Escape to Granada's Hidden Gem: La Posada de Quijada Awaits!
Escape to Granada's Hidden Gem: La Posada de Quijada Awaits! - A Review That's Real (And a Little Rambly)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to tell you about La Posada de Quijada. Forget those perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this is the real deal. And let me tell you, it’s got its quirks. But that’s exactly what makes it so damn charming.
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First Impressions (and a little fluster):
Driving up, you’re not slapped in the face with a sterile, corporate vibe. No, La Posada de Quijada is tucked away, a little…secretive. It’s a hidden gem, alright. More like a hidden treasure if you ask me. Finding the entrance felt like stumbling upon a secret passage in a fairytale. And let me tell you, after the long drive, the promise of a relaxing escape was very welcome.
Accessibility – The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Okay, let's get real about accessibility. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," and that's a good start. The elevator is a godsend, and the staff really tried to be accommodating. The entrance was pretty straightforward, and the common areas were generally accessible. But… and there’s always a “but,” isn't there? I noticed some tight corners in certain areas, and while the rooms are described as accessible, I would strongly recommend calling ahead and confirming specific needs. They seem genuinely keen to help, but it's better to be proactive. Overall, it’s a mixed bag – good effort, but room for improvement.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable… and Maybe a Little Too Cozy?
My room? Well, it wasn't exactly a palatial suite. But it was clean, well-maintained, and the bed? Oh, the bed! Cloud-like. Seriously, I almost didn’t want to get up. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) They’ve thought of everything. Seriously. And the blackout curtains? Absolute life-savers for someone who likes to sleep in. The in-room Wi-Fi was blazing fast, which was a godsend for catching up on emails (or, you know, binge-watching Netflix).
Internet – Connected, but Detached (in a Good Way!)
Speaking of Wi-Fi, it’s free and fast in every room! (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas) This is crucial. I need to be connected, but I also crave disconnecting. La Posada de Quijada manages to strike that balance.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Feast for the Senses (and My Stomach!)
Okay, let’s talk food. Because, let’s be honest, that's half the reason we travel, right? (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant)
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was…well, it was a buffet. Good, not mind-blowing. But the coffee? Absolutely divine. Seriously, I’m still dreaming about it. And they had fresh pastries. Fresh pastries! My weakness. I may have… overindulged.
- Dinner: The restaurant was a bit more formal, but the food was incredible. I had the lamb – melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And the wine list? Extensive. I sampled a few… for “research” purposes, obviously.
- Poolside Bar: Ah, the poolside bar. Pure bliss. Sipping a cocktail, gazing at the view, and completely forgetting about… well, everything. They make a mean mojito, by the way.
My "Spa Day" Debacle (and Triumph)
Now, let's talk about the spa. (Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) I decided to treat myself. I booked a massage, a body scrub, the whole shebang. I was picturing myself floating on a cloud of relaxation. And, well, that's mostly what happened.
The massage was fantastic. The masseuse had magic hands. Seriously, my muscles melted away. But the body scrub? Let's just say there was a slight…miscommunication. The scrub was a bit more…vigorous than I anticipated. I left feeling like I'd been polished to a mirror sheen. Slightly red, but definitely exfoliated. It was a good experience, though. Imperfect, but good. It made me laugh! The pool with a view was stunning. The sauna and steamroom were perfect for winding down. The gym? I didn't even glance at it. I was in relaxation mode, baby!
Things to Do (Beyond the Pool and the Spa):
Granada is a city that practically oozes history and charm. La Posada de Quijada is a great base for exploring. They can arrange tours, give you tips on the best tapas bars… (Things to do, ways to relax, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) You could easily spend a week wandering the Alhambra, getting lost in the Albaicín, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound
In these times, cleanliness and safety are paramount. La Posada de Quijada seemed to take it seriously. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) Everything felt clean and well-maintained.
Services and Conveniences – They Thought of Everything!
** (Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center)** The concierge was super helpful, arranging taxis and giving me recommendations. The daily housekeeping was spot-on. They have thought of every little thing.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
While I didn't travel with children, the hotel seemed family-friendly. (Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) I saw families enjoying the pool and the gardens.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
** (Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking)** Parking was free, which is always a bonus.
The Quirks? The Realness?
Look, La Posada de Quijada isn’t perfect. It's not a gleaming, soulless chain hotel. It's got character. It's got imperfections. And that’s what makes it so… memorable. The staff are genuinely friendly, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.
My Emotional Verdict?
I loved it. I truly, genuinely loved it. It wasn’t just a place to stay; it was an experience. It's the kind of
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Granada, Spain: La Posada de Quijada - A Love Letter (and a Few Minor Gripes) - 7 Days of Bliss (and Occasional Mild Panic)
Day 1: Arrival – Jet Lagged and Judgy (Mostly About the Cobblestones)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Landed in Malaga. Huzzah! Except, the flight was delayed, and I’m convinced the guy behind me was specifically practicing his snoring for the entire transatlantic journey. My neck feels like a poorly-stuffed sausage.
- Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Train to Granada. The scenery? Stunning. The tiny, perfectly-manicured olive groves? Absolutely Instagrammable. My mood? Somewhere between "hangry" and "existentially exhausted."
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Arrived at La Posada de Quijada. Oh. My. God. This place. It's like stepping into a fairytale. The courtyard! The flowers! The wrought iron! The initial relief of checking in quickly evaporated when I realized I had to navigate my suitcase over cobblestones that seemed determined to break an ankle. Seriously, these streets are a death trap for rolling luggage.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): My room! Charming, quirky, and… a little smaller than I'd imagined. But the view! The Alhambra peeking over the rooftops! Okay, I'm sold. For now.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at a tapas bar near the Plaza Nueva. First tapas? Patatas bravas. Glorious, spicy, potato-y heaven. My stomach, and my soul, are now singing.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Attempted to explore the Albaicín. Got lost. Miserably. The winding, narrow streets are a labyrinth. I swear, I walked in circles for an hour. Found a tiny little shop selling hand-painted tiles and spent way too much money. No regrets.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant with Alhambra views (finally found it!). Ordered way too much food. Ate it all. Fell deeply in love with Spanish wine. Fell even deeper in love with the Alhambra, lit up against the night sky.
- Evening (10:00 PM): Collapsed in bed. Jet lag is a beast.
Day 2: Alhambra – The Good, The Bad, and the Absolutely Incredible
- Morning (8:00 AM): Wake up. Still slightly jet-lagged. Coffee is essential. Strong coffee.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Alhambra tickets. I'd been warned. The online booking system is a nightmare. I spent a good hour refreshing the page, cursing, and generally feeling like I was competing in the Hunger Games of Alhambra tickets. Finally got them. Victory!
- Morning (10:00 AM): Alhambra. Oh. My. God. Seriously. Prepare to be blown away. The Nasrid Palaces are breathtaking. The courtyards, the carvings, the sheer artistry… I was speechless. (Which, if you know me, is a miracle.) I spent hours wandering around, feeling utterly transported.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a cafe near the Alhambra. Gazpacho – chilled, refreshing, and perfect. The Alhambra's magic was still working.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Continued exploring the Alhambra. The Generalife gardens are stunning – a riot of color, fountains, and perfectly manicured hedges. I had a near-religious experience standing in the Patio de los Arrayanes.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Alhambra-related meltdown. The crowds! The heat! The sheer number of people trying to take the exact same photo as me! I needed a gelato. Immediately.
- Afternoon (4:30 PM): Gelato. Saved. My. Life.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Tapas tour. Found a hidden gem of a bar in the Albaicín. Ordered a mountain of tapas. Ate them all. Again. I am officially a tapas-connoisseur.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stumbled back to the hotel, utterly exhausted but completely exhilarated. The Alhambra… wow. Just wow.
Day 3: Flamenco – Passion and Pain (Mostly in my Feet)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Spent an hour trying to figure out the bus system. Failed. Walked everywhere. My feet are already starting to protest.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Explored the Sacromonte caves. Fascinating, slightly eerie, and absolutely fascinating. The history of the gypsies and flamenco is incredible.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a restaurant with a view of the Alhambra (again!). I’m not complaining.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Tried to learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Failed. Miserably. My pronunciation is atrocious.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Flamenco show. Okay, this was intense. The music! The dancing! The raw emotion! The dancer's feet moved so fast, it seemed like they were levitating. I was mesmerized, captivated, moved to tears.
- Evening (9:30 PM): Post-flamenco drinks. Discussed flamenco with strangers. Found a new appreciation for raw, passionate art.
- Evening (11:00 PM): Feet are screaming. Took a hot bath. Praying for my feet to be alive tomorrow.
Day 4: Hammam and Highs and Lows
- Morning (9:00 AM): Hammam experience. This was… heavenly. The warmth, the scents, the feeling of complete relaxation. I could have stayed there all day. Highly, highly recommended.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a cafe. I'm starting to feel like a local. I'm also starting to worry about my waistline.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Attempted to climb the tower in the Alhambra. Mistake. The climb was steep, crowded, and I was convinced I was going to pass out. Made it to the top. The view was worth it. The struggle? Not so much.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Lost my phone! Panicked. Raged. Cursed. Found it in the bottom of my backpack. Relief washed over me like a tidal wave.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. The food is consistently amazing. I'm starting to feel like I'll never want to leave.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Walked down to the Plaza Nueva. Enjoyed the atmosphere. Feeling like a Granadan now.
Day 5: Shopping and Street Art
- Morning (10:00 AM): Explored the shops in the Albaicín. Bought way too many souvenirs (including a ceramic pomegranate).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Wandered around the street art scene. I really liked the art but, honestly, my feet hurt too much to enjoy it properly.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Tried to find a specific tapas bar. Got lost. Again.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Found the tapas bar, finally. It was worth the struggle.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Relaxed.
Day 6: Relaxation and Reflection
- Morning (10:00 AM): Went to the park. Saw the Alhambra, one last time.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Had lunch.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Enjoyed a final walk through the Albaicin.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Packed.
Day 7: Departure – Heart Full, Stomach Full, Feet… Well, Let's Not Talk About It.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up. Coffee, packing, and the bittersweet feeling of leaving.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Lugged suitcase over those infernal cobblestones.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Train to Malaga.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Boarded the plane.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Landed back home.
Final Thoughts:
Granada? Absolutely magical. La Posada de Quijada? Charming, quirky, and a perfect base for exploring this incredible city.
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La Posada de Quijada: Your Granada Dream...Or Maybe Not? (FAQ-ish Ramblings)
Okay, so... La Posada de Quijada. Is it actually *hidden*? Because Google Maps...
Hidden? Well, "hidden" in the sense that it's not slap-you-in-the-face obvious, like, say, the Alhambra. You're not going to stumble upon it while blindly chasing churros. Finding La Posada is a *process*. It involves winding alleyways, a few panicked glances at your phone (guilty!), and maybe a moment of "are we *sure* this is the right place?" Honestly, I got lost the first time. Twice. And then I felt like a total champion when I finally, *finally* found it. It's part of the charm, I swear!
Think of it like this: it's hidden in plain sight. It’s there, but it rewards the seekers. Kinda like... finding a really good slice of pizza in a city that’s full of, well, *less* good pizza. The payoff is worth the trek.
The rooms – are they as charming as they look in the photos? Because, you know, Instagram...
Alright, let's be real. Instagram is a *lie*. (Mostly.) But… yes! The rooms are pretty darn charming. I mean, they're not perfectly staged, minimalist perfection. Thank heavens! They have character. Think exposed beams, maybe a slightly wonky tile or two (which, honestly, just adds to the character!), and that feeling of being in a real, lived-in space. I booked the one with the balcony (because, priorities) and, oh my god, the view! It was… well, it was almost enough to make me forgive the fact that I'd completely forgotten to pack an adapter. Almost.
They’re not the Ritz. They're better. They’re cozy, and they feel *authentic*. That's what I loved. And the beds? SO comfortable. I slept like a baby, mostly because I was utterly exhausted from wandering around all day, but still. Big points for comfortable beds.
The breakfast – is it worth getting out of bed for? Because, you know, sleep…
Okay, breakfast. This is where La Posada *really* shines. Forget your sad continental breakfasts with stale croissants. This is the real deal. Freshly squeezed orange juice (I may or may not have had three glasses every morning), local bread, amazing jams, and honestly, the best coffee I had in Granada. I'm a coffee snob. I admit it. And this coffee? It was good. Really, *really* good.
There was this one morning, I was running late. Like, *really* late. I was supposed to be at the Alhambra, but I was so engrossed in the deliciousness of the breakfast, that I almost missed my entry time. Almost! But the staff were so lovely, so patient. They didn't even judge my slightly crazed, caffeine-fueled state. So, yes, get out of bed. Absolutely.
How's the staff? Are they actually helpful, or just… there?
The staff? They're amazing. Seriously. They’re not just “there.” They’re like, the friendly, helpful locals you *wish* you had as your personal tour guides. They’re full of recommendations, tips, and genuine smiles. I asked them about everything – where to find the best tapas (essential!), how to get to the Albaicín (more essential!), and even where to buy a decent adapter (life-saving!).
I remember this one time, I was struggling to communicate with a local taxi driver (my Spanish is... well, let's just say it's a work in progress). The staff jumped in, helped me out, and saved the day. They felt like friends by the end of my stay. Seriously, they made the whole experience. You can't fake that kind of genuine hospitality.
Okay, the location. Albaicín. Is it… noisy? Because I need my beauty sleep.
Albaicín is magical. It's also… alive. Let’s be honest. It's not a silent monastery. There are people, there are sounds, there are sometimes slightly overenthusiastic street musicians. But! La Posada is tucked away. It’s not right on the main drag. So, you *do* get a sense of peace and quiet. I mean, I'm a light sleeper, and I slept fine. (See above about the comfortable beds).
You might hear the occasional distant chatter, or a church bell, but it's all part of the charm. It’s the sound of life in Granada. If you're a super-sensitive sleeper, maybe pack earplugs. But honestly, I found the sounds to be more atmospheric than disruptive. It felt like I was *in* Granada, not just visiting it.
Anything I should be warned about? Like, any downsides? Because nothing's perfect...
Alright, let's get real. Nothing's perfect, and La Posada isn't either. My biggest gripe? The lack of a lift. If you have mobility issues or are lugging around a massive suitcase (guilty!), be prepared for stairs. Quite a few stairs. And the Wi-Fi, while generally okay, can be a little… spotty in certain rooms. (Cue the minor panic when you can't immediately upload that perfect photo of your breakfast!).
And, okay, one more thing. The location, while charming, means some steep inclines. Prepare your calves! Granada is a city of hills. But honestly? Those minor inconveniences were easily outweighed by the overall experience. And hey, the stairs are good for your glutes, right?
So, overall… would you recommend it? Spill the tea!
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Despite the stairs, the occasional Wi-Fi blip, and my aforementioned adapter-related trauma, I loved La Posada de Quijada. It's not a cookie-cutter hotel experience. It’s real, it’s charming, it’s full of character, and it’s run by genuinely lovely people. It felt like a home away from home.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already plotting my return. Granada, you magnificent city, I'll be back! And La Posada? You're on my list of places I'll always remember, and probably recommend to everyone I meet. Just… pack an adapter, okay?
