Casa del Capitel Nazari

A restored Moorish-style residence in Granada’s Albaicin quarter, which is charming, comfortable - and cheap

Spilling down the hillside opposite the Alhambra, Granada’s once-deserted Albaicin district has come back to life. Its cobbled alleys and medieval churches resound with foreign and Spanish voices; its carmens - Moorish-style three-storey residences based around central courts – are being restored, some of them as hotels; and even its caves host musical soirees.

If you want to stay in the heart of all this without shelling out over 100 euros per room, then the Casa del Capitel Nazari is your best option. In fact it is practically your only option, so it’s just as well it’s a good one. It’s based around two stylish courtyards, whose mosaic floors, marble columns and wicker chairs offer a tranquil haven from the city. Around these are arranged 17 clean (though small) bedrooms, complete with ensuite shower-rooms, air-con and comfy mattresses. You can get a decent buffet breakfast and reduced rates at the city car parks – though bear in mind you’ll have to walk the last 5 minutes.

Highs

• A historic building with original column capitals and water-cistern
• Welcoming interior courtyards
• 3 minutes’ walk from the Plaza Nueva
• Very reasonably priced

Lows

• The bedrooms are small
• Needs a fresh lick of paint in places
• Looks out over forlorn, semi-ruined houses
• Some street noise is inevitable, especially during the Feria festival in early May when party-goers tend to run amok