I read that you need to reserve 4 - 6 months in advance. So when I called a week ahead (for the week prior to Holy Week), I didn't expect much. But they had a room for two nights available! I snatched it up and now have only the memories. I went with my teenage daughter on a special father-daughter trip, and I'll go back with my wife. It's wonderfully romantic. One night, my daughter stayed in and relaxed. I went to the bar to buy a Cuban cigar (my daughter was horrified when I told her) and a glass of cognac. Then I walked around the Alhambra in the moonlight. I kept saying to myself, "You're walking around the Alhambra in the moonlight, with a glass of cognac and a Cuban cigar: does it get any better than this?" (Okay - eliminate the cigar from the picture, if you must - I know my wife will!).

The service, completely contrary to Rick Steves, was warm and responsive. The prices, again contrary to Rick Steves, were in keeping with a luxury hotel. Just make sure to make reservations to the Alhambra itself well ahead of time - weeks ahead.