Parador de Granada, Granada

This magnificent building was once a mosque and then a monastery before being converted into a four-star hotel. It's unique location allows guests to wander freely in the glorious Alhambra gardens, when the day-trippers have gone. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, if a little uninspired, and the large bathrooms are all attractively tiled. Thirty-two of the bedrooms have great views over the Generalife Gardens . The stone-flagged patios, corridors and stairways have carved, wooden saints that remind you, that this used to be a monastery, although nowadays there are bright rugs, lots of paintings and fine, antique furniture to cheer the place up a bit. Its The dining room serves good local fare and gets very busy, especially in summer when you can eat out on the terrace.