Live like a king in Spain’s paradors

By Charles Leocha

Travel columnist

updated 3:03 p.m. ET May 10, 2005

Some of Europe’s most luxurious and spectacular hotels have been created within the ruins of ancient castles, palaces, monasteries and convents in Spain. Known as paradors, these majestic hotels offer visitors romantic, atmospheric and luxurious lodging in Spain.

Built within the restored walls of magnificent castles and stately palaces, paradors provide travelers a unique taste of history. Crenellated towers, soaring archways, massive battlements, sumptuous throne rooms and breathtaking views are de rigeur for these exceptional lodges.

Paradors of Spain Parador Hodarrabia, Guipúzcoa, a defensive castle, overlooks the Bay of Biscayne and the river that forms the border with France.

All paradors are not created equal. Some are more luxurious than others. Some are modern rather than reconstructed, situated to take advantage of fabulous, one-of-a-kind views. Some are nestled within a labyrinthine old town. Some sit on splendid countryside estates. Others cling to cliffs, sit on hilltops or along white beaches. Each is a exclusive experience unto itself.

There are 90 or so paradors scattered throughout Spain. About half of them are modern and the other half are built in restored historic buildings. Every parador, however, has an excellent restaurant that focuses on the local gastronomy. Each restaurant provides a grand architectural and fine dining experience. Award-winning regional chefs craft meals that draw on local produce, fowl, fish and game.

For luxury, these are five of the most sumptuous paradors.

Paradors of Spain Cuidad Rodrigo offers hospitality in a bastion that once guarded the Portuguese frontier.

Parador Hostal de San Marcos, Leon
This hotel, founded in a 12th century pilgrim’s lodge, has just undergone a complete renovation. It has all the trimmings for luxury and is considered one of the crown jewels in the parador chain. No one here is doing penance. The beautiful Renaissance building and its formal gardens are only minutes from the city’s Gothic cathedral with its legendary 12,000 square-foot sea of stained glass windows.

Parador Hostel Reyes Catolicos, Santiago de Compostela
One of the oldest hotels in the Spain, this parador is part of one of most beautiful squares in the world, Plaza del Obradoiro. Inside, the hotel has four ornate cloisters, Gothic and Baroque décor, spacious hallways and two excellent restaurants. Steps from the front door is the Cathedral of Santiago, resting place of the apostle St. James and one of the holiest shrines of the Catholic Church.

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