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Paradores
are so much more than mere hotels. They are part
of the romance and passion that is the history of
Spain. The "Chain" was founded in 1928
by order of King Alfonso XIII.
From the
beginning, they were meant to provide more-than-adequate
accommodations set at appropriate distance intervals
around the country. One of the best and incidentally
most cost-effective ways to visit one of the world’s
top tourist destinations is to select a theme and
let the Paradores do all the work. Well not quite
so simple but the historical chain of hotels created
almost 80 years ago was meant to provide the tourist
and businessman alike a clean safe nightstop within
easy driving distance.
They have
evolved today into a chain of 90 Paradores. It is
rarely more than a few hours, or at most half-a-day’s
drive between one Parador and the next. This now
makes traveling by car in Spain a real pleasure.
The traveler can explore out-of-the-way areas and
really get to know the country - always confident
that a delightful place to rest, one of the fine
Paradores of Spain, is awaiting just a little ways
down the road.
Part of
their mandate is an unequivocal commitment to the
environment through the restoration of historical
monuments.
The group
has taken things a step further by creating "
routes" revolving around historical, gastronomical
and literary themes.
An example
would be the Rioja wine route, visiting the Paradores
of Calahorra, Olite and Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Another would be The Don Quixote Route spending
two nights at Oropesa, a night each at Siguenza
and lunch at Alarcon and continue on to Albacete,
Almargo and Manzanares
Just because many of the Paradores of Spain are
buildings that are centuries old — don’t
be fooled. All have been refurbished and brought
up to the highest quality of modern convenience
and service.
These are
superlative accommodations and combine features
that will captivate any traveler; enthralling architecture,
fascinating history, exquisite cuisine, delightful
ambience and impeccable service. In a word, they
are unmatched.
Parador in Chinchon |
To stay
at a Parador is to experience sensations unexpected
and rare. They embody a harmonious combination of
history, comfort, and beauty that creates pleasant
emotions which linger long after the stay is over.
Each of the 90 Paradors of Spain is unique, yet
there is a continuity of quality, cuisine and service
that comes to be expected and trusted as you travel
from Parador to Parador.
Another
thing that separates the Paradors of Spain from
other hotel chains is their commitment to environmental
protection as they undertake their many restoration
projects. They are thereby helping maintain both
the natural and cultural heritage of Spain.
Dining
in the Parador restaurants is always an enjoyable
experience. Each Spanish Parador offers a menu that
centers around the traditional dishes of the local
region, yet prepared in a style that sets them apart.
Many of Spain’s finest chefs oversee the restaurants
in the various Paradores of Spain.
There is
always a "set-menu" on offer, at a very
affordable price as well as specialty dishes for
the more adventuresome and discerning diner. The
Parador wine lists invariably feature some of Spain’s
best.
There has
developed a very large and international group of
people who would never think of staying anywhere
else while in Spain. Only the rare hotel around
the world inspires this kind of loyalty. The Spanish
Paradores are that special. If you have the chance,
by all means go out of your way to experience these
wonderful accommodations. You may find that you
too become a true aficionado of the Paradores of
Spain.
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