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Granada: Itinerary / Inefficient to stay in Alhambra area?

We have two nights and almost three days in Granada. Arriving by train from Madrid in early afternoon on a Saturday. Check-in and do Old Town walking tour. Tapas tour in evening. Thinking an afternoon ticket on Sunday for the Alhambra, then walk into Albayzin neighborhood for walking tour, sunset sights and dinner. This leaves Sunday and Monday mornings open for more sights, relaxing, or personal interest stuff we want to see there (Cathedral, etc..). Getting rental car mid-day on Monday to leave.

We have a reservation at the Hotel America at the Alhambra. The Rick guide seems to suggest better to stay near/in Old Town. Is staying up by the Alhambra too far away to be efficient enough?

Posted by
2023 posts

We stayed at Hotel America and liked it. The location was good and the area is served by buses but it was not a bad walk to the Albayzin area. Would stay at that hotel again if we return to Granada.

Posted by
655 posts

Hi Allan......We stayed at Carmen de la Alcubilla del Caracol which is very near the Alhambra (easy walking distance) and yet we were able to easily walk down into town. The Alhambra has lights at night and is very impressive. If memory serves, the Hotel America is slightly above the Alhambra and the Carmen is about the same distance below it but still above the town. We had a lovely view over the rooftops.

Posted by
12172 posts

We stayed downtown, just a few blocks from the Cathedral. The part of the city you want to see is easily walkable. The only disadvantage of staying at the Alhambra is the expense. It won't be hard to head down the hill to see other sights.

Posted by
50 posts

We were in Granada for 2 days/ only 1 night and seeing the Alhambra was our main goal, so staying at Hotel America worked great for us. It was very cool to be staying within the grounds. We had driven a rental car to Granada so having a nearby place to park the car was essential. A bus line that takes you down the hill comes often enough to be convenient. If you don't mind not staying in the "action" of Old Town, then this is the hotel for you!

Posted by
61 posts

We ended up really liking staying at Hotel America. Location was great being at The Alhambra, and we enjoyed walking to and from town up the steep hills. Per the Trip Advisor reviews, they seemed to be a bit disorganized or short staffed at the hotel, but nothing more than slightly annoying at times.

Posted by
7981 posts

We stayed in the Albaicin with a gorgeous view from our terrace of the Alhambra -- loved the location. We could walk to the Alhambra and into the center. It is not a huge place.