Where to stay in Spain? Experience authentic Spanish history and art
If you want to experience authentic history and art in Spain, I recommend a hotel group: PARADORES. This is a state-owned group with 98 hotels and 6,000 rooms. The reason I recommend this is because it is state-owned, and the country integrates tourism resources. Most of the hotels in the group are located in historical sites, and some are in the best natural scenery. In other words, their locations are basically in the most core tourist resource areas. The hotel's design, culture, and service, coupled with the surrounding scenic spots, can reflect the authentic Spanish history and art. Here are a few examples:
1. Parador de Alcalá de Henares: Located in the suburbs of Madrid, it is the hometown of the great writer Cervantes, the oldest university city in Spain, and a World Heritage city. Every year on April 23, World Book Day, the Cervantes Literature Award ceremony is held in the auditorium of the University of Alcalá.
2. Parador de Cuenca: Located in the World Heritage city of Cuenca, about 1 hour away from Madrid by high-speed train. It is the hotel where the current King and Queen of Spain spent their honeymoon.
3. Parador de Ronda: Ronda is located in Malaga Province, Andalusia, southern Spain, the most romantic place in Hemingway's writings. It is the town where the oldest bullring in Spain is located, and it is also built on a cliff.
4. Parador de Santiago de Compostela: A five-star hotel located on the main square where the Santiago Cathedral is located. It is the oldest hotel in Spain and perhaps the oldest hotel in the world. It was originally a pilgrim hospital.
5. Parador de Granada: Excellent location, right in the Alhambra Palace scenic area. Super difficult to book. So having a meal there is also a good choice.
6. Parador de Jaén: Jaén is located in Andalusia and is a famous olive oil producing area in Spain and the birthplace of Sanmao's "José."
7. Parador de Salamanca: The World Heritage city of Salamanca is a famous university city, and the 800-year-old University of Salamanca brings a strong cultural heritage to the ancient city.
8. Parador de Toledo: Toledo is an ancient capital of Spain, not far from Madrid, a World Heritage city. This hotel is very popular.
9. Parador de Segovia: The World Heritage city of Segovia is world-renowned for its ancient Roman aqueduct, Snow White castle, and roast suckling pig. This hotel offers panoramic views of the ancient city.
10. Parador de Mérida: A World Heritage city located on the Spanish-Portuguese border, famous for its ancient Roman ruins. The International Classical Theater Festival is held here every summer in the ancient Roman amphitheater in the ancient city.
There are many Paradores hotels, and they are widely distributed. If you think they are very expensive, then you are wrong. In fact, the prices of many of their hotels are quite affordable.