Spain - What are Paradores
 

How different are the Paradores from hotels, or is it just the Spanish name for hotel. If they are different from "normal" hotel, is it worth staying. Price is not a major consideration in this respect.

Thanks in advance for any information given.

in spain and portugal these are "hotels" which are owned by the government and are often located in historic or special buildings....the ones i have stayed in are all above average and truly lovely....

you can write a tourist office in Spain and they will sent you a list, and hopefully one will be on your route.
Mine were not. They are really as the previous poster said, beautiful old, sometimes, castle like ancient buildings, some more elaborat than another.

Thanks for the info. I will try to stay in one instead of a hotel.

Check this one out and you we'll learn a lot
www.paradores-spain.com