Parador de Toledo

Parador de Toledo is part of the Paradores Hoteles and Restaurants chain that specializes in properties set in extraordinary locations or with historic pasts. This particular property is a manor house-turned-hotel scenically set atop a hill outside of Toledo, with magnificent views of the historic city. The building itself is made up of brick walls, stone floors and walkways, and columns made of wood and stone. The interiors have the look of a renovated convent. The lobby has stone floors, ceilings with exposed wooden beams, a wall of Renaissance-style portraits, and a combination of modern chairs and antique tables. The restaurant is simple, yet elegant, with white tablecloth-clad tables, modern wooden chairs, and floral drapes complementing wooden doors with windows leading to the terrace. Parador de Toledo is particularly popular with vacationing couples looking for a quiet, romantic setting outside the city. 

Parador del Toledo has a hilltop position on the Emperor’s Hill overlooking the city. It provides a secluded, quiet location, though it may not be ideal for all. The city center and attractions like the Cathedral of Toledo are not within walking distance, but about a 20-minute drive. There are no restaurants or shops in the immediate area. The Mirador Del Valle is a 15-minute walk away and is supposed to have the best views of the city. The Piedra Del Rey Moro -- a rock that’s associated with a legend involving a Muslim prince and his true love -- is also 15 minutes away on foot. The Toledo train station is an eight-minute drive, while Madrid-Barajas Airport is about an hour’s drive away.

Guest rooms keep with the hotel's cozy stone-and-wooden manor vibe. Decor is basic, but has a rustic style that’s more classic and romantic versus fashionable. It’s a combination of white linens, wooden beds with canopies or headboards, stone-tiled floors, ceilings with exposed wooden beams, and antique wooden furniture complemented by modern cream chairs or loveseats. Framed artwork and a soft touch of color here and there are nice additions in some rooms. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no coffee- and tea-making facilities. Many rooms have furnished balconies with wicker chairs, exposed brick walls, and iron dividers. White and gray marble bathrooms are particularly luxe and are equipped with shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers.

The hotel's location overlooking the city of Toledo adds charm to the its amenities. Though there’s no hot tub or gym, the large lap pool is set on a lush green lawn and has superb views of the city. There’s also an on-site restaurant with outdoor patio seating that takes advantages of the views. The restaurant serves a Spanish breakfast buffet in the mornings (included in some rates), as well as lunch and dinner, but food gets mixed reviews. Room service is limited to certain hours during the day. Other perks include a public computer, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.