Áurea Washington Irving

This hotel offers a truly memorable experience, primarily distinguished by its unbeatable location directly opposite the Alhambra, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and anyone prioritizing easy access to this iconic landmark. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's modern and elegant design, coupled with exceptionally attentive service, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. The hotel is well-suited for couples seeking a romantic and quiet retreat, as well as families and Alhambra visitors who appreciate the convenience of being steps away from the monument. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the efficient valet parking service if arriving by car, and be prepared to take a bus or taxi back from the city center after exploring, as the return walk is uphill.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of modern facilities designed for guest comfort and relaxation. Most guests appreciate the rooftop leisure area, which includes a swimming pool, gym, and sauna. While the pool is noted as small and sometimes unheated or closed for maintenance, it offers a pleasant spot to unwind, though some guests found the number of available sunbeds limited. The fitness center is generally well-equipped, though some noted late opening hours. The sauna is available, but a few guests felt it lacked expected amenities like towels or soap. In-room conveniences such as a coffee machine, clothes steamer, and ironing board are frequently praised. Free Wi-Fi is available, though a few guests experienced intermittent signal issues.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness and the overall comfort of the rooms. The accommodations are described as spacious, modern, and well-appointed, ensuring a restful stay. Many reviews highlight the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, contributing to a delightful sleep experience. The bathrooms are often noted for their generous size, featuring both a shower and a separate bathtub, along with double sinks in some rooms. While most feedback is positive, a few guests mentioned minor issues such as older towels, a slightly dark ambiance in some rooms, or occasional noise from adjacent rooms' plumbing.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options generally receive positive feedback, particularly the breakfast spread. Most guests praise the breakfast variety and quality, describing it as comprehensive, delicious, and offering a wide selection of both hot and cold items, including a la carte options like eggs. However, some guests experienced mixed service at breakfast, noting it could be chaotic or understaffed at times. The hotel restaurant is appreciated for its good food quality and excellent service, though some found the menu limited or the prices a bit high for the portion sizes. The bar area is noted as small, with some guests experiencing slow service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most significant advantage, situated directly across the street from the Alhambra, making it incredibly convenient for visits to the palace. Guests can easily walk to the Alhambra entrance in just a few minutes. The hotel is also well-connected to the city center, accessible via a pleasant 10-15 minute downhill walk through a beautiful park. For the return journey, which is uphill, guests frequently recommend utilizing the affordable and readily available public transportation, with bus stops conveniently located right outside the hotel, or taking a taxi. Valet parking is offered, providing a useful service for those arriving by car, despite the drop-off area not being directly in front of the hotel.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for their exceptional service. Guests frequently describe the team as friendly, helpful, attentive, professional, and welcoming, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is noted as smooth and efficient, with staff providing valuable information and recommendations for local attractions and dining. Specific services like the valet service are also highly praised for their efficiency and courteousness. The dedication of the staff to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience.

Additional Information
Guests often appreciate the hotel's pleasant ambiance, noting a subtle and inviting fragrance throughout the property. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with their companions. For those interested in local history and literature, the hotel features a library containing several first edition books by Washington Irving, adding a unique cultural touch. While the hotel is widely regarded for its quality, some guests perceive it as more aligned with a high-end 4-star experience rather than a full 5-star, particularly concerning certain amenities or service aspects.