I'm interested in the Paradors, the concept of staying in historic old castles and monasteries, in luxury and in nice locations. If you had to chose, which would be your top 3 or 4 picks, and why?

They are scattered through the country. Be wary of some of the new paradores as they ae modern buildings. There are none in Barcelona, Madrid, or Sevilla.

The Paradors are all spread across the entire country, so picking 3 or 4 is rather difficult, it all depends on where you want to go (www.parador.es/en/portal.do).

The number of luxury accommodations are limited, but most Paradors are comfortable. We just spent three nights in the Parador in La Granja (www.parador.es/en/parador-de-la-granja?), a standard room, and it wasn't bad, but we've stayed at better Paradors.

The parador in Granada which overlooks the Alhambra is a former monastery. It was, at one time, THE most popular parador of all due to its location and you would have to reserve it months in advance. The accommodations are somewhat spare but certainly comfortable.

there is one in Catalonia that was on the Kirstie and Phil vacation show-looks great . It's near the observatory.

That was The Parador Cardona in a 9th century castle. The Parador Malaga Gibralfaro is not an old building but has a spectacalur position overlooking the city and hatbour of Malaga.
The Parador in Ronda is also in a great position. Unless they have changed drastically I dont think I would use the word luxury to describe those that I stayed in (Malaga and Granada)but certainly very comfortable.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-paradores.cfm

I have stayed in the Parador 10 months ago in Gijon - North Spain - a couple hours west of Basque Country. It was small but extrememly well appointed. I like the fact there are little gifts awaiting you. It was an old mill - on a small lake-

Another favorite - This one is quite luxiourious.

http://www.spainparador.com/Parador_Leon.htm

We often stop and eat lunch in some as well where we have gotten a flavor of and even toured the property and rooms.

another -

http://www.spainparador.com/Parador-Bielsa.htm

If you have children there will be gifts for them as well.

There are slightly less than 100 Paradores throughout Spain - thete is a wbsite where you can sigh up for a newsletter too - I will try to find it.

I have eaten lunch at several as we traveled through Spain.

The Parador de Granda is one of the more expensive Paradors. It was totally renovated a few years ago and would hardly be considered "spare". It missed receiving its 5-star rating because the elevator does not reach the (very expensive) suite on the upper floor. The special discount rate in November for a standard twin is around €260/night. The price for other rooms go up from there.

I have stayed at Oropesa (Toledo province), Siguenza, Santiago de Compostela, Cazorla, Avila, Alarcón, Albacete, and a few others that escape me right now.

The first two as well as Alarcón and Avila are fairly close to Madrid ( under 2 hours or so) and are renovated castles or stone historic buildings and worth a stop if they are on your path.

Hondarribia
La Granja
Cuenca
All fabulous, great breakfast! The toiletries in bathrooms are outstanding!

Great, thanks everyone that's lots of grist for the mill and now I understand more about the concept.
Annesherod, how was Beilsa? I've seen that from the outisde, a great location ut it looked reasonably standard?