Visiting Spain's Paradores

Where: Real de la Alhambra S/N, Granada, Spain, 18009

April 27, 2007 at 3:15 PM | by annie0007 | Comments (0)

Spain reveres its old places, and for nearly a century the government has taken the steps to turn some of its more beautiful locations into paradores -- that is, old forts, convents, fortresses, and castles, that are now sumptuous and historic hotels.

These architectural beauties preserve the heritage and culture of Spain -- it's even official policy at the paradores to serve regional cuisine -- and they're scattered all over the country, from the Meditteranean to the Basque region. The name, too, is steeped in history: the word "parador" comes from the Arabic word waradah, or "halting place."

The best accommodations should provide a texture to your trip, a sense that you are in a special location unique in the world. Now imagine you're in Andalusia, visiting the famous Alhambra in Granada, with its outstanding Islamic architecture, fountains, archways, and gardens, wandering about with your dog-eared copy of Washington Irving's "Tales of The Alhambra," first published in 1832.

Where better to stay than the Parador de Granada? This former convent built by Catholic monarchs is part of The Alhambra citadel itself. It's as much a five-star hotel as it is a walk through history. Romantic courtyards, tapestries, engravings, famous portraits, pillars, plants, antiques, and staggering views of the palace make it a destination in and of itself.

Tripadvisor reviews rave and rant about the place -- from "amazing," "wonderful, and "surreal," to "expensive and boring."

Think you'll just motor into Granada and snag a bed here? Forget it, amigo. You've got to book at least six months in advance to get a room. And standard doubles start at 260 Euros a night. Oh, Valencia!

[Photo: Albedo20]

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· Parador de Granada reviews [TripAdvisor]

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