What can be said. You will be staying at the Alhambra. This is a wonderful place steeped in history. The catholic monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand were even buried here before being moved to the Cathedral in Granada.

The parador rooms were very nice but not too special. Be sure to follow advice in guidebooks and, if it's important to you, get a room with views of the Generalife. The bathrooms are nicely done. Location is nice and quiet at night as it is up at the Ahambra away from the busy city below. Help from the front desk was very good and friendly. The grounds are wonderful with lots of patios and beautiful gardens.

We did not eat at the parador because we were looking for more "down to earth" experiences in the Albaizin and city centre. Access to the city below is easily achieved by walking out the Carlos V gate of the Alhambra and to the tourist bus stop (about 150m from the parador gate). Buses frequently go by and head for the Plaza Nueva and Albaizin. Cost is Euro 0.95 per trip and you can buy a 9-trip pass at a significant discount. Bus service stops at 2300h but taxis can get you back home.

I would recommend this parador. Book WELL AHEAD of time and request a room with a good view!

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.