AC Palacio de Santa Paula, Granada, Spain

Entering Palacio de Santa Paula from the busy thoroughfare of Granada’s Via Colón, it’s easy to miss the plethora of historical delights that lie scattered haphazardly within this luxury hotel expansive interior. Granada’s original five star hotel was once a collection of three different buildings. The classic 19th-century front façade overlooking the main street – now a modern reception area staffed by a group of professional bi-lingual hosts - was once a palace. Hidden away behind, meanwhile, is the 16th- century convent of Santa Paula boasting a huge library, a lovingly restored chapel (now used as a conference-banqueting facility) and a salubrious inner courtyard-cum-cloister complete with original frescos and trickling central fountain.

The facilities

Scattered amongst the ancient artifacts are the luxury hotel’s modern gymnasium, a Turkish bath, a sauna, a comfortable bar and a top-notch gourmet restaurant. In contrast to many of Granada’s other historic hotels there is also easy car access and ample parking facilities. And just when you thought you’d seen it all, the final decorative flourish: a 14th-century Moorish house, no less, tucked away at the back of the luxury hotel and accessed via another smaller courtyard notable for its quaint tranquility.

The rooms

All 75 rooms at the Santa Paula are well-thought-out and slightly different. A fine selection of luxurious extras are available in the rooms; the kind of lavish luxury hotel trimmings that regular “aficionados” will have come to expect including, satellite TVs, free minibars, power showers, Terry bathrobes and enough pillows to soften a thirty foot fall from the roof.