A parador (Spanish pronunciation: [paɾaˈðor]), in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, is a kind of luxury hotel, usually located in a converted historic building such as a monastery or castle. Parar means to stop, halt or stay.
Tourism Paradores in Spain
What is a Parador hotel in Spain? - 'Parador' is the name given in Spain to luxury hotels managed by a state-run company and usually located in buildings of historic importance such as fortresses, monasteries and castles; but...
Paradores de Turismo de España is a chain of Spanish luxury hotels. The company was founded by Alfonso XIII as a means to promote tourism in Spain, with the first hotel opening in 1928 in Gredos (Ãvila). This state-run business has been profitable. The hotels are often located in adapted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other historic buildings. They add to the attractions of heritage tourism and provide uses for large historic buildings. The Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos in Santiago de Compostela is considered to be one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the world, and one of the finest Spanish paradors.
They are located from Galicia in the north-west through Catalonia to Andalusia in the south of Spain, and the Canary Islands. Prices usually vary according to category, room, region and season.
Paradors are classified as 'Esentia' - monumental and historic hotels, 'Civia' - urban hotels, and 'Naturia' - hotels close to the coast and nature. Ninety-four Paradors are located in Spain (listed below) and one, Casa da Ãnsua, in Portugal. The Portuguese equivalent, the Pousadas de Portugal, were founded in 1942, after the Spanish model.
List of Paradors: City, Parador, Classification (Province)
Paradores of Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company was established during the early 1970s under the administration of Governor Luis A. Ferre, who wanted to enhance the tourism sector of the island. The company runs an enterprise known as Paradores de Puerto Rico; these are typically small, one-of-a-kind, locally owned and operated hotels located in rural areas throughout the island commonwealth. They are frequented by guests looking to enjoy the local customs and charm. Often called "country inns" in English, paradores in Puerto Rico are usually located in rural areas.
To be part of the Paradores de Puerto Rico Program, the hotel must meet certain standards set by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. These include being located outside the San Juan metro area (most of them are located on the west coast or in the mountains), having 15 to 75 rooms, having a restaurant on site or nearby, and being family-owned and operated.
See also
- List of hotels in Puerto Rico
- Pousadas de Portugal
References
External links
- The Parador in Ronda, Andalucia
- (in Spanish) (in English) Paradores de Turismo de España
- US representative of the Paradores
- Official UK representative of the paradors
- Flickr group with photos of paradors
- (in English) Paradores de Puerto Rico
