Parador de Hondarribia

The Parador Hondarribia is situated in the central square of the old town. As we had arrived during a festival every parking option in the town centre was full and I ended up a kilometre away from the hotel. Having walked to the Parador they confirmed that they had space in their car park and the receptionist very kindly drew directions on a map and told us how to navigate the old city - if necessary, and I add that necessity part because if you do it right, and ignore a no entry sign, there is only one road you have to worry about, and the only really tight bit is just as you turn towards the car park gate. In normal circumstances you might have to drive around the old town to get to the car park, but the roads are one way and perfectly wide enough, so should never be a problem. As I say, the only tight bit is just before you reach the car park gate, but I had no problem in my SUV (Audi Q5). The parking area isn’t huge but the spaces are a decent size and there is plenty of room to manoeuvre. Our Superior twin room (304) was spacious and nicely furnished etc and had an excellent view of the harbour. There was also a kettle with tea bags and coffee which is always a bit of a bonus in Europe. The en-suite was also a good size with all the expected toiletries and big towels. Breakfast at the Parador was excellent with a nice selection of fresh fruits, cheeses, charcuterie etc, as well as little pots of smoked salmon, avocado, grated tomato (for tostada con tomate) and various other tasty looking things. They also do hot food to order and our fried eggs with bacon were a tasty treat after three weeks touring without. Because it’s a relatively small dining room you have to book your slot and although the staff worked hard to clear and reset tables, there isn’t much they can do when a group of middle aged people (English I’m afraid) continue to take up a table simply chatting after clearly having finished their breakfast. Just a tad selfish. Fortunately the second morning wasn’t as busy. The only part about the breakfast service I didn’t like was the terrible choice of background music on our first morning. It was truly awful and I couldn’t help thinking that here in the Basque Country, they could perhaps play some nice, traditional Basque music by the likes of Benito Lertxundi, Pier Paul Berzaitz etc. It was in the old town of Hondarribia that I first discovered this music and play it often at home. I like Paradors and this one in Hondarribia is a fine example of the chain, with the added benefit of being in the delightful old town. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will certainly use this hotel again when we return to Hondarribia - as we surely will.

Excellent place to stay and the town had many interesting eateries. The hotel does not do evening meal only the Usual high Standard Parador Breakfast, Having a large 4x4 car proved challenging to get into the car park. But its nice to see history preserved and building alteration not carried out to suit cars. the staff were friendly and helpful. Its a definite to stay again and explore the surrounding area.

Upgrade to a suite you won’t regret it. History, views and food are all amazing. The castle is amazing and the blending of the hotel into the castle is top notch. Definitely worth visiting and spending the extra $$$ for a suite

Check in was not welcoming, no tips or maps offered. Room 1 very tired and dark with view of a wall. Bathroom was designed for disabled people. Noise from the kitchen across the hallway. For breakfast we were only offered two breakfast slots starting at 815am or 915am without further explanation why. It became clear the following morning it was because of the very crammed space where the one server and guests had to constantly avoid each other to not bump in to each other. Breakfast was very basic with no fresh orange juice and the pastries were not fresh. At check out another car was parked in front of ours so we had to sort that out. The parking charges of 20 euros per night were also not clearly indicated in the reservation.

After a 6 hour drive we went to our room, only for an external sound system under the window blasting music all afternoon/early evening. Hotel staff just shrugged and said nothing they can do and could not move us to another room. Feel completely ripped off as the room albeit large, was simply not worth the money and the noise/ staff attitude really was the last straw.

Truly spectacular. A former Royal palace overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Right at the peak of the old town. An amazing interior with comfortable rooms. Sitting on the terrace, drink in hand, at sunset is an incredible way to end the day (or start the evening).

Excellent hotel and great location. The hotel is situated above the town of Hondarribia and great views across the river estuary. The rooms are pleasant and breakfast was very good. Take yuor time and explore the neighbourhood of the hotel.

I read a lot of reviews that dealt with getting to the Parador. This is the best way. Enter the address for the Pension Zaragoza which is Javier Ugarte Kalea 1. The pension sits right beside the parking lot for the parador. There’s a gate with a call box. You can talk to Reception and they will open the gate. Then take the elevator up to the level of the plaza and walk around the building to the front door. There’s currently some construction on that side of the building that you have to manouver around. The parador charges 19 euros per day to park. As others have said, the roads are very narrow getting to the parador and the parking lot but you can’t get there any other way.