This 17th Century nobleman's mansion, complete with its Andalusian patios and galleries, has led an interesting history. In the 19th Century it was the headquarters the Migueletes (hence, the hotel's name), a rural police force (their name originated from the long shotguns they carried), whose main mission in life was to search out and capture bandoleros, the legendary bandits who hid in the Sierras.
By 1995, however, the Migueletes long since departed, the property had fallen into such a state of disrepair that it was declared to be a ruin by the local authorities. Purchased by an enterprising Norwegian couple, they set about a meticulous restoration project to restore it to its former glory and greatness. The result is quite magnificent, a 25-room, boutique hotel in one of the most prestigeous parts of the city.
Situated in a quiet street in the Albycín, just 50 metres from the city's most central square, Plaza Nueva, the hotel combines the unique history and beauty of this fabulous building with superb modern facilities and exemplary service. As one client wrote in the guestbook, "this hotel isn't good, it's marvellous!". Another wrote, ""We have enjoyed our stay immensely. The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming."
On three floors, its 25 rooms include two suites and one wheelchair-accessible room. Due to the design of the house, the rooms are all different in size, layout, and orientation. Some rooms face the interior courtyard, while others have views to the Alhambra and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Handmade and antique furniture and beautiful wooden ceilings are common to all of the rooms, along with more modern facilities: telephone, minibar, safe, air-conditioning, cable TV and high speed internet access. All have modern, well equipped en-suite bathrooms.
There are standard and superior rooms and the two suites. In general, the biggest difference between them rooms is actually the view, rather than their size or decoration.
The standard rooms look onto the neighbouring building, or to the outer courtyard, and hence do not have wide views. However, because of this some of them are the quietest. Most of the Superior rooms look onto the central patio.
Four of the superior rooms are considered as "deluxe rooms" with views either of the Alhambra or to the patio, or are larger rooms. The two deluxe rooms with the greatest views of the Alhambra are both rather small - but very romantic! One of these has a terrace with a magnificent view of the Alhambra.
The "Garnata" Junior Suite has a beautiful Moorish-style artisan wooden ceiling, and is comfortably furnished, although the view is not the most interesting feature of the room.
The "Alhambra" Suite consists of two rooms, a salon and the bedroom with its impressive and original 17th century ceiling. The room is huge and has a view of the Watch Tower of the Alhambra. In the bathroom there is a Jacuzzi.
Within walking distance to the Alhambra, the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, you will find a myriad of traditional Andalusian tapas bars and excellent restaurants nearby, as well as Granada's best shops. The Albaycín area itself has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, most of it's pretty little cobbled streets mercifully free of traffic for much of the day. it's a very special and unique area, steeped in all the fabulous history which Granada has to offer.
