The Carmen Hotel first opened its doors almost 40 years ago, which is very evident in its unattractive '70s-style facade. Its 2011 renovation, however, is very evident in the spacious lobby area, which blends polished marble floors, dark-wood paneling, eclectic sumptuous seating, and gold-trimmed columns. A glitzy palette of metallic tones continues in gilded objets d'art and grand gold and copper murals, while a pair of shimmering golden elevators and a similarly gleaming staircase lead to smart, low-lit corridors. The ambience is buzzy and upscale, though occasionally the glitz tips into gaudy. The Carmen attracts an equal mix of tourist and business travelers.

The hotel is located in the commercial center of Granada on one of its main shopping streets, across the street from the large El Corte Ingles department store. The famous Alhambra fortress is situated a little more than a mile away, and buses leave from near the hotel. The Palacio de Congresos exhibition center is within a 10-minute walk, while the leafy riverside Plaza del Humilladero is five minutes away on foot. The Federico García Lorca Airport is 12 miles away, and the Sierra Nevada ski resort is about 18 miles from the hotel.

The gaudy glitz of the lobby area doesn't quite extend to the hotel's 222 rooms, which have clean contemporary lines, simple, stylish furnishings, and dark-wood floors. All rooms are air-conditioned and have mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are smart and modern, with bidets and walk-in showers or tubs -- premium rooms have jetted tubs. Some rooms have balconies; rooms in the back have larger, furnished balconies, while those on higher levels offer great views of the surrounding city and countryside. Street noise can be a problem in some lower-level rooms, and soundproofing could be better between the rooms.

The hotel features a spacious rooftop terrace with wonderful views of the Alhambra and the surrounding city and Sierra Nevada Mountains. The terrace includes a bar and restaurant, as well as a pool, though it is small, and the rooftop area is open only from June through October. There is also a restaurant and cafe lounge bar inside, as well as the Bizet Cocktail Bar. Underground parking is available for a fee, though cars need to be registered to avoid a fine.