crellston

I am looking to book a 3 day Paradores tour online. So far I have come up with these sites:
http://www.paradoresofspain.com
http://www.paradores-spain.com

Anyone know if ithese are ok or maybe a recommendation for other sites?

kimhe

I think this is the official site: http://www.parador.es/en/portal.do

See guest reviews of the different Paradores at booking.com, for example: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/para...armona.en.html

pizzocchieri

I recently booked a Parador stay online through booking.com, and they offered me the same range of deals and packages that are offered on the official website. However, I was only interested in staying in one parador during the trip, and if you are looking for a pass or multi-night package at different paradors, then I suspect the official site that kimhe gave you is the way to book.

SuQue

We used www.paradores.es to book.

chapla

The parador works but is quite slow,be patient!
They have done a great job showing the parador with individual videos.For each parador there is a PDF file that also downloads slowly but gives details about the area and the regional food offered.I would never consider staying at the modern ones,only the historic ones for me are worth the euros.Also play around with the dates.the rates do vary.
The breakfast buffet is fabulous!
My paradors so far are the one outside of Segovia in La Granja and the tiny one in Hondarribia close to San Sebastian.

pizzocchieri

>>.I would never consider staying at the modern ones,only the historic ones for me are worth the euros.

NeoPatrick

It's been a few years, and not sure if it is still the same, but senior rates at the Paradors used to be simply AMAZING. Sometimes less than half the regular price!

pizzocchieri

When I looked at the various packages being offered by the paradores, a lot of them were fairly amazing, even for young couples traveling. It wasn't just that the room rates were discounted, it was that the packages prices were much cheaper than hotels in the same area that had fewer amenities.

Graziella5b

We have stayed in many Paradores, the Años Dorados plan has worked wonders, we made reservations directly each time. We always got promt replies and useful information.
Since we used to drive visiting several cities/towns in each trip we were careful to stay in the days of the week that the Años Dorados plan was valid in each case. Not a big deal and it was an easy thing to do.Great memories.... Which I expect to continue to enjoy....

Rastaguytoday

crellston,

Looks like SuQue has the 'official' site.

crellston

My thanks to all for the great responses. I will try the official you recommended kimhe ( as soon as I get a decent web connection!). We are looking at the 3 night "nazarids" tour staying in 3 separate historic Paradores starting in Jaen. The rates for the tour seem to come out at around €250 pp half board which seem like a bargain but will also check bookings.com for rates as suggested. Thanks for the feedback. I will post a full TR in due course.

Graziella5b

The Parador of Jaen, has tremendous views over the hilly olive fields, next to the ruins of Santa Catalina that can be visited paying a ticket. If you are driving be sure to know how to drive up the hill.
From Jaen it was a short drive to Ubeda , the Old Parador there is the former Bishop's Palace if you are going there be advised that rooms vary a lot, for that very reason. Location is tops in the old city.

crellston

Many thanks, graziella, I will bear those points in mind.

BillJ

Couple of years ago, we stayed at the Parador in Nerja. It was a more "modern" building, but right on the Buriana Beach. (Ayo's famous paella). I remember having to change reservations several times, and ending up calling them. Their email responses were slow and confusing. But the phone calls went well, ask for "habla engles, por favor." My overall experience was frustrating at first, but then quite positive, when I started calling them. Remember the time differences. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to a real person. They were all very nice and helpful.

nica

The web page (google paradores spain) is very good. Best deals are either offered to everybody (tarifa única just for accomodation around 100€ a night) or to members of loyalty card Amigos de Paradores which is free, and can be used almost inmediately as the send you an email with your card number the day after you apply for the card. Always check both for best rates.

I like old historical buildings with modern interiors, so I check the video and pictures of the parador before I make the reservation.

We just spent two nights at Santo Estevo. It is an incredible hotel, a gotic "monasterio", with three cloisters, renovated. It is one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen in my life (and I have seen a lot of them).

The renovation and modern decoration are terrific. You can´t believe that you are enjoying such a wonderful place for 180€ half board. Best breakfast I have ever had.


Rooms with a double bed are small, rooms with two beds are much better and bigger.

Besides the parador in itself, which is really beautiful, we visited Santa Cristina, San Manuel,Montecardoso, Celanova, Orense cathedral and city center (which is very nice) and a boat trip along the Sil river. Ask at the reception desk for a map of the region.

It´s located in a remote place. Ask for indications in english by email.

The wireless connection did not work , they said they were having some problems, so check that in advance.

Dinner starts at 20.30. It is good but not as terrific as breakfast.