The Carmen de la Victoria has some of the most breathtaking views of the Alhambra that can be gotten in Granada. Situated in the Albacin (a moorish neighborhood on the hill opposite the Alhambra, separated by a steep and narrow valley), the property literally stares out across the valley at the Alhambra which, when lit up at night, occupies your entire field of view. It is an imposing, distractingly beautiful view. The Gardens of the property are on the hillside, and have a pleasingly unpredictable array of paths winding down unexpected stairs and through a dozen types of trees and ivy. I must have taken 100 pictures of the Gardens and view alone, it was so beautiful. The main dining area of the Carmen has superb views of the Alhambra, and there a wonderful common areas with views, and numerous verandas. The Carmen is situated in just about the best place you could be in Granada; walk up the street to an open air market on Saturday and buy fresh dates and fruit; wander the Medieval windy cobblestone streets through the hillside neighborhood and be charmed by the architecture and hidden little restaurants around every corner; go to the top of the hill and see a view that, if possible is even better of the Alhambra with the Snow covered Sierra Nevada mountains behind it (or the moon on some nights). Go up a different hill (directly across the street from the Carmen) and be in the Sacramonte, Granada's Gyspy neighborhood with Cave Taverns where they perform Flamenco until all hours. Go down the hill, and you are in the city center with a million windy streets full of Cafe's that serve tapas until 4am. The only down sides of the Carmen de la Victoria are (a) the rooms are not especially nice, by US standards, and are quite basic (expect to rationalize the bareness of the room every other feature, which is truly fantastic and memorable). Also, I have yet to meet anyone here who speaks English, which occasionally is inconvenient, but rarely a serious problem All in all, unless you are super picky about creature comforts in your room, this is a fantastically memorable place to stay. Sit on the veranda on a summer evening at dusk with a nice drink, and wonder what you did to deserve this. You will find yourself wondering whether there is really any need to leave the property, since it is so picturesque right where you are. Ask for a room away from the street (too many scooters and motorcyles going by, and singing spaniards), and with a view of the Alhambra, if possible.

The Carmen de la Victoria is a small, well-situated hotel in the Albaicin neighborhood of Granada. It has a beautiful garden and wonderful views of the Alhambra from some of its rooms. (Our view was of the parking spaces.)

The staff at the Carmen de la Victoria is competent, but only one person among the staff spoke any English.

Rooms at the Carmen de la Victoria are pleasant, but they are not air conditioned. Guests should bring their own blow-dryers, etc.. There are no mini-fridges or other conveniences. Access to the internet is extremely limited: There is one computer downstairs available to guests. Accomodations are somewhat monastic.

If I were coming to a conference in Granada, I would stay at the Carmen de la Victoria if the weather forecast was for pleasant weather. I would not plan on driving a rental car to the Carmen de la Victoria.