Archive for the Granada category
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
This was our final day in Granada. Sadly the weather had done nothing but worsen over night so the Alhambra was out of the question. All this meant now was that I would be returning in the summer to see it all again!
We had four appointments to make, they included Hotel Molinos, Hotel Plaza Neuva, Hotel las Nieves and Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel Granada.
All situated in very central Granada all properties are lovely. There is a general standard in all Spanish properties. All of exceptionally clean and tidy and all have wonderful and passionate staff.
The Oasis Backpackers’ is a wonderful place. It’s what I would consider a proper old school hostel. The property itself is spacious and the dorms are wonderful. However basic they still have a special charm and the communal areas within the hostel are great. Its still possible to have a bit of peace and quiet in the hostel if needs be as well as for those looking for a more social side a livelier kitchen and chill out room. Its location is ideal for the Granada night life. This hostel also has an amazing roof terrace which boasts incredible views of the Alhambra. Perfect for the summer!
After a quick lunch we went to pick up our things from the hostel and to say our goodbyes. We took a bus from Gran Via directly to the airport which took about 40 minutes.
Granada is a truly magnificent city! I cannot wait to visit again when I have bit more time and I have the weather on my side I will be sure to return. All the properties there are brilliant, there is something for everyone. From those looking for a bit of peace and quiet or those looking to party it offers it all
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
A quick tea and some toast and we were off. We caught the bus to meet with Victoria who manages both Posada Jose Bocanegra as well as Posada Dona Lupe. Victoria is delightful and so passionate about both properties. She took us around to see all the construction which was under way.There were many changes in place for the coming high season.
All the rooms in the first property we saw which was Posada Jose Bocanegra where the majority of visitors are students who are studying Spanish at the language school across the street were very basic but each was entirely private with a desk and which would be ideal for the clientele. The property is situated in an easily accessible part of Granada. With buses frequently passing its easy to commute to and from there.
Just a short drive away is Posada Dona Lupe. This was the property undergoing major reconstruction and refurbishment.
The entire place is being redone from the reception area to the tiling in each and every bathroom. This property is huge and boasts the most beautiful roof terrace as well as a massive indoor pool on the one side of the terrace. Come summer this place will be alive with activity. With the most incredible view of the Alhambra and the baking sun with a swimming pool just steps away I can’t think of a better place to spend a summer vacation.
By this stage it was already afternoon, so Victoria kindly offered us a lift to the next appointment which was at Backpackers Posada de Colon. This hostel is a true hostel. The dorms are basic but perfect for any backpacker. It’s clean, tidy and situated in a great area of the city.
We saw three more properties that afternoon. They included Hotel Carlos V which is a wonderful value for money three star hotel, the rooms are wonderfully decorated at set up. Perfect for those who have a tight budget but are looking for quiet, quality accommodation.
The next property was called Hostal Penelope, situated in the most wonderful spot and with its very own bar it’s a gorgeous place to stay. We met briefly with Sebastian who owns the hostal with a friend of his and he showed us around some of the rooms. All rooms were unique and clean and tidy.
Perhaps the biggest appeal to this property is its location as well as the bar next door. You can enjoy a couple of drinks right there and then make your way to the night club that Sebastian owns to enjoy the local DJ’s.
Our last appointment for the day was at Hostel Atenas, we met with Nacho, he showed us around the property, again this is another high quality value for money property in Granada. Situated on the high street it’s a perfect location. With buses directly to and from the airport leaving from that street it’s a great spot with endless restaurants, pubs and clubs around its also perfect for those wanting to experience the night life in Granada.
We had to get back to the Makuto Backpackers where we were staying as we had arranged to meet Yvonne for a quick chat and a show around the rest of the hostel. Having been wondering around we were exhausted, en-route home there seemed to be a bit of sunshine poking through the clouds so we were hoping it would clear enough to make it worth while making our way to the Alhambra but by the time we reached the top it had begun raining again.
I would highly recommend though that should you be travel to Granada that you visit it. From the feedback from all others staying at the hostel it’s incredible. If the views from the top are anything to go by then its certainly worth it!
On arriving back we had a quick show around the property. It must be incredible in summer in the warmer months as there is an amazing patio area and another great little tented part where you can enjoy a few drinks in the warm evening and listen to the locals playing the guitar. The hostel does have a truly wonderful energy. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly and are more than eager to help you find your way around Granada as well as offer advice on good bars and clubs to go and see.
We got back to the room and sat in the kitchen for a while discussing the day. With a little food and wine we were fast asleep by 11 that night. Exhausted, we were hoping though that the weather would improve enough for us to visit the Alhambra the following afternoon.
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
We had four appointments scheduled for the day. To begin with though we met with Antonio at Hostal Arroyo, situated in the heart of the city with access to all the best shops, bars and restaurants it’s a fine choice of accommodation. As with all properties we visited in Granada all are close to the city centre. The most you would need to travel is a short bus journey. The property was clean, tidy and well run by the most professional and friendly staff.
Having only just seen the city for the first time in the day light that morning it really was exquisite. It was sadly pouring with rain but the sights were still breath taking. We were having difficulty finding our way around the winding roads that surround the Makuto Backpackers hostel where we were staying but en-route we asked a passing student for directions and he ended up driving us to the front door of our first appointment.
The next property we went to check out is probably one of my favourite in Granada. Its called the Abadia Hotel, situated directly in the middle of the cultural and commercial center of Granada and just five minutes by bus to the Alhambra it’s a lovely choice.
The Abadia Hotel is located in a newly restored 16th Century building with extraordinary and fascinating features. The patio displays some beautiful stone work and paving and a central fountain. The rooms themselves are beautifully decorated. With lovely ceramic work and beautiful clay floors they really are warm and welcoming.
Following on from there we went for some lunch. We found a quant café just off the high street and enjoyed Paella and a glass of wine. The last appointment for the day was at Hostal Nuevas Naciones so we headed just around the corner to meet with the managers of the property, again this property was centrally located and had lovely clean and tidy rooms.
We had a bit of time to kill before heading back to the hostel for the night so we had a good look through all the shops on the high street. The shopping in Spain is heavenly with clothes and shoes that are great value for money. We had hoped to visit the Alhambra while there but the weather was making this unlikely. The rain continued into the evening and we took the bus back to right near the hostel.
The bus journey was wonderful as it took us right up to the Alhambra and back towards the hostel. Streets in this area are gorgeous, with many little side street shops selling beautiful merchandise from Northern Africa and typically Spanish attire there was lots to buy.
We got to bed quite early we thought we would save our energy for a night out later in the week
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
This time round it was time for me to take a work trip with Monica who works on our international sales team. She’s from Argentina and is fluent in Spanish so she was the prefect travel companion for a trip to Granada.
We took the usual trip on the Stansted Express to Stansted Airport. We were due to catch the 17:00 flight directly to heart of Granada.
On our arrival we found out that all buses had already stopped running for the evening as it was a quarter to nine so we had no choice but to take a taxi to our hostel where we would be staying for our entire stay.
The taxi cost us 30 Euros to get from the airport to Makuto Backpackers Hostel, the journey itself took about 25 minutes, the trip isn’t that far but when you get into the heart of Granada you will find tiny little narrow, cobbled streets which are difficult to get through by car.
Monica and I stayed in a twin room at the hostel which is part of a mini sort of apartment. Here you have access to your very own kitchen with all the basic necessities. The hostel boasts some beautiful decorations which the owners have collected over the several journeys they have been on around the world.
Each of the two private rooms available are totally unique. Although I think the noise level within the hostel was a bit of a problem because during the night time it’s very difficult to sleep with all of the action in the common area, one must remember though that it is a hostel and with this comes a very social aspect. This hostel is totally ideal for the seasoned backpacker who is looking for the basic comforts and for whom socializing with other like minded characters is a key factor.
That night Monica and I sat in our very own little kitchen enjoying a cup of hot chocolate while we plotted our week’s appointments out on a local map.
In bed by midnight we had to be up at seven to make the first appointment. As mentioned before sleeping wasn’t the easiest activity with the noise downstairs but soon we got used to the buzz and had a great night sleep after all.
