Sigüenza
If you mention Spain to me, be prepared to hear me gush...extensively. I love Spain. My husband and I hope to move our family there for a year (or five), sometime in the future. Our last trip there was last spring, and we dedicated the trip to Northern Spain. I fell in love, the scenery and people are both wonderful.
Now, we usually backpack on our travels and find rooms as we go. This has led to some very interesting accommodations – our rental car, an empty train car (off the rails), a very crappy Japanese business hotel outfitted with a TV that had a coin slot to turn it on. Which by the way, unless you are in a certain…ahem…mood, I would not recommend putting any money in.
However, on our last trip to Spain, we wanted to plan the entire trip around a wonderful hotel network know as Paradores Hoteles, which we had stayed in one night on a previous trip. They are a network of 4 and 5 star hotels in gorgeous buildings (many are restored monasteries and castles!) set in the most scenic locations (cliffside beaches anyone?).
Aiguablavas
The best part for us was the awesome Young Persons Getaway (ages 18-35). I loved being included at age 30! The deal includes a very delicious buffet breakfast. Each Parador is committed to focusing on the rich culinary traditions of the different regions of Spain, and this is reflected in the breakfast as well. We never had to eat lunch because we were always so full from the breakfast!
León
The promotion also gives you 30% off the room rate, which is not that pricey to begin with, especially considering the accommodations. We had the great fortune to visit all of the locations pictured, and also Cangas de Onís, Santo Estevo, as well as Ronda on a previous trip. In León we stayed in the San Marcos Monastery, whose construction began in the 16th century, which replaced another 12th century monastery from the times of King Alfonso VI. It was an amazing and new experience to stay in a hotel that was also a museum.
Bielsa
My personal favorite, and a place I dream of today, was in Bielsa. At the end of a canyon nearing the border of France, the Pyrenees mountains are filled with peaceful, fresh air and the sound of cow bells in the nearby meadow.
We stayed at so many unique locations, with so much history, that this trip was made much richer than many of our other explorations. The Paradores website has many suggestions of great routes for wine, castles or monasteries. If you are planning a trip to Spain, I highly recommend the Paradores Hoteles!
P.S. I was not offered anything to give this endorsement - I could only wish! We just REALLY loved our experience there.
