Hotel America, Granada, Spain - Perfect for your tour of The Alhambra & Generalife

What could be a more perfect combination than a unique opportunity to stay within a famous attraction combined with great room prices in Spain?

For families vacations or a romantic retreat, the 17-room Hotel America could be the answer. Located within the walls of The Alhambra, a 14th century palace and fortress, is this surprising hotel and restaurant.

This 19th century hotel started out as a house but is now a hotel composed of two buildings with a quiet garden courtyard in between. All of the rooms have a private bath or shower, telephone, central heating and air conditioning. Some of the rooms look out onto the courtyard and some with beautiful views of the Alhambra gardens.

Secluded Courtyard Perfect for a Romantic Meal

With seasonal specials and room rates between 50-150 Euros a night, it could be a great place for either a romantic getaway or a family stay. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend all day exploring this famous landmark knowing you had rooms waiting within the walls? Since this is one of Spain’s most visited attractions, if you need help they will get your tickets to the Alhambra for a small fee.

This hotel is filled with modern amenities like free wi-fi but retains lots of genuine warmth and cozy rooms filled with antiques.  With its amazing location you can choose between eating at their restaurant, with its romantic courtyard, choose from nearby restaurants like La Mimbre or venture further into town via the bus.

Antique filled rooms at Hotel America in Granada, Spain

We loved our visit to the Alhambra and its Generalife gardens.  The three hours we spent was not nearly enough and I can see why people return to this beautiful place over and over again.  When we do, staying at the Hotel America is definitely going to be part of our plan.

Hotel America

Real de la Alhambra, 53
Alhambra – 18009 – Granada
Andalucia – Spain
Tel: + 958 22 74 71

Photos by Sharon Castellanos

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Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Want to be close to the action on your New Orleans vacation? Smack in the middle of the French Quarter, the elegant Royal Sonesta New Orleans is not only within walking distance of some of the best restaurants, nightclubs and shopping spots in the Crescent City, it’s got a few to call its own as well. Staying here is like having a front seat on Bourbon Street.

One of the most amazing things about this hotel, however, is that you can be so close to the hustle and bustle—but barely hear it. When you want to leave the party on the street, you can go back to your quiet room and sleep soundly in preparation for your next day in this magical city.

All 500 plush guest rooms include pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, mini bars and Wi-Fi. Choose a pool or patio room for a sweet view of the tropical courtyard and club-like swimming pool area. (If you’re in New Orleans during the hot summer, you’ll definitely want to hang out by the pool and the Oasis Pool Bar and Grill for some cool relief.) If you’re in a party mood, pick one of the Bourbon balcony rooms, with French doors that open onto traditional French Quarter balconies overlooking Bourbon Street. The 35 suites are great for those who like to splurge—and this is the perfect place to indulge.

Pool and Oasis Pool Bar

Hungry? Nosh at the Royal Café, PJ’s Coffee Café, Desire Oyster Bar, or Begue’s Restaurant. Le Booze is the ideal spot to grab a drink and watch people walk by on Bourbon Street. If you’re in the mood for music, find a seat at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, home to Grammy-nominated, Billboard award-winner Irvin Mayfield.

Poolside King Room

Rates range from $129 to $429 per night; suites range from $329 to $479 per night. Advance purchase specials are available for 90-, 30- or 7-day advance purchase online, saving you 20 percent, 15 percent and 10 percent off daily rates, respectively.

Families should note that New Orleans is a fun place for kids too, with the Audubon Insectarium, Aquarium of the Americas and Audubon Zoo. At the Royal Sonesta, kids under 17 stay free with an adult.

Royal Sonesta New Orleans, 504-586-0300
300 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Photos courtesy of Royal Sonesta New Orleans.

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CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta

It’s often difficult to finally be able to unwind after traveling: all those airport lines, cramped seating on the airplane and long cab rides. If you’re staying at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa on your Puerto Vallarta vacation, it’s like being in the express lane to relaxation.

The CasaMagna is conveniently situated on the beach (with a luxurious family pool for loungers), near golf courses and within an easy walk to shops and restaurants in Marina Vallarta. The hotel’s 404 luxury guest rooms and 29 suites (rates range from $249 to $538) include either a private balcony or terrace. Mine looked out over the garden with a view of the pool and the ocean—and a beautiful sunset over Banderas Bay.

King Guest Room

The hotel’s restaurant, La Estancia, offers authentic Mexican regional cuisine with a blend of the contemporary and traditional. The breakfast buffet has a wide array of choices, so take a deep breath before you plunge in. For dinner, be sure to ask for a sample of the hotel’s private-label tequila—its production is overseen by the CasaMagna’s own tequila sommelier.

What to do if you’ve had your fill of sand and sun for the day? The newly built Ohtli Spa is 22,000 square feet of luxury. Choose from a menu that includes Swedish to Thai massages, facials, wraps and even a Fire Opal Balancing Stone Therapy (which is what I chose) that involves Mexican fire opals in a hot stone massage. Absolute heaven.

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa +52-322-226-0000
Paseo La Marina 435, Marina Vallarta, Mexico

Photos courtesy of CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa

More Puerto Vallarta-related information:
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Disclosure: My stay at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa was sponsored by the Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureau, however the opinions are my own, and there was no promise of type of coverage.