Spain, as a leader in the global tourism industry, introduced the concept of “state-owned castle hotels” in 1928. At that time, King Alfonso XIII planned a hunting vacation in the Gredos Mountains between Madrid and Ávila. However, there were no suitable palaces for him to stay in the area. So, the king personally selected a location and ordered the construction of the first state-owned hotel in the region, the Parador Nacional de Gredos.
The term “Parador” in Spanish means a place worth stopping, full of ancient charm. However, Parador does not refer to a specific individual hotel but rather to a group of state-owned hotels in Spain. Nearly a hundred hotels under this brand are renovated from ancient buildings, including castles, medieval monasteries, palaces, and mansions once owned by nobility. They cover almost all historical landmarks and seaside resorts in Spain, providing a rich and diverse experience. However, they are generally referred to collectively as Parador castle hotels.
Due to Spain’s history of numerous small principalities and the prevalence of Catholicism, Islam, and even Judaism, the maintenance of these ancient architectural relics requires substantial financial resources for continuous restoration. To preserve these national treasures, the government purchased them and entrusted their management to the state-owned Parador hotel group. The income generated from tourism is then used to protect these ancient buildings, making Spain a model for cultural preservation.
Parador’s most distinctive feature lies in the predominantly classical decor of its rooms. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, and the wooden floors and windows have been in use for centuries. Retreating to a Parador after a day of exploration, sinking into a plush bed, and immersing oneself in the visual impact of antiquity is a truly enjoyable experience. Despite the aged appearance of the rooms, various facilities, including modern bathrooms, showcase a contemporary touch.
Spain’s dedicated efforts in the preservation, redevelopment, and state management of “old buildings” breathe new life into abandoned castles and monasteries. This initiative has become a fresh hallmark of Spanish tourism. Each Parador hotel can be considered a precious work of art, carefully preserved, restored, and reimagined. These establishments embody historical richness while bearing the imprints of modern civilization.
