Nixing the Paradors

The beautiful paradors of Spain come highly recommended as lodging bargains in scenic, historic areas around the country.  I was thrilled when I first learned about them, especially since I love novelty accommodations, but I haven't had much luck attempting to book them.  And not because they're already full (many paradors fill up 6 months in advance) but because they're relatively too expensive!

Of the 93 government-sponsored paradors, Parador de Carmona in Seville, Parador de Arcos de la Frontera in Arcos de la Frontera, Parador de Ronda in Ronda, Parador de Granada in Granada, and Parador  de Chinchón and Parador de Alcalá de Henares in Madrid are located in or near cities we'll be visiting this summer.  Here's what I've encountered.

Stunning Parador de Granada is the most expensive of them all because of its prime location within the walls and gardens of the Alhambra Moorish palace.  A standard twin is 330€ and a junior suite is 620€, without breakfast.  The junior suite, however, only sleeps two, and so a family of four would have to rent two rooms, doubling the price.  I have not found a single parador that can accommodate more than two persons to a room.  There exists one other hotel within the Alhambra walls, the Hotel América.  Its standard double room is 90 - 130€, and they have a triple for 180€.  Needless to say, this is the better option for a family.  (We booked a triple with an extra bed.)

The Parador de Carmona in Seville is an enormous 14th century citadel located on a hill with marvelous views.  For 130 - 185€ a night, again there are only double rooms.  We booked a two bedroom apartment with kitchen for 145€ per night including breakfast in the heart of Seville.

Parador de Carmona in Seville.
Photo credit:  Carallan

Built in restored convents, castles, fortresses, and palaces, the paradors are all beautiful and culturally significant structures, maintained by the Spanish government.  I would really like to partake in a bit of this national Spanish heritage, but it seems families have been priced out.