Los Alixares - Granada, Spain     

I have to give this hotel an overall "average" rating --- but it was really above average for the price. (about 80E with breakfast through Kemwell) This is a big, convention, tourist-type hotel-- but it is not completely charmless. Very clean and large bathroom. Two firm double beds. Outstanding air conditioning. Very quiet. I was worried about noise, as our room faced the pool. However, the pool doesn't open (Entire area is locked) until 10am and closes at 8, so we were always gone during pool hours.) Staff was always a bit busy... not unwilling to answer questions, but clearly needed to get on with the next. Internet was expensive. Breakfast had a huge selection (think convention buffet) but the quality was not great. Its location was perfect for us. We walked to the Alhambra (2 minutes) and took the shuttle into and around town. A really pleasant ride for 1.50 E ... once we just rode it in a big circle (about 40 min) and saw the entire town. The town was quite busy and noisy, so we enjoyed visiting, then taking the shuttle up the lovely, green hills to the hotel. There were many Alhambra buses parked across the way... but you didn't know they were there (they turn before the hotel) unless you walked down the hill past them.

The hotel is literally two minutes walk from the Alhambra. So if you dont have tickets like we didnt, its perfect for an early morning lineup for tickets. The hotel is average. the rooms are also just okay with small bathrooms. no sound proofing so you can hear whats being said in the next room. But has some stunning viewsof the city and the Alhambra. The staff were okay, not the most courtoeus but most of them spoke english. Only if you want to be next to the Alhambra wouold I recommend it. To get to the main city the only way is either by cab or by mini bus. Else its a long walk down the hill. Since it wasnt the peak season there were not too many people I would think that once the season sets in it can get really noisy.