Spain´s Hotels - Why Not Pick A Parador

By Author: Linda Plummer
Total Articles: 14
Comment this article

Spain has a super selection of hotels and you will surely
discover something to suit all tastes and pockets.

Whilst most visitors holidaying in Spain from abroad tend to
stick to the stereo-typed hotel chains for their vacations,
Paradores make a fantastic alternative. Quality accommodation
and food guarantee a stay that is remembered for comfort,
style and value for money. And, through them, you will gain a
better and deeper knowledge of Spain.

Right from their beginnings in 1928, the aim of the state
established Paradores Spain was to offer high standards, at
reasonable prices, in a noteworthy building or location, and
to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking, by serving
the best of local cuisine in the Parador restaurants.

Equally important objectives of the hotel chain were to help
preserve the country´s national and artistic heritage and to
promote tourism in areas which had been overlooked by the
private sector.

Today, Paradores can be found in converted castles, palaces,
fortresses, ...
... convents, monasteries and other traditional
buildings throughout the mainland and its islands. The group
has also built new hotels in unspoiled areas of the country in
magnificent locations.

The origins of Paradores go back to 1910, when the Spanish
Government assigned the Marquis de la Vega Inclán the task
of creating a hotel infrastructure for vacations which would
house travellers and improve Spain´s image abroad.

In 1926, through the Royal Tourism Commission established in
1911, the Marquis de la Vega Inclán initiated the establishment
of a hotel in the Gredos Mountains in Castilla La Mancha, making
the wonders of the area´s landscape accessible to tourism.

King Alfonso XIII of Spain was very enthusiastic about the idea
and he, personally, chose the location. Construction began in
August 1926 and was completed on the evening of 9 October 1928.
The hotel was inaugurated that same day and became the first
establishment of the future Paradores Spain network, the
Parador de Gredos.

After the opening of the Parador de Gredos, the Board of
Paradores and Inns was formed and efforts were channelled into
perfecting the original idea and into making use of selected
historical/artistic monuments and beautiful landscapes for the
establishment of new Paradores Spain.

So, why not consider making your stay in Spain rather unique
by picking a Parador?


About the Author Linda Plummer is webmistress of
Top Tour of Spain
providing comprehensive information on Spain for travel, food,
language and living.