Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
March 2012: AC Palacio de Santa Paula, Granada
This was my first experience of the Autograph Collection, Marriott's recently launched and fastest growing brand. The idea of the collection is to bring the benefits of Marriott's sales department, reservation engine and loyalty programme to a group of independent and distinguished luxury hotels, each selected for its originality and character. The description certainly seemed to fit the bill with the Palacio de Santa Paula, which occupies the premises of the 16th-century Santa Paula convent and the 12th-century Casa Morisca, and as such has been declared a historic monument. The location on Gran Via de Colón was convenient for the cathedral and royal chapel, the Albaicín district and the public minibus service to the Alhambra.
My spacious, high-ceilinged room was located in the upper floor of the convent, overlooking the cloisters and courtyard. The hotel's in-house restaurant El Claustro, situated in the former convent refectory, offered a standard of cuisine (with prices to match) that I'm sure was far beyond anything the nuns ever experienced.
Overall, an exceptional five-star property.
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| In: Fri 16 Mar 2012 |
| Out: Sun 18 Mar 2012 |
| Nights: 2 |
| Room: 220 (King Courtyard View) |
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