Hospes Palacio De Los Patos

Hotel description

Somewhere in the middle ground between history worship and idol-smashing avant-gardism lies a place like the Palacio de los Patos. In frontal view, it’s a 19th-century palace, utterly authentic, marble staircase and all; behind this, though, stands a brand-new modern addition — not the sort of dismal annex that mars an otherwise gorgeous historic hotel, but a stunning and urbane piece of modern-luxe hotel design.

The interiors vary according to which building they’re in, and the two approaches are complementary: rooms in the old palace are a contemporary take on the building’s period look, ornate carved ceilings and rich hanging drapes contrasting with simple contemporary furnishings and flat-screen televisions, while the rooms in the modern addition are more minimal, loft-style, with hardwood floors, bare walls and zen-flavored black wood furniture.

In no way is this a choice between luxury and design: the Palacio de los Patos is five-star through and through, whether you’re in the loft- or palace-style rooms. Bathrooms are spacious and well-equipped, rooms are dead quiet and filled with sunlight, and the service is top-flight. Add to this a spa, complete with indoor pool, and a restaurant that ranks among Granada’s best, and you’ve got — well, you’ve got a hotel that’s well worth a visit, which is, one imagines, entirely the point.