The word 'parador' means 'stopping
place'. The Paradores of Spain is a
chain of lodging places set up by the
Ministry of Tourism in places of
special interest or remote locations.
It was the idea of the Marques de la
Vega-Inclan in 1926 when he was Royal
Tourist Commissioner. The first was in
the Madrid area, and later on they
were set up at distances that were
considered a day's travelling apart.
The main idea was to provide
inexpensive accommodation to
travellers in areas that would not
normally be profitable. The second
part of the idea was a good use for
all the run-down monuments and
historic buildings that would
otherwise be left to fall apart.
Nowadays they include modern,
attractive buildings as well as
ancient places such as castles,
convents and monasteries. Each parador
is a hotel with all facilities and
rooms with bathroom, hot and cold
water and central heating. Currently
there are nearly 100 establishments in
the parador chain. Most are now
expensive and need to be booked up to
a year in advance. It is advisable to
book in advance. Further details can
be obtained from Central de Reservas
de España in Madrid, on (1) 559 0069
Fax (1) 559 3233.
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