Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Ron, I'd vote for the Hostal del Cardenal. It's lovely and the more "romantic" of the two, I think, tucked away within the medieval walls. Cozy and private. It's a former archbishop's summer mansion with nooks and crannies, lounges, patios, gardens with fountain, antiques and fine oil paintings and very nice terrace for alfresco dining. Pretty at night (but so is the terrace of the Parador high above the city-tough call). The owners of the Cardenal's restaurant are the same family that owns "Botin" in Madrid with the same type of Castilian specialties. I don't think the welcome from the manager is overly warm (I liked dealing by phone with the Pintor El Greco's staff better), but that shouldn't mar your stay. It's very peaceful, except at cleaning time in the morning when the maids open all those heavy wooden shutters (but you'll be out and about then). Try to reserve one of the two suites with private terrace for a more special stay; they're not that exp. The hotel is actually below the Puerta de Bisagra gate, and you'll need to climb up into town for touring, but just beyond the entrance to the hotel, to the right of the small public parking lot as you're facing the entrance, walk down the avenue a bit along the Arab walls and you'll see a "people mover" escalator on your left that will take you up to Toledo's center to start your touring. If the little parking lot in front of the Cardenal is full (and it fills up by 10 a.m.), you'll need to drop your luggage off (lots of steps, 3 tiers worth, going up to the hotel) and drive down Paseo Recaredo, past the traffic circle, to the underground public lot, on the right side. That's what we did the last time we stayed at the Cardenal. Hope you have a great anniversary!