The Gran Hotel Claridge has opened its doors in the emblematic Villamena building, located next to the ambulatory of the Granada Cathedral. This new five-star luxury establishment has quickly become a point of interest for both tourists and local residents, eager to explore its facilities after four years of renovation. The hotel boasts impressive views of the Cathedral and its tower, accessible from its terrace.
The hotel's facade, preserved and restored, evokes its past as a savings bank headquarters, highlighting its original architecture. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a 250-square-meter Grand Lobby. Here, the traditional check-in process is replaced by a personalized 'welcome ritual'. Staff, pre-informed of guest preferences, offer a refreshing towel, a courtesy drink called 'Sueños de la Alhambra' (Dreams of the Alhambra), and three exclusive fragrances created by La Casa de los Perfumes to scent the guest's room.
The hotel's director, Miguel Miguel Estévez, emphasizes the establishment's philosophy centered on personalized service and the ultimate guest experience, promoting the essence of Granada. This connection is evident in the details: scents inspired by local orange trees, flavors combining ancient spices and local Granadian products, and visual elements such as Fajalauza tilework in the lobby and library, and even in the staff uniforms designed in collaboration with Antonio Gutiérrez. The local fruit supplier is Frutas Yolanda, and the marquetry comes from Cuesta de Gomérez.
The hotel features 70 rooms across ten categories, including the Gran Suite Catedral spanning 116 square meters. Some rooms are equipped with record players offering vinyls from Granadian groups like La Plazuela, and artists such as Enrique Morente or Miguel Ríos. Prices range from 184 euros for deluxe rooms to 1,200 euros per night for the grand suite. The interior design, by Alma Studio (Vasco Aragao), aims to recreate Nazari luxury, recalling the building's history as the Alhóndiga de los Genoveses, a former hub for merchants.
The hotel offers various amenities: a lobby bar exclusive to guests, specializing in teas from Granada Té Company; a SPA managed by Wellness Boutique with a water circuit and treatments; and a gym. The archaeological gallery, showcasing remains of the ancient alhóndiga, will host exhibitions by local artists, with the next featuring 13 painters.
The gastronomic offerings are centered on the Zima terrace, providing panoramic views of the Alhambra, the Sierra Nevada, and the Cathedral. Zima will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring Granadian and Mediterranean cuisine, using local products and Nazari-inspired details. The terrace also includes a solarium and a swimming pool. Additionally, the hotel will feature an author's restaurant, Inizio, set to open on June 1st.
The hotel also aims to be an ambassador for Granadian culture, offering visitors guided routes through the city and the mountains, and visits to local businesses. For local residents, free guided tours of the hotel have been organized, including a tour of the facilities, archaeological remains, and the terrace, requiring prior registration.
