Hotel America

location was excellent and staff was friendly

only one expensive place nearby for dinner

Very quaint, very charming, more like a highly interesting B&B. Don't let the one-star rating fool you--stars rate amenities and add-ons, not charm or quality of experience. Yet this little place has an amenity like no other, the fantastic Alhambra itself. A suggestion: stay in H. America two nights, ensuring the second night is a Friday or Saturday. Day one visit the Alhambra fairly early before the crowds show. That evening do the night visit (spectacular!). The next morning do another early visit just to absorb and ponder--it will be an immeasurable gift to yourself, and H. America's location makes it easily doable. (Remember that Alhambra reservations must be made in advance; night visits are Fri. & Sat. only.)