Eurostars Washington Irving

A few steps from the Alhambra’s Puerta de la Justicia, this 1820’s hotel was rebuilt in sleek, five-star style in 2016. Quotes on the walls recall American writer Washington Irving, whose charming Tales of the Alhambra, was written after a stay at the palace in 1828 (you can examine a first edition in the hotel library).

Rooms are plush and very peaceful – quite a few overlook the Alhambra walls and gardens – and a dip in the rooftop pool and drink in the summer bar are very welcome after you’ve spent a hard day sightseeing.

Breakfasts are good, and there’s an extremely helpful concierge. Best of all, it’s easy to be at the gate when the Alhambra opens in the morning, before the crowds ascend.