Travel Anecdotes – Palacio de Santa Paula, Granada

I selected Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula in Granada ultimately because it was a Marriott Bonvoy property, and well we are trying hard to crack on those points to achieve lifetime platinum membership. Other bonuses included the fact that it was a historical property, and perfectly situated between the Old Town of Albaysin and in front of the Alhambra. Both main spots are walking distance from the property. It was an excellent choice, it ticked so many of the right characteristics we were looking for. Something with tradition, aesthetics steeped in the culture of the place, rooms which maintained its original bones with low beams and slightly quirky layout, and even a weekly Flamenco performance by the famous Habicuela family of the region. We would highly recommend this hotel for anyone who is visiting the area for a spot of sight-seeing and to embrace Andalusia in all her beauty.

Entrance of the hotel

Junior Suite Room

We were upgraded to the Junior Suite Room and we didn’t complain obviously. The room had a unique set up – first fronted by an outdoor sitting area before moving through a terrace and finally entering the actual room, a split level space with low beams and dark wood floors. The living area was very spacious, and while the room didn’t have much of a view, it was very cozy and a warm respite at the end of each day out.

Courtyard

The courtyard is the hotel’s main selling point. It is where most of the property orientates around, and both the area of which we would have breakfast and where the flamenco dancing, events and dinner would be held. It was majestic and stunning, drawing our minds to the origin of the place which was a 16th-century Santa Paula Convent.

Dinner and Flamenco

We thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of our dinner in the hotel’s notable restaurant El Claustro. The food was delightful in the polished way that Continental dinners can be – smartly delivered, just the right amount of portions and tasteful enough to satisfy your palate for the evening. The Flamenco performance by the Habicuela family was mesmerising in its raw passion and drama, even more so when understanding further about the marginalised story behind the art.