Villa Oniria, Granada

Pros

• You'll get the ambience of a 19th-century Andalucian villa with the convenience and style of contemporary interiors.
• The hotel's location puts you a little removed from the busy historic center, but within walking distance of Plaza Nueva and the Catedral de Granada.
• Several inviting common areas include a tranquil inner garden with fountains, a cozy lounge with a fireplace, and a sun-filled French-style conservatory.
• You can dine on-site at the Onírico Restaurant, or grab an espresso or a glass of wine at the more casual Los Toreros Café.

Cons

• Some rooms show wear and tear, and the neutral, contemporary decor can feel a bit bland compared to the hotel's elegant common areas and historic exterior.
• Entrance to the spa and fitness room is at an additional cost.
• WiFi can be patchy in rooms, with the strongest signal in the hotel's common areas.
• The location means you'll want to take a bus or taxi to explore the Alhambra and parts of Albaicín. 

Authenticity

Villa Oniria opened in 2007 after an extensive renovation, which converted the old 19th-century palace into a contemporary boutique hotel. The building retains classic Andalusian details like a central courtyard and a grand spiral staircase, but the interiors by famed designer Pascua Ortega are modern, with a touch of neoclassical elegance in the downstairs common areas. In the summer, the interior garden echoes the Alhambra with aromatic plants, bubbling fountains, and al fresco dining. In cooler weather, you'll find guests gathered in the cozy lounge with leather sofas and a roaring fire, or sipping a glass of local red in the wine bar beneath vintage photos of Granada's most famous bullfighters.

Location

Set slightly west of Granada's busiest tourist areas, Villa Oniria is just two blocks from one of the city's hidden gems: the leafy, tree-lined ​​Plaza Bibataubin. You can also easily walk to other sites often missed by travelers, including the Fuente de las Granadas and Puente Romano. Despite the quieter surroundings, central landmarks like Plaza Nueva and the Catedral de Granada are 10 minutes away on foot, while Albaicín, the Alhambra, and the train station are within 15 minutes by bus. The airport is a 25-minute drive or taxi ride west, and the hotel offers a limited number of paid parking spaces at an additional cost.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 31 air-conditioned rooms have a contemporary, neutral feel, and some retain period details like French doors and iron balconies. Furnishings are fairly standard, with taupe carpets, honey-colored woods, and storage spaces tucked behind louver shutters. Upper-story Doubles are tucked under the building's eaves, with sloping ceilings and skylights, while Superior Doubles add more space and private balconies. Opt for the Penhouse Double or a Junior Suite for a seating area and private terrace. Bathrooms are modern and sleek, with marble fittings and standalone showers or bathtubs.

Amenities

An optional continental buffet breakfast is served each morning, and there's a small café and wine bar for coffee, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. The on-site ​​Onírico Restaurant offers tasting menus and an extensive wine list, plus garden seating and a full bar. Downstairs, you'll also find a tiny, hammam-inspired spa with a water circuit, plunge pool, sauna, and fitness room (plus a limited menu of facial and body treatments), but it's at an additional cost to guests, and you'll need to reserve ahead of time. 

Family-Friendliness

Villa Oniria welcomes families, though it's more geared toward couples and there are limited room options for larger groups. Some Superior Double rooms can sleep three with an extra bed, making them the best option for families, but children above the age of three are charged as adults. Kids under the age of 12 aren't allowed in the spa, and those between 12 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The hotel is stroller-friendly, with elevator access to all floors.