The Shine Albayzin seems to be part of a chain, called Shine, of well-renovated hotels in historic centres of European cities. This one opened very recently and was brilliant in almost every way – it’s located directly on the narrow ancient road along the river Darro, the heart of the old city at the foot of the hillside of the Moorish neighborhood of Alayzin or Albaicín, directly facing the Alhambra on the next hill – just a few blocks away from the Cathedral and the shopping street of the Gran Vía de Colon (named for Christopher Columbus) and, in the other direction, the gypsy/flamenco outskirts of the Sacromonte. The off-season price was very reasonable, and the renovation of the old courtyard home seemed to me to be very well done indeed, with the austere furnishings around the beautiful central courtyard, and the spare modernist, large rooms. The staff was friendly and somewhat helpful, but with only one young woman on duty at any time, seated at a computer in the courtyard wrapped up as warmly as could be in a winter courtyard, there was little interaction with the guests. The only two drawbacks were that the breakfast was not included and a bit overpriced and the spartan breakfast room was chilly, so we went to local coffee bars and shawarma restaurants for breakfast, and the wifi Internet was available only in the breakfast room. It would be very difficult to bring a car here, but the Plaza Nueva two blocks over has plenty of buses and a taxi stand. Otherwise, strongly recommended, in my view.

The adaptive re-use of the 16th century has been exceptionally well done. The staff are welcoming and the location (below the Alhambra) is spectacular. Great value as well.

A patio model renew hotel in the heart of Albayzin. With a view of Alhambra if you get superior room with the balcony. With the natural music from Darro river and close to Plaza Nueva for public transport hub and Calle Elvira for bunch of food (including halal restaurants). Negative things: a bit strange of design for rooms, and quiet expensive rate.

Nicely renovated, all modern comforts, medieval-arabic "air", in the best part of the city and absolutely adorable staff.