The Hotel Reina Cristina can be spotted up and down its narrow little street near the Cathedral by its old-fashioned sign advertising its presence. The three-story pensione, or small hotel, sits in an attractive older building on the corner of two small streets in an active and charming area of the city. Mopeds and taxis make up the bulk of the auto traffic; there's more foot traffic than anything else.
Reina Cristina is not a fancy place, but it is professional, charming, comfortable, and an olive's throw from everything (including some olive trees in a small nearby plaza).
Our room faced an inner courtyard, but it was much quieter than the street view with its whirring mopeds echoing off the canyons of the old streets. Ours, like most of the rooms, was average size by European standards (small by American standards), but nicely equipped with modern bathroom and basic room items: direct-dial phone, TV with English station options, a few pieces of furniture--all you may need while staying in Granada.
Breakfast is included, as is typical in most Spanish hotels. It is served in a decorative back room behind the vaulted lobby and rickety elevator.
A bar/cafe at street level in the front serves as the afternoon hangout for local shop owners while they're closed during siesta. The cafe serves delicious sandwiches, and the coffee is fantastic.
The Reina Cristina is a colorful, fun, affordable place to stay. Its immediate neighborhood, proximity to sights, hearty Spanish breakfast, and wonderful cafe guaranteed a return visit from us.