artlover

Hi Maribel,
I just went in to the Parador website and tried to become an amigo, but no luck... :'(

I too am thinking of planning our next trip around them (well, as much as possible)

As for the question of public transport--we did a 5 day card last trip and stayed at Avila, Leon, Salamanca, and Segovia all using public transport.

Maribel

Hi artlover,
Sorry! :'(
It would be nice if there were a way to sign up at www.parador.es, but alas, you have to get your membership form and fill it out at a Parador to get rolling.

We became Amigos because our waiter in Chinchón encouraged us to join. We filled out our form during lunch, were given a number to use in our subsequent Parador dining and overnights during our trip (we became Parador junkies) until we received our official card.

BTW, you can only earn pts. in the restaurants and through overnights-no pts. given for items bought in the Tiendas or for drinks/sandwiches in the cafeterías. From time to time I receive discount coupons for Tienda purchases.

You could try emailing the central reservations office and ask them to send you the form, fill it out and send it back to them, or you can just sign up upon arriving at your first Parador stay, or better still, at any Parador along the route to your first night's stay.
For the free parking, it's sometimes wise to reserve a spot in the garage when you make your room reservation, especially during high season wkds. (lots of weddings) and holidays, such as Holy Week.

I'm working right now on a winter Galicia trip built around them-yes, we like constant rain! We'll finally be able to redeem our points!

Regards,
Maribel