Editor Pick
Grenada Parador
- May 6, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Mr Oystercatcher from Manningtree Essex, United Kingdom
You know those moments when you travel and something very special happens . . . It could be a particularly fine wine or picture; the bargain leather item or beautiful quiet bay . . . well, this was one of those moments for Mr and Mrs O. The Parador at Granada is inside the Alhambra Palace! Just driving past all the camera-laden tourists through the security guards into the quiet haven of the converted 15th-century Convent situated between the Alhambra’s main palaces and the Generalife is one of those special moments. Suddenly you are a higher being, able to rise above hoi polloi and starting to get the feeling you might like to offer the parting throngs a QE2-type wave.
Now the downside: unfortunately the five-night card rate does not apply here; however, the voucher value is accepted and you just have to pay a supplement. But is it worth it? YES. Just to sit in the quiet courtyards with water flowing coolly past you while supping your chilled Cava is heaven. Finding yourself in the palace and able to take a stroll around as the tourists depart . . . WONDERFUL. Starting your day on the balcony overlooking the Generalife as the early tourists start pouring in . . . SUBLIME.
We took the guided tour offered by the hotel, but are of the mind it could be easier and more relaxing to rent one of the excellent tape machines and take a stroll with technology rather than the heavily accented guide. The palaces are as special as all the guidebooks say. The contrast of the current tranquillity with the sites’ turbulent past allied to the mix of Christian and Moorish design is truly inspiring.
The hotel restaurant was first-class: local dishes again and fresh vegetables for the first time in Spain. The service was very attentive, supplied by waiters and waitresses who looked as if they knew and enjoyed their food (always a good sign). Mrs O left a favourite blouse behind, which in due course arrived chez Oystercatcher by post . . . excellent.
From journal Mr and Mrs Oystercatcher in Andalucia