Let me start with the biggest positive this place has going for it: location. It's right on the Plaza Nuevo, the minibuses run just a few steps away, the street up to the Alhambra is right here, the Albaycin starts across the street, etc. All good.

But the place has left me with a blech feeling about it. After checking in I had a question, called the front desk but got no answer. I gave a tour group the number of the hotel but when they called at 9:30AM they received no answer.

The patio courtyard, with tables and drinks and tapas, does seem nice at first. It's spacious with a lot of plants. But there are no windows at all, just the front door which is usually closed. There is minimal ventilation, and the roof is glass which lets light and heat in. So it gets pretty stuffy, and if you dislike cigarette smoke as I do the smell lingers and makes its way up the hallways towards the rooms, although thankfully not inside of the rooms.

I ordered a diet coke in the lounge. I got a very small bottle, as I expected, and I expected a standard tourist rip-off price of E1.50, but it was E2.50. I've been here for two weeks and never seen a price over E1.50 before. So be forewarned.

The room itself is somewhat small, even by European standards, but I'm in a single so that's what you get. However I wouldn't describe the decor as old-world but instead simply lacking. There is a large cabinet, but not a dresser. When you open it there are no shelves, it's just a big box. There are no drawers of any kind in the room. And the only chair in the room is a small uncomfortable wooden one. All of these are firsts for me in a place charging these rates.

When I checked in, the person working the front desk showed me to my room, but there was no literature about the town and I did not feel like I should contact her with questions. Basically, I just got a negative impression of the facility in general.

But, the location is great and the room is adequate, and everything else is nice but not essential. Hence, 3 stars.

I have just returned from a short trip to Spain and I am only waithing for the oppertunity to return once again. On arrival in Granada without a Hotel reservation I made some enquiries from a young gentleman on an information booth in the bus station who was most helpful. While en route via the local bus I got off at the wrong stop and found I was in the most central part of the City for sightseeing and some nightlife. Plaza Nuevo is where I was lucky enough to hop off the bus and theres lots of places to stay in this area to suit all budgets. It was here I stumbled on the wonderful Casa del Pilar Hotel. On arrival at the front desk the receptionist was more than helpful and immediately offered to show me a room. Breakfast was not included but was offered at a reduced rate to guests. This was reassuring as I noticed lots of what appeared to be local or business people frequenting this Hotel. The rooms are spacious and the decor is old world. The hotel has been recently restored but has retained its old world charm. The courtyard in the centre has a beautiful fountain and theres lots of plants and seating in this area too. The rooms overhead surround this courtyard. Rates were reasonable as it was off season and I have never encountered such friendly and professional staff. What began as an enquiry about a room ended up with fabulous accomodation in the centre of the city with new found friends. It is a great location if you are planning on visiting the Alhambra and of course Granada is also famous for its flamenco as well. Granada is a wonderful City and although it is a well known tourist destination people were very friendly and courtuous. I am counting the days to returning to Granada and most especially to the Hotel Casa del Pilar. Many thanks to the receptionists and especially our young friend Victor in the bar and restaurant. Also thank you to the manager of this establishment as even he went out of his way to welcome us and ask us about our country. Ireland of course!! Pop in there if you are in Granada and if not to stay have a coffee or abeer, you won't regret it.