Paradors or hotels in south of Spain

The Parador in Granada is the most expensive Parador of the entire system due to its location and popularity. It is right at the Alhambra complex, probably a 2 minutes walk from the Nasrid Palace. It is convenient to the complex, but not necessarily the town. Is it worth it is a personal opinion. Not an apple to apple comparison, but we spent $400+ a night for a hotel in Boston. To me, the Parador is a much better value due to its location. For plenty of photos look it up on TripAdvisor.

From the train station probably the best way to reach it is via taxi. For visiting the city, there are busses that run up to the complex, but a taxi would probably be quicker.

Most Paradors are very reasonable especially if you catch a special offer. Last month we stayed at 7 different ones and the average price was about 140€ and included the buffet breakfast. Last year we stayed at 9. If you’re over 55 there is a 10% discount on the bed & breakfast rate if you join its free Amigos program. On our trip we used points earned from last year’s trip for 2 free nights.

I stayed at the Granada Parador ( but at a discounted price in December). It was worth the splurge for me. I looked out my window at the beautiful grounds. I really enjoyed it at 250 euros, unsure I would feel the same at 400 euros. If you join their frequent visitor program you do get a free breakfast.

We have stayed at many paradors including the two top ones San Sebastián and Granada which are more costly. They tend to be a little outside of town. Rent a car or skip most Paradors.

I only occasionally splurge on a hotel, and between booking and checking in, I always have a nagging fear that I'm going to regret it. In July of 2022, I spent around $450 a night for three nights in a room with views of the Generalife. I swooned as I walked from reception, through the cloister, to the room, and never for a second regretted it at all.

It's true that Paradors can be oddly located. I think Granada's is worth being out of the center for. We always walked down and took taxis back up. (Well, we walked up once. Then took taxis...)

One of Spain’s most historic Paradores is in the Basque town of Olite— 30 miles south of Pamplona- where you’ll find the 13th-century Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Navarre. It’s a bargain with a superior double room in the old castle going for €160. The fantastic Royal Palace—which towers over Olite—looks as though it cannot be real. Trains travel to Pamplona from where buses continue to Olite.

Thank you!

There is an excellent Parador in the center of Arcos de la Frontera. Get a clifftop room overlooking the countryside for the best effect. You do need to be reasonably fit to walk up into town from the bus station, if you don't drive.

We stayed at the Parador in sleepy Jarandilla de la Vera. It was a beautiful old castle/palacio for €130. Get away from the biggest tourist draws and you’ll find cheap and wonderful places