Paradores: dormir en un castillo español
Spain's network of historic state-run hotels — and the vocabulary that comes with them.
Imagine staying in a real medieval castle, a former monastery or a palace built for kings — and the Spanish government runs it as a hotel. That is exactly what a Parador is. There are around 100 of them across Spain, often in places where ordinary hotels couldn't exist. Knowing about Paradores gives your answers about accommodation real cultural depth.
Throughout the article, the useful Spanish words and phrases are highlighted (with their meaning in brackets), so you can “steal” them for your speaking and writing. Tap the on any phrase to hear it.
Los Paradores are a Spanish state company that turns historic buildings — castillos (castles), monasterios (monasteries) and palacios (palaces) — into luxury hotels.
Los Paradores son hoteles únicos en edificios históricos.
Paradores are unique hotels in historic buildings.
Cada Parador tiene siglos de historia y vistas espectaculares.
Each Parador has centuries of history and spectacular views.
The first opened in 1928 in the Sierra de Gredos, and today there are Paradores from the green north (Galicia) all the way to the Canary Islands.
Parador de Granada
Located inside the Alhambra grounds — the only hotel where you can sleep next to one of the world's great monuments.
El Parador de Granada está dentro del recinto de la Alhambra.
The Parador of Granada is inside the Alhambra grounds.
Parador de Santiago de Compostela
A former pilgrim hospital from 1499 — now considered one of the oldest hotels in the world.
El Parador de Santiago es uno de los hoteles más antiguos del mundo.
The Parador of Santiago is one of the oldest hotels in the world.
Parador de Cangas de Onís
A 12th-century monastery in the Picos de Europa mountains — perfect for hikers.
El Parador de Cangas de Onís es un monasterio del siglo XII en plena montaña.
The Parador of Cangas de Onís is a 12th-century monastery right in the mountains.
Most Spanish families don't stay in Paradores — they're a treat. Here are the typical options:
- un hotel — fairly self-explanatory, often 3-star and family-run.
- una pensión (a guesthouse, small and family-run) — cheap and basic, common in old towns.
- un albergue juvenil (a youth hostel) — popular with backpackers and on the Camino de Santiago.
- un camping (a campsite) — by the sea or in the mountains, very popular in summer.
- un apartamento turístico / un alquiler vacacional (holiday rental) — Airbnb-style.
- una casa rural (a rural country house) — increasingly popular for “back to nature” weekends.
Mi familia prefiere las casas rurales porque queremos desconectar de la ciudad.
My family prefers country houses because we want to switch off from the city.
Booking phrases
He reservado una habitación doble con vistas al mar para tres noches.
I've booked a double room with sea views for three nights.
Quiero media pensión, por favor. ¿Está incluido el desayuno?
I'd like half board, please. Is breakfast included?
Complaining (Higher: use the present perfect)
Disculpe, el aire acondicionado de mi habitación no funciona.
Excuse me, the air conditioning in my room isn't working.
Hemos pedido una habitación tranquila pero la nuestra da a la calle.
We asked for a quiet room but ours overlooks the street.
Quisiera hablar con el gerente para hacer una queja formal.
I'd like to speak to the manager to make a formal complaint.
Saying what you prefer and why
Prefiero alojarme en albergues juveniles porque son más baratos y conozco a más gente.
I prefer staying in youth hostels because they're cheaper and I meet more people.
Mis padres prefieren los hoteles de cuatro estrellas porque buscan comodidad.
My parents prefer four-star hotels because they're looking for comfort.
Comparing accommodation
Los hoteles son más cómodos que los campings, pero los campings son más divertidos.
Hotels are more comfortable than campsites, but campsites are more fun.
Una casa rural es la opción más relajante de todas.
A country house is the most relaxing option of all.
Dream accommodation
Si tuviera mucho dinero, me alojaría en el Parador de Granada para ver la Alhambra.
If I had lots of money, I'd stay at the Parador of Granada to see the Alhambra.
A model answer combining cultural depth, opinions and tenses:
Cuando voy de vacaciones con mi familia, normalmente nos alojamos en un hotel de tres estrellas cerca de la playa. Sin embargo, el año pasado pasamos tres noches en un Parador, en Granada, dentro de la Alhambra. Fue una experiencia inolvidable porque el edificio era un monasterio antiguo. Personalmente, prefiero los albergues juveniles cuando viajo con mis amigos porque son más baratos y se conoce a gente nueva. Si tuviera mucho dinero, me gustaría alojarme en el Parador de Santiago, que es uno de los hoteles más antiguos del mundo.
Three tenses, a strong cultural detail (Paradores) that 99% of pupils won't mention, and clear opinions — a Grade 8/9 answer in miniature.