Maribel

Hi artlover,
Hope I live long enough to make that goal! But have to get back to Canarias though to do it (haven't been since '73)!

I've also taken advantage of those coupons for free stuff in the gift shop-a nice gesture. We invariably end up buying a corkscrew or an umbrella!

Look for the opening fairly soon of the Parador Alcalá de Henares. And they plan to open 15 more in the next 3 years-quite an ambitious project!
I'm eager to visit the one being built at the Monastery of Corias in beautiful rural Asturias. They're now producing red wine down there, BTW.

Incidentally, you can read their excellent bilingual magazine online (pdf) by clicking on "corporate info", then "paradores magazine".

ribeirasacra

Paradores are quite expensive, even with a discount card. If you want to stay out of towns and more in small villages or isolated houses then look at www.toprural.com The larger houses like Pazos and Rectorals have a good standard with large rooms. Lower down the scale are Casa Rurals. Staying in any of these establishments means you will also have a more personal service than a Hotel or Paradore.

ribeirasacra

Car Hire:::::
Americans usually drive automatic cars. However if you can hire a manual (stick shift). Autos are usually more expensive because they are not so popular and neither are they in the lower class of car.
Don’t be afraid of a very small car, it will be more than adequate here in Europe. Just hire one that is suitable for your party, the smallest will accommodate four person but will not have the luggage space.
If you are not confident on using a manual then don’t try an learn to use one in a foreign country the stress could be too much and ruin your holiday.

scdreamer

bookmarking

artlover

Lots of great tips so far, but no one's mentioned apartment rentals for stays of one week or longer in one place. I'd really be interested in these and think they would be great budget savers.

weasel

Hi My DH and I booked an apartment in the El Born district of Barcelona in March. Booked through inside BCN. It was $89 Euros/night. 1 bedroom with sitting room,Kitchen,washing machine,bath/shower combo in bathroom. It was fantastic. close to everything, clean and much cheaper than hotels in this area. We will definitely book again when we return. Also much cheaper to rent a car through auto europe prior to arriving in Spain. We also used Toprural for a room at Can Xiquet near Cadaques. Fabulous hotel, food(breakfast and dinner) were outstanding, wish we had planned on more than 1 night. For Madridwe booked 3 nights at the Westin Palace hotel which we won on an auction through Luxury link. We paid 1/6th the price which included dinner,drinks and a Madrid card for 2.

mikelg

If in the Basque area, try www.nekatur.net, for very cheap prices on excellent accomodation (normally not in city centres). And toprural, of course.

artlover

weasel and mikelg, Thanks for your responses.

weasel,
Did the couch in the sitting room convert to a bed?

Also, as far as car rentals, we've gotten good rates through autoeurope.com, but got even better ones from another company suggested here on Fodors and now I can't find the name. I think it was something like jetcar, but when I googled that it didn't work. Anyone know?

Another great freebie in Barcelona is "The Magic Fountain" by Montjuic on Saturday night. Music and a light show and people watching all together. It might happen more often in the summer, not sure, but it's a great experience.

cova

Regarding car renting, pepecar.com has good rates and are expanding all over Spain. They began with Smart cars but now they even have minivans.

I don´t think they have automatic cars, mind you.

Rgds, Cova

tokyo_geek

Hello all.

Caroline, regarding Paradores I agree are quite nice and if you do your homework you can get a nice rate.

My last stay was in Leon,which was outstanding.Good rate as well because we used pre-purchase hotel vouchers from http://Bancotel.com

Just my two cents regarding Paradores.Although they are nice,a big portion of them are in need of a big revamp.

Last addition is the new Parador at Alcala de Henares.

My top 3 are:
Baiona.
Santiago de Compostela.
Leon.

lincasanova

artlover.. i think it is "carjet". i have heard of that company.

ILCWEB

Hey Caroline -

As Spanish travel specialists since 1983, we've seen a lot of swings in the economy throughout the years. Currently, a consistently great way to beat the euro is through booking suite hotels rather than traditional hotels.

Suite hotels generally offer a better value play with more space and most importantantly, a kitchenette (which saves you money on meals). This can save travelers a good deal of cash without sacrificing comfort. Most suite hotels also offer 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom units, which are great for families or couples who are traveling together.

A great suite hotel in Madrid is Amador de los Rios. Check it out online at http://www.ilcweb.com/spain-hotels.php?hotelid=115

A great suite hotel in Barcelona is Hispanos Siete Suiza Suite Hotel. Check it out online at http://www.ilcweb.com/spain-hotels.php?hotelid=91.

I'd love to hear everyone else's thoughts.

Best,
Carter (International Lodging Corporation)

ribeirasacra

ILCWEB,
Looking through your listings and comparing with anybody else I found you own website is no better than any of the major players.
What you purchase is nothing to do with your listings more to do with a choice of hotel.
I have also noted that your one and only posting on this forum gives links to your own web site...how promotional is that?

mikelg

Petrol, or gas: a few cents cheaper at big supermarkets (Eroski, Carrefour,...), try to avoid gas stations in highways...you´ll save a little.