a2dal

I have booked 2 rooms for ourselves and another couple at the Jaen Parador in July - then noticed that the room booking reads "standard twin". I have contacted them about needing one large bed (double, queen or king would be fine - just not twin!) and they tell me there is no way to guarantee a large bed in any room, no matter what we reserve. This strikes me as very odd. . .can anyone who knows the Parador well help me out here? Is it really possible that we would arrive to find ourselves in a room with two twin beds?

The couple we are traveling with will be on their honeymoon - and even for us, twin beds just are not what we are looking for. . .

Thanks,
Alexi

bo_jack

I looked in my Amigos de Paradors book. It indicates there are 8 rooms with single beds, 31 rooms with twin beds and 6 rooms with double or larger beds. So, random chance is not in your favor. When you say you contacted "them" -- do you mean the Jaen Parador, itself, or some intermediary? My wife and I stayed there for one night several years ago; my only memory is that it was somewhat out-of-the-way but quite nice. Don't remember details of the beds.

lincasanova

bed requests are not promised at many lodgings. best way to hopefully secure them is 1) write email asking them to prioritize your request,2) call them again two/3 days before, and arrive as early as possible the check-in day.

good luck.

a2dal

bo_jack -

i contacted the parador reservations via their website. i am not sure how direct that contact is - perhaps a phone call would be better.

we are planning on staying there on our way up from the southern coast to madrid. we liked the idea of staying in a castle and heard great things about that parador - i guess we have to decide if the sense of "Adventure" is worth the risk of a loss of the "romance". . .

bo_jack

By direct, I mean talking with or sending a fax to the Parador itself. Phone and fax numbers (a few years old) are:
Phone: 953 23 00 00
Fax: 953 23 09 30
Plus, you would need to add the country code. With so few double bedded rooms, the central booking probably does not have ability to keep a specific bed type, but the hotel will. Also, it may be that the large-bed rooms are in a different category at a higher price. I would expect a "standard twin" to be exactly that; so expect to pay more. Also, just as a note, the Parador was more of a fortress than a castle; however, as I said previously, it was quite nice.
Although many web sites can book into Paradors, the "official" web site is www.parador.es. You need to be using this one for best chance of success. I did check how that site works for a random one-night booking on June 19. It showed no availibility of four-poster double, superior double or basic double. However, it did show availability of standard twin. Going out several months further (October 19) it does show availability to book any of the double categories. So, it looks to me like a specific type of room, if available, can be booked on line at the official site. You will have to register to use the site; but you probably should check your specific dates, then believe the results . However, cancellations do happen and you might get lucky.

PJI

Just in case you did want to call the numbers that bo_jack so kindly provided the country code for Spain is 34. So, you would dial 011-34-then the number provided. Hope that helps. When you get back please let us know how the Jaen parador is, I've been wanting to venture that way myself.

Chele60

Your booking might be too late, unfortunately. I've booked rooms at 4 Paradors using the 5 nights card, and have received confirmation of a "single large bed" at 3 of them. (Toledo was the lone standout.) But I booked these rooms in February for a trip in September. Most of the Paradors have limited rooms with double beds, and I think they book fast.

You might want to email the Parador and ask if the room comes with 2 twin beds, if those beds are placed together or separated. It seems many times the beds are placed together. Not the greatest idea, I know, but better than being at the opposite end of the room.

You could also try to email the Parador and explain that one couple is on their honeymoon. Who knows? Maybe they'll do something extra, or suggest a cancellation list. It might be worth a try!