Page 202 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

200  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO STAY

Northern Spain offers an exceptional variety refuges with stunning views, and campsites
of accommodation options. There are places in the coastal areas. Weary pilgrims can find
to suit all budgets, and even the most official accommodation and modest meals
demanding visitor will find something to in towns and villages along the Road to
satisfy them. Those searching for luxury can Santiago. Regardless of the standard of
head straight for the exclusive hotels and accommodation, one thing is certain in
paradors, while the family-run casas rurales Northern Spain: the region’s inhabitants
are excellent places to escape the hustle and will give you a warm welcome and will be
bustle of the city. There are also mountain ready to help in the event of any problems.

individually run hotels with
a distinctive character and
charm, for a memorable stay.
Paradors
Paradors are government-run
hotels, classified from three to
five stars. Spain’s first parador
opened in 1928, and now there
is a wide network of thesse
hotels spread across the
country, so there is never more
than a day’s drive to the nearest
one. The best, such as the
The façade of the Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista, in Oviedo (see p205) Parador de los Reyes Católicos
in Santiago de Compostela,
Hotel Grading and A popular option in all the are housed in former royal
Facilities
autonomous regions of Northern hunting lodges, monasteries,
Spacious, comfortable and Spain are hostels (hostales) and castles and other monuments;
clean, hotels in Northern Spain guest houses (pensiones), which some paradors have been
are categorized and graded by are cheaper than hotels. These purpose-built, often in
the regional tourist authorities. are usually small, family-run spectacular scenery or in
Hotels (indicated by an “H” on places offering just a few beds. towns of historic interest.
a blue plaque near the hotel The biggest hotel chains in A parador is not necessarily
door) are awarded from one Northern Spain are the Grupo the best hotel in town, but it
to five stars. They usually have Sol-Meliá and NH, with hotels can be counted on to deliver
ensuite bathrooms or at least in the main towns. Their facilities a high level of comfort. The
a shower in the room. Hostels are of a high standard and bedrooms are usually spacious
(“Hs”) and pensions (“P”) may include Internet access. There is and comfortable, and furnished
not have ensuite facilities and also a growing number of small, to a standard that varies little
they have fewer comforts than from parador to parador. Some
hotels, so they are a bit cheaper. also offer fine regional cuisine.
Spain’s star-rating system If you plan to tour in high
reflects the number and range season or to stay in the smaller
of facilities available, rather than paradors, it is wise to reserve a
the quality of service. One star room. The paradors may be
is given to the most modest booked online (via the www.
hotels, and five stars to the most parador.es website), through
elegant and expensive ones. the Central de Reservas in
Two- and three-star hotels are Madrid, through representatives
the most popular. The more outside Spain (see Directory on
exclusive hotels have all kinds p203) or by calling a parador
of amenities, such as on-site direct (they have English-
parking, Internet access and air- speaking staff). Rates can be
conditioning, as well as facilities expensive; it is worth looking
for the disabled. All hotels have for special deals, especially in
rooms with a bath or shower An elegant room at the Gran Hotel low season. If you plan to stay
unless otherwise specified. Sardinero, Santander (see p205) at several paradors, check out
View over the fishing village of Cudillero, in Asturias

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