Carmen del Cobertizo - Our City Break Hotel of the Year 2007

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


AUNT LORENA AND UNCLE LUIS..........

Arriving at this hidden treasure is like returning home after a long journey. With the warmest of welcomes, I was greeted with two kisses from Lorena and two more from her husband Luis, your gracious hosts and owners of Carmen del Cobertizo. Built on 11th Century Arab ruins, this 16th Century renaissance ¨palacete¨ is a charming retreat hidden in a quaint cul-de-sac of Granada´s historical Albaycín quarter, situated at the foot of the Alhambra Palace.

You will feel relaxation setting in the moment you enter the house. The interior courtyard sits before you and is one of the most welcoming interior courtyards I have seen. Original stone columns, wooden ballustrades and potted plants surround comfortable sofas – a splendid space to sit with a book or enjoy convivial conversation with Aunt Lorena and Uncle Luis. The patio courtyard opens onto a lovely terrace and fragrant, flower-filled gardens where more stone columns, (these ones discovered when the land was cleared to build the terrace) stand proudly. Lounge in the shade next to a small plunge pool and fountain, a 14th Century water deposit that was used for watering the ¨carmen¨. From the Arabic ¨karm¨, this word designates a terrain dedicated to the cultivation of vegetables and fruit trees.

The Hotel´s 6 bedrooms comprise of 2 Suites, 1 Junior Suite, 2 Special Doubles and 1 Small Double room, several of which are arranged around the pretty 1st floor patio. The Junior Suite has a small sitting room situated in the ¨cobertizo¨, used centuries ago as a passageway between what is now the Hotel and the building across the way. The Suites are on the top floor, one of which has a salon and the other features stunning views of the Alhambra (hence the name "Alhambra Suite")! The Suites share the roof terrace, which is divided in two by more potted plants; each with its own sofas and chairs to sit out and contemplate the picturesque surroundings. The Suites also form the "Top Terrace Gran Suite" which is ideal for families or couples travelling together. All rooms feature en-suite bathroom (most with shower), heating, and the Suites are air-conditioned.

The attention to detail continues right through to breakfast (served at an antique communal table off the patio courtyard) which is SENSATIONAL! The veritable feast is at an extra cost but worth every cent...and then some! The Hotel is situated just steps from Plaza Nueva, the main square of the city, which means easy access to an enormous variety of tapas bars and restaurants.

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the Hotel (at no cost). The Hotel receptionists will provide you with the password to gain access.

A visit to the Alhambra Palace cannot be missed when visiting this vibrant city; the "Alhambra Bus" passes nearby or if you are feeling energetic it is about 15 minutes on foot (uphill) from the Hotel. All other monuments and attractions are within easy walking distance of the Hotel – the lovely Rocío and Merché in reception will happily advise on daily itineraries.

Granada is home to Arab baths, and the Hotel also recommends ¨chocolate therapy¨ at another local Spa – as if chocolate on its own isn´t therapy enough!!

Parking is extremely difficult in Granada, so if you come by car, it is suggested you leave your car in one of the public car parks before making your way to the Hotel either on foot or by taxi. When you arrive at the Hotel give a good tug on the rope to ring the bell and someone will come to greet you.

An ideal citybreak Hotel if you are looking for a home away from home. You will arrive as a guest and leave as family. The visitor´s book is full of comments such as ¨Your welcome was unique and touched us profoundly.¨ A perfect place from which to discover this cultural paradise.