Hospes Palacio de los Patos

Located in sunny Andalusia, the art of renewal The Palacio de los Patos is a tale of two parts, one old, one new, that together make up a great whole. The old part is a much loved 19th-century palace that has been reconverted with great style and flair by the impressive Hospes group of hotels, they certainly know a thing or two about how to renovate an august building, which in this case has also been classified as being of cultural interest. Their philosophy is one of boldness and class and the Palacio de los Patos fits the bill perfectly. As for the new part, this is a striking modern addition, mixing depths and transparencies behind a majestic lattice made of alabaster. It contains many of the hotel’s facilities, including the restaurant, spa, pool and some 22 bedrooms, each one faultless in the predominant colour of white.

This modern twist carries on into the old palace, which despite retaining some of the original features, such as the mosaics and rose window still has “classy modern décor” written all over it, from the futuristic sinks (bathrooms are great) to colour schemes and lines. As a guest once said, the rooms are so nice you may not want to leave them.

That would actually be a shame, though, for Granada is such a lovely place to visit. This Spanish city has so much to offer: the world-famous Alhambra, the impressive Cathedral and the Arabic quarter. And the Palacio de los Patos is certainly its equal, with its decor, history and last but not least, excellent friendly service.