Palacio Mariana Pineda Hotel, Granada

Pros

• The hotel occupies a historic 17th-century palace, set around a traditional interior patio and full of original features like stone pillars, carved doors, and iron balconies. 
• Four of the five rooms have views of the Alhambra and overlook the Río Darro, and all include antique furniture, large tiled bathrooms, and unique architectural details.
• You'll be located on a romantic riverside walkway that sits at the edge of the Centro and Albaicín neighborhoods.
• There's a small, renowned restaurant in the atmospheric stone cellar, which once served as an ancient water cistern.
• The hotel staff is known for being friendly and resourceful.

Cons

• The location on the popular, pedestrian Carrero del Darro means street noise can be an issue, particularly on weekends, and the historic building's walls and windows aren't soundproofed.
• Some rooms are only accessible by stairs, and it's not ideal for anyone with reduced mobility.

Authenticity

Palacio Mariana Pineda Hotel calls itself a "hotel-museum," and you'll find plenty of dramatic history within the walls of the former 17th-century nobleman's palace. During the early 19th century, it was the childhood home of liberalist heroine Mariana Pineda (a beloved figure immortalized in the eponymous play by Federico Garcia Lorca and the city's annual Liberty Day celebrations). Today, it's a small but charming hotel with just five guestrooms arranged around an Andalusian-style courtyard. Fascinating original details abound throughout the property, including ancient coats of arms carved into stone pillars, wrought-iron balconies, curved doorways, and an ancient water cistern.

Location

The hotel sits directly on the Carrera del Darro, a narrow, historic walkway that runs along the Río Darro. It's a lively area at the base of the historic Albaicín neighborhood, full of pedestrian traffic and overflowing tapas bars. You can reach the Granada Cathedral and the city center in under 10 minutes on foot, or stroll a few minutes east to reach the Paseo de los Tristes, where the scenic, 20-minute climb to the Alhambra starts. Buses stop just a 2-minute walk down the street, and the train station and airport are both 20 minutes away by taxi. If you're driving, you'll need to park in one of the paid lots outside the UNESCO-listed center, though taxis can pick up and drop off at the hotel upon arrangement.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Choose between just five uniquely laid-out rooms (four with views toward the river and the Alhambra). All include historic details like carved wooden doors and dark, beamed ceilings; bathrooms have a retro feel with brass fittings, local artisan tiling, and large walk-in showers or deep whirlpool tubs. The decor is homely and simple, with a mix of heavy 17th-century-style antiques and plain contemporary pieces. The Junior Suite Alhambra View unit is a standout, with a canopy bed and balcony, while the interior courtyard-facing Deluxe Double is the darkest but quietest option. All rooms include air-conditioning, WiFi, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Amenities

You won't find many amenities at this tiny guesthouse-style hotel, but a simple, optional breakfast is served in a small dining room shared with the neighboring hotel (you should book ahead to confirm a table). Expect standard continental offerings, plus some traditional Spanish dishes and espresso coffee. In warmer weather, you can eat in the traditional Andalusian courtyard, alongside the original carved fountain and potted plants. Head downstairs into the vaulted stone arches of the palace's water cistern and you'll find the Aljibe 1644 restaurant, a tiny but renowned spot that serves creative takes on regional Spanish dishes for lunch and dinner.

Family-Friendliness

Palacio Mariana Pineda welcomes children, but the Family Deluxe room is the only option that sleeps four and suits families. The many staircases and noise from the busy riverside location mean it's best suited to couples and single travelers.