If you’ve spent any time looking at maps of southern Spain, you know Granada is basically a labyrinth. It’s a city of hills, narrow Moorish alleys, and a massive fortress on a rock. Honestly, choosing a hotel here is usually a trade-off. You either stay up in the Albaicín for the vibes but kill your knees on the cobblestones, or you stay near the Alhambra and find yourself isolated from actual city life.
But then there is the NH Collection Granada Victoria.
It sits right at the intersection of Puerta Real. If you aren't familiar with the layout, just know it’s the heartbeat of the modern city center. You have the 19th-century facade looking all stately and historic on the outside, but the inside is basically a masterclass in modern European minimalism. It’s a 4-star spot that feels like a 5-star one if you’re into service and location over flashy gold leaf.
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The Location "Cheat Code"
Most people don't realize how much the location of your hotel dictates your mood in Granada.
Staying at the NH Collection Granada Victoria basically gives you a "cheat code" for the city. You’re about a five-minute walk from the Cathedral and the Alcaicería (the old silk market). If you want tapas, Calle Navas is right there. It’s legendary for a reason. You walk in, order a caña, and they hand you a plate of habas con jamón for free. That’s just how Granada works.
The hotel is also remarkably close to the Palacio de Congresos and the main shopping districts like Mesones. If you’re here for work, it’s convenient. If you’re here to spend money on leather goods and ceramics, it’s dangerous.
One thing to keep in mind: Puerta Real is busy. It’s a major junction. If you’re a light sleeper, you might worry about the noise. However, the hotel did a pretty solid job with the soundproofing during its 2005 renovation. The windows are thick. You can watch the madness of the city below while sitting in total silence. It’s kinda surreal.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
There are 70 rooms here. Not a massive hotel, but not a tiny boutique either.
The design is very "NH Collection"—lots of dark wood floors, white linens, and those "Sleep Better" mattresses that the brand is obsessed with. Honestly? They’re comfortable. You get a pillow menu too. It sounds fancy, but it’s basically just making sure you don't wake up with a neck ache after a 12-hour flight.
The View Situation
If you book a Superior Room, try to request one with a view or a balcony. Some of them look straight toward the Sierra Nevada mountains. Seeing snow-capped peaks while you're standing in a sun-drenched Spanish city is one of those "okay, I'm definitely on vacation" moments.
A few things you’ll find in every room:
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- A Nespresso machine (essential for the 7:00 AM jet lag).
- Professional-grade hairdryers (not those weird tubes attached to the wall).
- Rain-effect showers that actually have good water pressure.
- Fast Wi-Fi that doesn't drop out when you move three inches.
One tiny gripe? Some of the standard rooms can feel a bit snug. If you’re traveling with three suitcases and a stroller, just go for the Premium Room or a Junior Suite. Your sanity is worth the extra few Euros.
The Food and the Famous Buffet
Let’s talk about the breakfast. In Spain, "buffet breakfast" can sometimes mean a sad croissant and some questionable orange juice. Not here.
The NH Collection Granada Victoria breakfast is sort of a local legend among frequent travelers. They have a "Fresh Corner" where you can pick out fruit and the staff will whip up a smoothie or a juice right there. They have Iberian ham, local cheeses, and churros. Yes, churros for breakfast.
The on-site restaurant, simply called Victoria, does Mediterranean food with a bit of a twist. It’s located on the first floor under a glass dome that lets in all that Andalusian light. It’s great for a quiet lunch if you’re tired of fighting for a table at the tapas bars outside.
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The Logistics: Parking and Getting Around
Driving in Granada is a nightmare. I’m not being dramatic. There are "zero-emission" zones, bus-only lanes that will trigger a camera and mail you a fine before you’ve even parked, and streets so narrow you’ll think you’re in a car commercial for a Mini Cooper.
The NH Collection Granada Victoria actually has an indoor parking garage in the same building. It costs around €20.50 plus VAT per day. Is it cheap? No. Is it better than trying to find a spot in a public lot three blocks away while dragging luggage? Absolutely.
If you’re coming from the airport, the ALSA bus drops you off at Puerta Real, literally steps from the front door. If you’re coming from the train station, the SN1 or SN4 bus gets you to Acera del Darro 40, which is about 50 meters away.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you want to make the most of this place, don't just use it as a bed. The Guest Relations team here is actually useful. They can help you snag Alhambra tickets if you forgot to book them three months in advance (though no promises—those things are like gold).
- The Afternoon Bar: The bar on-site is surprisingly chill. It’s decorated in dark woods and pale greens. If you’ve been walking the hills of the Albayzín all day, coming back here for a glass of local wine and a sandwich is a pro move.
- Pet Policy: They allow dogs and cats up to 25kg. It’s about €35 per night, which is steep, but they provide a bed and bowls.
- Late Check-out: If you book through certain channels or have NH Discovery status, you can often get a late check-out on Sundays. Granada is a city that stays up late, so sleeping in until 3:00 PM is a gift.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Book the Alhambra First: Do not book your hotel until you have your Alhambra tickets. Seriously. If you can't get them for your dates, you might want to shift your whole trip.
- Request a High Floor: To minimize any potential street hum from Puerta Real, ask for a room on the 4th or 5th floor.
- Tapas Strategy: Exit the hotel, turn right, and walk toward Calle Navas. Don't go to the first place you see. Look for the one where the locals are standing up at the bar.
- Walk to the Cathedral: It's under 10 minutes. Go in the morning when the light hits the stained glass.
Staying at the NH Collection Granada Victoria isn't about being in a secluded palace; it's about being in the middle of everything without feeling like you're "roughing it." It’s clean, it’s professional, and the location is unbeatable for someone who wants to see the whole city without needing a fleet of taxis.
Check your travel dates on the official NH website or a major booking platform to see if they have "Smart Choice" rates, which can save you a decent chunk of change if you book at least 15 days out.