Parador de Granada in the World-Famous Alhambra

Nestled within the gardens of the Alhambra Palace, the Parador de Granada in Andalusia offers one of the most romantic settings of any hotel in the world, with a rare combination of history, art and architecture, not often found in other hotels. So popular has this 36 bedroom Parador become, that rooms need to be booked at least six months in advance. Also known as the Parador de San Francisco, the Parador de Granada began as an Arab palace, rebuilt in 14th century by Yusuf I. Later in the 15th century, when the Catholic Monarchs ruled in Granada it was transformed into a Franciscan convent, by order of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The property's unique features include a chapel with a mix of Moorish and Christian detailing where the kings of Spain were buried until their remains were later moved to the Royal Chapel in the Granada Cathedral, as well a flower-scented Renaissance courtyard. The beautiful interior of this historic building features heavy studded wooden doors, stone archways, antique furnishings, beamed ceilings, leafy patios and even has its own museum, providing an ideal base for exploring the exquisite Nasrid Palaces of the world-famous Alhambra and the terraced Palacio de Generalife, the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus.

The exterior of the Parador de Granada

The leafy central courtyard of the Parador, once the cloisters of the 15th century Franciscan monastery

On warm summer evenings, guests can enjoy dining on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Generalife, the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada

The outdoor terrace overlooking the Generalife

The Parador de Granada's chapel where the kings of Spain were buried until their remains were later moved to the Royal Chapel in the Granada Cathedral 

The Especia Dining Room, used only for weddings and special events

The Restaurante Calle Real, the main dining room of the Parador de Granada

Sensational view overlooking the Generalife from our room