Spain’s Paradores: The Historical Hotels
Spain is a country rich in history, culture, and architecture. And one of the best ways to experience its historical legacy is by staying in one of Spain’s Paradores. The Paradores are a network of luxury hotels, many of which are located in historical buildings such as castles, monasteries, and palaces, across Spain. In this article, we will delve into the history of these hotels and explore their locations.
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History of Paradors
The history of the Paradores dates back to 1928, when the Spanish government decided to establish a network of hotels in historic buildings to promote tourism and preserve the country’s cultural heritage. The first Parador was opened in 1928 in the Gredos Mountains, and it was called Parador de Gredos. The aim was to provide a comfortable and luxurious accommodation option for visitors while preserving Spain’s cultural heritage.
The Paradores were initially managed by the Spanish government, and they were primarily located in castles, monasteries, and fortresses. However, during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, many of the buildings were damaged or destroyed. After the war, the Spanish government began a massive restoration project to restore these buildings to their former glory and convert them into luxury hotels.
Today, there are over 100 Paradores across Spain, ranging from modern buildings to historic palaces, castles, and monasteries. The Paradores are now managed by a private company, Paradores de Turismo de España, but they are still owned by the Spanish government.
The Green Side of Luxury: A Look at Paradores’ Sustainability Program
Paradores Hotels in Spain are not only luxurious and beautiful, but they’re also doing their part to save the planet. These eco-friendly hotels have taken sustainability seriously by implementing a ton of initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. They’ve switched to renewable energy sources, installed energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and even have a waste management program that includes recycling and composting. Plus, they’re all about promoting local and sustainable food by sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby producers. So you can indulge in some delicious cuisine while feeling good about supporting the local community and environment. The network of Paradores Hotels are the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy a lavish and eco-friendly vacation.
Locations of Paradors
The Paradores are located in some of the most beautiful and historic locations across Spain, from the mountains to the coast, and from the countryside to the city. Here are some of the most popular Paradores:
Parador de Granada
This Parador is located inside the Alhambra Palace, one of the most famous and beautiful historical sites in Granada, Spain. The Parador offers stunning views of the city and is just a short walk from the Alhambra’s main attractions.
The Parador de Granada has 40 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites. The rooms are elegantly decorated in a Moorish style, with wooden ceilings, tile floors, and luxurious fabrics. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and minibar.
At Parador de Granada’s restaurant, savor the unique blend of Moorish and Spanish influences that is the hallmark of Granada’s cuisine, where every dish is a feast for the senses that will transport you to the magical Alhambra Palace and leave you feeling like a true sultan or sultana! The restaurant is located in the former chapel of the convent, and it features beautiful vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. The Parador also has a bar, a garden, and a terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Parador de Toledo
Located in the historic city of Toledo, this Parador is housed in a former Renaissance palace. The hotel offers beautiful views of the city, and it’s a great base from which to explore the city’s historical and cultural sites.
The Parador de Toledo has 79 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites.
The Parador de Toledo’s restaurant is a foodie’s dream come true, where the local Manchego cheese and saffron-infused dishes will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a painting by El Greco, while the stunning views of the city will have you feeling like you’re on top of the world! The restaurant is located in the former palace’s ballroom, and it features beautiful vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace. The Parador also has a bar, a library, and several lounges, as well as a garden and a terrace with views of the city.
Parador de Ronda
This Parador is located in the Andalusian town of Ronda, famous for its stunning views and beautiful architecture. The hotel is housed in a former town hall, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The Parador de Ronda has 78 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites.
The Parador de Ronda also features a restaurant – the perfect place to enjoy the breathtaking views of the El Tajo gorge while savoring the local Andalusian cuisine, where the flavors of olive oil, Iberian ham, and goat cheese come together to create a fiesta in your mouth that’s as lively as the town’s annual feria! The restaurant is located in the former town hall’s ballroom, and it features beautiful vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace. The Parador also has a bar, a garden, and a terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Parador de Oropesa
This Parador is located in a beautiful medieval castle in the town of Oropesa, in the province of Toledo. The castle has been carefully restored and converted into a luxury hotel, complete with beautiful gardens and a swimming pool.
The Parador de Oropesa has 48 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites. The rooms are elegantly decorated, with wooden floors, antique furniture, and beautiful tapestries. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and minibar.
At Parador de Oropesa’s restaurant, the traditional dishes of Castilla-La Mancha are given a modern twist, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s fit for Don Quixote himself – don’t miss their succulent roast lamb that will have you feeling like you’re dining like a medieval knight! The restaurant is located in the castle’s former dining hall, and it features beautiful vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace. The Parador also has a bar, several lounges, and a terrace with views of the surrounding countryside.
Parador de Segovia
This Parador is located in a beautiful 12th-century castle that overlooks the city of Segovia. The castle has been carefully restored and converted into a luxury hotel, complete with a beautiful garden and a swimming pool.
The Parador de Segovia has 113 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites. The rooms are elegantly decorated, with wooden floors, antique furniture, and beautiful tapestries.
The Parador de Segovia’s restaurant serves up the legendary roast suckling pig and tender roast lamb that the city is famous for, but with a gourmet twist that will have you licking your fingers and wondering if it’s socially acceptable to lick the plate clean! The restaurant is located in the castle’s former dining hall, and it features beautiful vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace. The Parador also has a bar, several lounges, and a terrace with views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Parador de Santiago de Compostela
This Parador is located in the heart of the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. The hotel is housed in a former royal hospital that dates back to the 15th century.
The Parador de Santiago de Compostela’s restaurant offers a heavenly feast for the pilgrim’s soul, with the freshest seafood and meats paired with the finest Galician wines and cheeses, making it the perfect place to refuel after a long journey on the Camino and celebrate reaching the holy city of Santiago! The restaurant is located in the former hospital’s dining hall, and it features beautiful vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace. The Parador also has a bar, several lounges, and a terrace with views of the city.
Parador de Cádiz
This Parador is located in the coastal city of Cádiz, on the Andalusian coast. The hotel is housed in a modern building that blends in with the city’s traditional architecture.
The Parador de Cádiz has 124 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites. The rooms are elegantly decorated, with wooden floors, modern furniture, and large windows with views of the city or the sea. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and minibar.
At Parador de Cadiz, the restaurant’s menu will take your taste buds on a delicious journey through the Andalusian region, featuring fresh seafood, spicy chorizo, and sweet pastries that are sure to make your taste buds dance the flamenco! The restaurant is located on the hotel’s top floor, and it features stunning views of the city and the sea. The Parador also has a bar, a swimming pool, and a terrace with panoramic views.
Parador de Úbeda
This Parador is located in the historic city of Úbeda, in the province of Jaén, in Andalusia. The Parador is housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century Renaissance palace, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Parador de Úbeda has 36 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites.The rooms are elegantly decorated, with antique furniture, wooden floors, and beautiful frescoes.
The Parador de Úbeda’s restaurant will transport you back in time with its exquisite Renaissance-inspired dishes that are fit for a king or queen – just make sure to save room for their heavenly desserts that will have you feeling like royalty! The restaurant is located in the palace’s former stables, and it features beautiful vaulted ceilings and arches. The Parador also has a bar, a library, and several lounges, as well as a courtyard and a terrace with views of the city.
Parador de Cangas de Onís
This Parador is located in the town of Cangas de Onís, in the province of Asturias, in northern Spain. The hotel is housed in a former monastery, which has been carefully restored and converted into a luxury hotel.
The Parador de Cangas de Onís has 64 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites. The rooms are elegantly decorated, with wooden floors, antique furniture, and beautiful tapestries. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and minibar.
The Parador de Cangas de Onís’ restaurant is a culinary oasis nestled in the heart of the Asturian mountains, where the freshest seafood and meats are transformed into gastronomic delights that will have you feeling like you’ve discovered El Dorado – be sure to try their fabada asturiana, a hearty bean stew that will warm your soul! The restaurant is located in the former monastery’s cloister, and it features beautiful arches and columns. The Parador also has a bar, a library, and several lounges, as well as a garden and a terrace with views of the Picos de Europa mountains.
Parador de Santillana del Mar
This Parador is located in the charming medieval town of Santillana del Mar, in the province of Cantabria, in northern Spain. The hotel is housed in a beautiful 12th-century mansion that was once the home of the Marquis of Santillana. The Parador de Santillana del Mar has 28 rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites.
The Parador de Santillana del Mar also features a restaurant where you can indulge in the flavors of Cantabria – traditional dishes will have you feeling like you’re sitting down for a home-cooked meal with abuela, but with a side of modern gastronomic flair that will make your taste buds sing like a choir of seagulls!
The restaurant is located in the former mansion’s dining room, which features beautiful stone walls and a cozy fireplace. The Parador also has a bar, a library, and several lounges, as well as a garden and a terrace with views of the town.
Santillana del Mar is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including its cobblestone streets, charming squares, and 12th-century Romanesque church. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Altamira Caves, which feature prehistoric cave paintings that are over 15,000 years old, and the beautiful beaches of the Cantabrian coast.
Parador de Cuenca
Located in the historic city of Cuenca, in the province of Castilla-La Mancha, this Parador is housed in a former convent that dates back to the 16th century. The building has been carefully restored and converted into a luxury hotel, while retaining many of its original features, such as the cloister and the chapel. The Parador offers stunning views of the city’s famous hanging houses and the Huécar River gorge.
The hotel is located in the old town, just a short walk from the city’s main attractions, such as the Cuenca Cathedral, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, and the Plaza Mayor. The Parador de Cuenca has 63 comfortable rooms, including standard, superior, and deluxe rooms, as well as suites.
Step into the Parador de Cuenca’s restaurant and you’ll be transported to a culinary wonderland, where the dishes are as picturesque as the breathtaking views of the hanging houses outside – don’t miss their signature morteruelo stew that’s like a warm hug in a bowl!. The hotel also has a bar, a library, and several lounges, as well as a garden and a terrace with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
