Parador or other place in Ronda?
 

We will be spending 2 nights in Ronda. Original plan was to stay in parador for the two nights. But I've heard it might not be the best place-maybe too sterile? Do you have any recommendations for an alternative in Ronda? Thank-you!

It was the best place we stayed on our Andalusia trip last Nov (and that's saying a lot). Ask for a gorge-facing room. It was huge w/hardwood floors a very large bathroom and a balcony with great views. It's very well located and has a parking garage. We also stayed 2 nights and that was just about right.<BR><BR>It was very comfortable, but didn't find it "sterile" at all.

THe Parador in ROnda is the best place to stay.

Originally when I booked the parador in Ronda as the only parador we were able to work in on our trip to Spain I was disappointed because I knew it was one of the more modern paradores and I was hoping for something historic and ancient. It turned out to be an excellent place to stay--perhaps not the most quintessential paradore but a great place to stay. For sure ask for a room facing the gorge. We especially requested a bed matrimonial ( a true double bed) of which they apparently have few, so we were booked into room 222. It couldn't have been nicer. Large deck facing the gorge, lovely furnishings, large and nicely appointed bathroom with a tub not just a shower. Ask for 222.

i stayed at the parador when it first opened a few years back and our room there was great with a wonderful view. However, the general area downstairs was fairly sterile. Last year I stayed at the San Gabriel instead which is much smaller and located in the old town - the rooms are darker (overlooking a central patio) and don't have the views but this place is full of character and the Spanish owners are lovely. I will be going back next month. you can read our detailed review on http://www.i-escape.com - select Andalucia.

To those who have done the "Parador" tour, can you give me your best, most informative source for your trip? Whether it be web site or book? We are considering a trip next year. Thanks

No contest. It's the San Gabriel. The place is a beautiful old house with immense character and charm. The people are also wonderful. The parador is fine, but it is just a modern hotel. The view is nice but you get that just by being in Ronda. The advice I got before going was best - stay at the San Gabriel and have a drink at the parador. The Parador is also about 40% more expensive. The San Gabriel is really unbelievably cheap for what you get.<BR><BR>As far as the rooms being San Gabriel rooms being dark, ours certainly wasn't. If you search this site, you can get specific recommendations for the best rooms.

Just a day or two ago I answered a question about the parador in Ronda and I mentioned that it is a more modern hotel than some of the paradors. If that was to you, I certainly hope you didn't over react to my statement. Anon, above, suggests that it is "just another modern hotel". Well, I wish all modern hotels were even half as nice. It is a very lovely property with well furnished rooms in a fairly traditional style. No, it isn't as atmospheric as some of the really wonderful paradors --the one in Leon was my favorite. But it is a wonderful place to stay, nevertheless.