My family (husband, boy & girl twins, aged 15) arrived at the Melia Granada somewhat tired from an early train from Seville. As soon as our taxis pulled up at the front of the Melia, we knew we could relax...everything was taken care of courteously and promptly, including luggage, the check-in to our two rooms, a quick light snack to hold us 'til dinner, etc. This is 4-star rated hotel that acts like a 5-star in its treatment of guests and the condition and upkeep of its property. Although part of a large hotel chain, the staff and setting made it feel more like a boutique property: comfortable, elegant, though not large lobby and lounge; well-appointed dining room, etc.
That first night we asked the desk, which doubled as conciege service, for a moderate restaurant recommendation. Miguel, who manned the desk uring the afternoon and evening hours (along with enough staff to serve everyone), immediately suggested Restaurant Tomas, high in the Albaicin with stunning views. Although it was last minute on Saturday night, Miguel got us great reservations at a table on the terrace looking straight at the lit-up Alhambra. It was by far the most memorable of our dining experiences during our 2 weeks in Spain, and was extremely reasonable for that type of restaurant: for the 4 of us the bill was about 100 euros, including wine for my husband and me, and an apperitif "on the house" after dinner.
To get back to the Melia itself, on the Sol Melia website we got the ridiculous rate of 50 Euros per room per night, and that included the very complete breakfast buffet (this was during low-season, August 2005). The rooms were not large but were impeccably appointed, and the beds were extremely comfortable. The bathrooms were also not large, but were beautiful marble throughout. At double the price this hotel would have been a great value. THough not located in the Albaicin, it was close enough to walk to numerous restaurants, cafes, and the tourist bus that goes around Granada and up through the Albaicin. The staff outdid themselves to help us with our various tourist needs during our 2-day stay. They even helped us pack a breakfast (Miguel had requested it for us the night before) when we departed early for our train to Madrid.
If you don't mind missing all the quaintness & charm of an "authentic" old-world hotel, the Melia should be your first choice. Though we did stay at other 4 (and two 5-star) hotels, this was overall the best value of our trip.

Just came back from a short stay at this fab hotel. It wouldn't be in a better location, walking distance from most places of interest, including the Alhambra, if you can cope with the steep hill!. Also, the Melia is behind the popular Calle Navas with plenty of tapas bars to choose from, but don't let this put you off, it wasn't noisy at all, thanks to the superb double glazzing, the only thing we heard was the fireworks display up in the Alhambra, which by the way we would see from our spacious clean room. Staff was very helpful too. Highly recommend this hotel if you can get a cheap special rate at the melia website.

A very clean, classy hotel in the city centre. We were given a huge room at a fantastic internet rate (about 1/3 of what anyone else was paying for their stay).

A vast, excellent, all-inclusive breakfast buffet means that there's no need for anyone to be hungry until the evening (!).

Street noise is only what is to be expected from this location on busy weekends and at festival time, but did not really disturb. (Just because you are on holiday - The locals are not going to stop going to work or socialising you know!). Room had great air-conditioning, superb blackout curtains, good shower, free internet point, small mini bar.

Hotel will mind your baggage for up to 24-hrs for free after checkout - ideal if you have an evening flight on your departure date.

The Alhambra is a (less that a Euro each) bus ride away or a manageable (but uphill!) walk. In late Sept. Alhambra Tickets were readily available from the Alhambra itself for 10 Euros each, so don't pay the advertised 40 Euros each for a 'guided tour' which lasts just 2 hours. If you walk round yourself it will take at least half a day.

My only gripes are that the Spanish idea of a 'double bed' is two singles pushed together. why oh why!? and that there were a few too many ageing American guests in beige slacks. However, neither are the hotel's fault and I would certainly recommend this as the place to stay in Granada.

We had a very pleasant stay at the hotel. The staff were courteous, the rooms were clean and relatively spacious, the price is quite fair, and the breakfast is a helpful start to the day, but not as great (in our opinion) as some other reviewers suggest. It's a bit idiosyncratic: fish sticks some mornings, meatballs others. The hotel definitely feels like a chain, equivalent to a Marriott, but this was fine with us. It was also nice not to be on the main plaza, as that stayed rather noisy past midnight, whereas the Melia is only a couple of blocks away, yet worlds quieter. There are several good restaurants within walking distance, including Puerta del Carmen and the bocadillo restaurant across the street. The one thing we would advise against is the hotel's offer to arrange trips to the Alhambra at an insane markup: The guided tour plus bus ride is 39 EUR/person. The public bus up to the Alhambra is 1 EUR, admission is 10 EUR, and audio guides are 3 EUR. Skip the hotel markup and spend the extra money on a nice lunch at the Parador!