Parador de Oropesa

The Parador de Toledo is a unique experience. A converted Manor House owned and run by the Spanish Government the conversion is of the highest order and quality keeping the flavour of the castillian gentry.

Booking in, if there are more than two in the queue, is slow but friendly. However the ambience of the main hall in which reception is located more than makes up for any wait.

The views from the bar and the adjacent terrace are stunning. Several hundred metres above the Tajo river plunging through the gorge and directly opposite the old medieval capital of Spain. In Summer meals are served on the terrace whilst Toledo is lit up... almost just for the Parador's guests.

The rooms are furnished to a very high standard, meticulously clean and large for a European Hotel. They can be a bit dark and the quarry tiled floors can be cold if a visit to the bathroom is necessary in the middle of the night. The rooms either look onto the gardens (including the open-air pool) or over to Toledo (a mystery how to book these try asking for one when making the initial booking). Room service and maid service are excellent.

English is not well understood, either in Toledo or by the Hotel Staff, however the Parador's friendly ambiance does not make this a problem

Breakfast is sumptious and dinner a gourmet's delight. As in all of Spain meals are taken late with the restaurant not open 'til 8 and not in full swing until 10.00 pm. The qulaity of the meal and accompanying wines are worth the wait.

A Parador is not cheap (130 Euros for room {for 2} and breakfast), but well worth the investment.

Unique Quality: An old Manor House faithfully restored and refurbished to offer luxury and one of Europe's best views (if not the world's).

Directions: From Madrid leave motorway after crossing Tajo river, drive along south bank at first mini- roundabout straight on, for 2/3 km. Parador signposted to left. Use filter lane. Road up ends in complex roundabout system. Parador is on the left.