Where to Stay in Granada, Spain: The Best Hotels & Areas

Like in any of the top travel destinations in Spain, deciding where to stay in Granada is half the challenge of planning a trip to this charming Andalusian city.

While exploring the best areas to stay in Granada, you’ll easily get lost in its narrow streets, surrounded by everything from old Arab & Islamic influenced architecture to busy tapas bars & restaurants—and, of course, some of the best hotels in Granada!

Choosing to stay in neighbourhoods on the east side of Granada gives you closer access to the historic sites; staying in the southern districts, on the other hand, places you among the best shopping & dining in the city.

Don’t know where to begin? Start searching for your perfect accommodations with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Granada…

Recommended places to stay in Granada

The districts of Granada are mostly centred around the oldest parts of the city, including the Realejo neighbourhood, which is the old Jewish quarter, and the Albaicin (Albayzin). Near the centre, you’ll find tight streets and a lot of old buildings featuring Moorish and Islamic architecture.

Alleyway

To the east is Sacromonte. This neighbourhood is built into the hillside and contains numerous cave homes, mostly owned by the large gypsy community in the area. Staying in Albaicin or Realejo places you a few footsteps from this eccentric neighbourhood.

The more modern parts of Granada are further outside of the centre. In the trendy southern Zaidin neighbourhood, for example, you’ll discover large department stores, upscale restaurants, and busy nightclubs.

No matter where you stay, you’ll be within walking distance of the old quarters and shopping centres.

The best places to stay in Granada include:

  • El Centro (Centre): Overall, the best choice for where to stay in Granada for first-time visitors thanks to its central location and proximity to the city’s top tourist attractions.
  • Albaicín (Albayzin): The oldest part of the city and the best place to stay in Granada for travellers looking for superb sightseeing and outdoor activities such as hiking.
  • Realejo: The old Jewish quarter of the city that like neighbouring Albaicín offers a glimpse at Granada’s history. The wealth of historical architecture and street art makes Realejo an excellent option for art lovers & history buffs
  • Zaidin: A more modern quarter of Granada that’s got a more residential feel than the centre of town with plenty of local restaurant and shopping centres. Zaidin is a great choice for families.

El Centro (Centre)

✔ Best area to stay in Granada for first-time visitors and for access to everything in Granada

As the name implies, El Centro (Centre) is the central district in Granada. You can also walk to just about anywhere in Granada from this central point.

Centro / Centre

El Centro is a small part of Granada and in the historic centre, surrounded by the various cathedrals and buildings that have existed for several hundred years.

Besides wearing the history of Granada of its sleeve, the centre is home to the best food market and a wide array of tapas bars and cafes. This area also includes Plaza Nueva, which is typically crowded with street performers, vendors, and tourists.

This neighbourhood is the best spot to start your exploration if you plan on checking out all the sites and are visiting Granada on a time-crunch. About ten minutes to your east is the Alhambra, and another few minutes to your west is Granada Cathedral.

Just keep in mind that this is one of the hottest destinations for tourists, which means that you may want to book your accommodations well in advance.

Recommended hotels in the Centre

Due to the coveted location of the neighbourhood, you’ll find a diverse selection of accommodations with slightly higher rates than the adjacent districts. These options include some of the best Granada hotels.

  • Hotel Plaza Nueva: Walk out the doors, and you’re in Plaza Nueva, the most popular square in the area. This hotel is yards from the Alhambra and offers clean, comfortable accommodations. Besides being one of the top choices in the neighbourhood, it’s one of the best hotels in Granada overall.
  • Eurostars Catedral: Staying here puts you just 250 feet from the Granada Cathedral and close to all the other attractions. If you want to explore the landmarks, this is a good starting point.
  • Hotel Inglaterra: Elegant accommodations in the heart of Granada. This luxurious hotel is a step up from the ancient charm of the previous hotels. It’s a little further to the west but still within walking distance of everything.
  • Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection: Situated in a former 14th-century palace and 16th-century convent, this charming luxury hotel blends modern sensibilities with traditional Andalusian design. There are of ton of great amenities here, including a gym, sauna, Turkish bath, and on-site restaurant.
  • Marquis Hotels Issabel’s: This hotel is in Plaza Isabel la Catolica, which is also near the centre of Granada. It’s a top choice for those wanting to check out the ancient architecture. You also get a soundproof room with great views.
  • Hotel Posada del Toro: Decorated in the traditional Andalusian style, this hotel features an authentic courtyard that is almost 200 years old. It is also a five-minute walk from the Alhambra Palace and numerous other sights.

Albaicin (Albayzin)

✔ Best district to stay for sightseeing & hiking

Albaicin is also close to the middle of the action, just northeast of the Centre. This is the oldest part of Granada and provides impressive views of the Alhambra and the tops of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Albaicin / Albayzin

For those who want to check out the major attractions fo Granada, Albaicin is a great base of operations. There are landmarks in every direction. Most spots are close enough to travel on foot, but you may end up spending most of your time in this bohemian neighbourhood.

It’s a hilly region and includes some of the oldest architecture in Granada. The winding streets are flanked by whitewashed buildings and open public squares, including the popular Mirador de San Nicolas. These squares are often full of people, cafes, and the sounds of Flamenco. Enjoy your meals outdoors while watching people come and go through the busy square.

As the area is close to the northern part of town, you are also closer to the Sierra Nevada. If you enjoy hiking, climbing, and other forms of outdoor adventure, the Albaicin neighbourhood is a good place to start.

Recommended hotels in Albaicin

The Albaicin neighbourhood offers warm beds in a variety of settings. You can stay in a boutique hotel located in a restored building or sleep at one of the best luxury hotels in Granada with a sweeping view of the Moorish masterpiece of Alhambra Palace.

  • Casa Horno del Oro: Featuring terraced views of the Alhambra and Sacromonte Caves, this elegant hotel is a popular place to stay in the Albaicin. It’s also just a little further away from the centre, giving you more peace and quiet compared to other Granada hotels.
  • Hotel Casa 1800 Granada: Set in a 16th-century building just 500 metres from the Alhambra, this 3-star boutique hotel is perfect for travellers who want to get close to Granada’s star attraction without blowing their budget. Splurge for a deluxe room to get some impeccable palace views.
  • El Ladrón de Agua: Stay inside this 16th-century building in the centre of the Albaicin district. The Granada hotel was carefully restored and features detailed marble floors, pillars, and a large painted façade. It’s also within walking distance of the palace.
  • Hotel Rosa D’oro: This hotel was also built inside a converted 16th-century structure. It is right next to the Darro River and on the outer edges of the Albaicin district. The hotel itself is a great place to rest, thanks to the stunning courtyard and air-conditioned rooms.
  • Hotel Santa Isabel La Real: Located in a lovely restored Andalusian townhouse, this charming hotel features cozy traditional rooms and an outdoor terrace with views to the Alhambra.
  • Hotel Cedran: Pastels and soft lighting greet you at this comfortable hotel. The contemporary hotel is a breath of fresh air and the perfect place to rest between sightseeing. It’s about 500 feet from the cathedral and just five minutes from Plaza Nueva.
  • Mirador del Jazmin: Not to be outdone by the other hotels, this spot is also housed inside a 16th-century building. Overall, it’s possibly the most convenient location, as it’s just a few hundred feet from both Mirador del Jazmin and Plaza Nueva.

Realejo

✔ Best neighbourhood to stay in Granada for lovers of art & architecture

Realejo is the old Jewish quarter and one of the more interesting areas to explore in Granada. This is a charming neighbourhood with friendly locals and quaint cafes. It’s also a lot like Albaicin due to the history that it contains.

Realejo

As one of the older neighbourhoods in Granada, Realejo houses a lot of older buildings. For those who love checking out examples of early architecture, Realejo is a real treasure.

Art lovers will also find something to enjoy. Raul Ruiz, or El Nino, spray paints detailed artwork on many of the older buildings to give them a facelift, creating a unique atmosphere that you won’t find in other parts of Granada.

Realejo and Albaicin are right next to each other, ensuring that you’re still close enough to enjoy everything. You’re just a little further south, which puts you a bit closer to the shopping districts to the south and west of the neighbourhood.

At night, the neighbourhood is quite lively. In fact, the nightlife is one of the main reasons to stay here. Many of the bars stay open late, providing endless tapas and cocktails.

Recommended hotels in Realejo

Like Albaicin, Realejo offers quaint hotels in old buildings and modern hotels with all the amenities. There is even a hotel in what used to be a 17th-century hospital.

  • Gar Anat Hotel Boutique: This hotel is on the border between Realejo and the Centre. While it’s housed inside an old hospital, the interior is entirely modern. It’s also just a few minutes from the Granada Cathedral.
  • Barcelo Carmen Granada: With a rooftop swimming pool that offers panoramic views of the Alhambra, this hotel is hard to beat. It’s a luxurious destination with convenient access to the Granada Cathedral. One of the largest department stores in the city also lies across the street for your shopping pleasure.
  • Dauro Hotel: This hotel may be further from the landmarks, but it’s closer to the tapas bars. You’re right by Calle Elvira, which is a street known for containing numerous bars. It’s also the perfect place to check out the nightlife in Granada.
  • Vincci Albayzin: The classic décor and traditional Andalusian courtyard are contrasted by modern features, including free WIFI and a fitness centre. Of course, you’re still in Granada City Centre and close to all major attractions.

Zaidin

✔ Top neighbourhood to stay for luxury shopping & dining

Zaidin is the furthest from the action and closest to the shopping. The Zaidin neighbourhood is known for its modern apartment blocks, department stores, and quality restaurants. You’ll be right next to Merca 80, an indoor food market with a great selection of edible treats.

Zaidin

For families travelling here, this neighbourhood may feel more like home and the perfect choice for where to stay in Granada. It’s the most populous area and contains the most residential buildings.

When staying in Zaidin, you’ll notice a lot less of historic architecture than in other parts of Granada. It’s got less history and more modern conveniences. It’s also home to the Science Park Museum.

Staying in Zaidin doesn’t mean that you’ll be too far away from the Alhambra and other top things to do in Granada.

You can still walk to most places in less than 20 minutes.

Recommended hotels in Zaidin

Zaidin is a more modern part of Granada with many recently-built hotels. There is a good selection of mid-range and luxury accommodations for solo travellers or families.

  • Hotel Saray: Just across the river from the Granada city centre, this hotel places in the residential area of Zaidin. It features beautiful Andalusian designs and all the amenities you need to feel more at home. Keep in mind that you’re about a mile away from the Alhambra.
  • Senator Granada Spa Hotel: Featuring a Turkish bath, luxurious settings, and a sauna, you may forget that you’re in a historic city. This upscale hotel is next to the Congress centre and within walking distance of the historic centre.
  • Hotel Andalucia Center: If you want to visit the Science Park, you may want to think of staying at this Granada hotel. It’s just 650 feet from the park and about a 15-minute walk from the city centre. As a bonus, the hotel also serves tasty Mediterranean food.
  • Hotel San Anton Granada: You may get a view overlooking the Genil River when you stay at this mid-range hotel. It’s a great choice for those wanting to enjoy tapas and have close access to the main tourist traps of Granada. You can also relax at your own private outdoor pool.
Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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