When the Palacio de Santa Ines opened its doors in 1995, it was at the forefront of what would become a popular move: renovating the neighborhood’s historic Mudéjar homes into boutique hotels. The hotel consists of two beautiful, charm-filled, and exquisitely renovated 16th-century private homes, connected by a gorgeous patio filled with potted fruit trees and ancient-looking fountains. The courtyard also showcases balustrades and Renaissance frescos painted by Alexander Mayner and Giulio Romano, Rafael’s disciples who came to Granada in 1520 to paint the Peinador Queen of the Alhambra and stayed to adorn the Palacio de Santa Ines. The panoramic views of the Alhambra from the hotel's terrace are stunning. The interior decor doesn’t get in the way of the wonderful architecture: the lobby is set with green plants and comfy crimson chairs. Clientele mainly consists of couples on a romantic holiday in Grenada.

The Hotel Palacio Santa Ines sits in the gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Albayzin district, in the heart of the city. It’s a five-minute walk to Granada Cathedral and though the Alhambra can be seen in all its glory from the hotel, it's a 20-minute walk to reach its front doors. The buzzing Plaza Nueva square is less than five minutes away. The neighborhood is bustling with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, and makes a convenient base from which to explore Granada.

There are 35 rooms and suites at Hotel Palacio Santa Ines, and though they're historically decorated with antique furniture each also includes modern comforts like minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Many have wood-beamed ceilings and bold hues of Tuscan plaster. A cozy, antique style echoes the building’s architecture: think embellished wooden dressers and opulently carved desks. The Alhambra views from the Superior Category rooms are incredible. Some rooms are dark and on the small side, while others are spacious and bright. Abstract art looks a little out of place among the antique furniture. Bathrooms are decorated with hand-painted sinks and well-stocked with a variety of toiletries and a hairdryer. Shower/tub combinations are standard. The suites are extremely spacious (some are two-stories divided by a spiral staircase).

Each morning, a free, fresh, and abundant breakfast buffet is served. If the weather is nice, the hotel terrace, with a view of the Alhambra, is a fantastic dining spot. Free coffee or tea is offered all day, and spotty Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Snacks and drinks are offered in the courtyard, and there’s laundry service available for a fee. There are strict rules about parking in this historical district, so arrange parking with the hotel ahead of time or leave your car at home.