV and private bathrooms. Its restaurant focuses on preparing Mediterranean food and as if that were not enough, it has a bar for cocktails or an aperitif. During summer evenings the hotel treats its guests to barbecue dinners on the terrace. The staff at the front desk works 24 hours a day and can help you book tickets for various shows and guided tours. The hotel also offers a car rental service. A double room costs 72€ and booking users have rated it 8.3.
Casita Azul Granada
One of the accommodations where to stay in Granada in the Zaidín area is Casita Azul, a beautiful house that offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and terrace. It is positioned a few meters from the Museo San Juan de Dios and contains a desk with valuable information for tourists. The house is equipped with two bedrooms, a bathroom, bed linens, flat screen TV, dining area, kitchen and patio overlooking the city. Pets are allowed and an airport shuttle service is provided. The two-bedroom house costs 120€ and booking users have given it an 8.6.
Chana
It is part of the tapas route, which has made it the classic meeting point where to sleep in Granada for lovers of typical Andalusian and Granadian gastronomy. The amount of restaurants and bars it concentrates is absurd and although it does not have as many accommodations as other districts closer to the center, it has a lively and jovial atmosphere that will make you feel at home.
Be Free Granada
The property offers free Wi-Fi and private parking. Some of its units are air-conditioned and include a living room and/or dining room. Skiing is possible in the immediate vicinity. Pets are allowed and there are special areas for non-smokers. The two-bedroom apartment is priced at 151€ and has been rated 8.4 by booking users.
Camino de Granada
It is located in a residential area. The hotel presents all the facilities and services necessary for your stay such as an outdoor swimming pool, a cafe, a restaurant and a terrace for barbecues in summer. The event hall has a capacity for 600 guests and wifi is available throughout the facilities. The double room costs 120€ and booking users have given it a score of 7.4.
Genil
To the south of the city, it is one of the neighborhoods that have been recently renovated. It has many green areas and although it is far from the center, it is very well connected by bus lines. The area does not have many hotels, but those that exist are suitable for all budgets.
Maciá Monastery of Basilios
One of the spectacular places to stay in Granada in the Genil area is the Maciá Monasterio de los Basilios, a monastery dating from the 17th century. It is positioned next to the Genil River, 300 meters from the Palacio de Congresos de Granada. Its rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. An outstanding fact about this hotel is that it was built on top of an old Muslim temple. The convent building dates back to 1616 and has maintained many of its original details. The hotel’s restaurant offers Mediterranean food and services here include car rental and a tourist information desk. A double room costs 100€ and booking users have given it a well-deserved 8.8.
Hotel Albero
The best thing about this hotel is that it is only 5 minutes away from the Alhambra Palace in Granada, one of the most emblematic monuments in Europe. This spectacular accommodation can help you book excursions to other historical sites of interest in the city center, to amazing flamenco shows and to the magical villages of the Alpujarras. The double room costs 80€ and booking users have given it a score of 8.4.