Room Mate Migueletes

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


CHANGING OF THE GUARD…………

The Albaicín is the Medieval Moorish centre of Granada, located just below the Alhambra Palace, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Tucked down one of its many small alley just 50m from Granada´s main square, Plaza Nueva, lies Room Mate Migueletes. This 17th Century palace was at one time the barracks of the ¨Migueletes¨ (the military corps that protected the city during the 19th Century). Under the watchful eye of internationally renowned architect, Carlos Sánchez, Room Mate Migueletes was painstakingly restored from ruin into a beautiful 25 bedroom Boutique Hotel, opening its doors to the public in 2003.

As you step through the door your eyes will be taken on an architectural journey up the stone steps to the original stone columns in the patio courtyard where citrus trees receive abundant light from above. Original wooden ballustrades encircle the galleries, where bedrooms of various sizes and layouts can be found over two floors. A Roman fountain trickles on one side of the courtyard, and to the other a welcoming salon with comfortable sofas and internet access for the guests´ use. Magnificent beams line the ceilings. The Hotel also has a ¨bodega¨, where sweet wine is served every afternoon with compliments of the Hotel.

The lovely bedrooms show appreciation for detail. Drapery and fabrics are elegant, as are the terra cotta floors. Moroccan ceramics and other fine details can be found throughout. Some rooms have views over the patio, others offer partial views of the Alhambra – admire this famous Palace from the bed of the enormous Suite!! Some rooms are on the small side, understandably confined to the size of the original palace. The tower room is a favourite among romantics and the remaining rooms comprise of Executive and Standard Doubles. Facilities include telephone, mini-bar, free Wi-Fi, television, safe, heating and air-conditioning and hair dryer. Massages and beauty treatments can be arranged on request. All rooms are non-smoking.

The hotel only serves breakfast, but fabulous restaurants can be reached on foot (some uphill), and for those of you who do not know Granada, it is a tapas lover´s heaven. The best tapas bars of the area are within a 5-10 minute walk of the Hotel.

The location is also ideal for sightseeing as Granada´s monuments are all within walking distance, and the friendly receptionists will gladly suggest things to see and do. For visits to the Alhambra Palace, it is highly recommended you purchase tickets in advance in order to avoid the long queues. This can be done through the Hotel if you tell is un advance. Guided tours can also be arranged.

The Hotel does not have parking, but every Hotel in the Albaicín finds itself in the same situation. I recommend you park in one of the public garages before making your way to the Hotel by taxi – you will save yourself a big headache.

A delightful Hotel if you are looking for professional yet friendly service in a fantastic historical setting ten minutes from the magnificent Alhambra Palace. An ideal “citybreak” hotel.