Parador Alcaniz
Built on the la Cumbre Cerro Pui Pinos hill top, the 12th-13th Century castle-convent was converted to the seat of the Order of Calatrava in 1179. The Parador in Alcaniz, which dominates the Maestrazgo landscape, has preserved the Tower of Homage, the belfry-sacristy, and the section converted into an Aragonese Palace in the 18th Century.
The interior features gothic murals, a Plateresque sepulchre and baroque facade decorated with red, ochre and green shades as well as oak beams. There is also a peaceful garden area. The hotel also provides a large number of excursions and adventure sports activities.
The comforting Aragonese cuisine offers ‘huevos a la alcanizana’ (alcaniz–style egg dish), ternasco asado (roast young lamb) as well as the local desserts: tortas de Alma y Almendrados (almond tart).
The Paradore at Alcaniz was an exceptional place to stay and we were sorry we were there for only one night. The staff could not have been more helpful to us. My elderly mother uses a small wheelchair and they organised her transportation to the breakfast room in the service lift with no problem as the stairs were not practical. The architecture of the building is amazing and its conversion into a Parador has been very sympathetically achieved. The regional cuisine was very interesting and of a high standard.
Alcaniz is another Paradore we hope to revisit agan.
We have stayed in a Castle in Scotland used by Mary Queen of Scots – and now one used by Spanish royalty.
The Staff on reception were most welcoming and friendly, and the whole atmosphere of the Castle helped us to relax after quite a long day’s driving. When we return to Spain, we hope to be able to return to Alcaniz and its Parador.
This Parador is brilliant, with good local food and great hospitality
The Parador was lovely, in a wondeful setting with great views. The directions into the hotel could be more helpful, but the room was comfortable and clean as we expect from the Parador. The service was exemplary, and we were made welcome. I do not know if it was a bad night in the kitchen, but the lamb that we ordered as a main course was not up to the usual standard, it was tough, greasy and accompanied by a greasy sauce. In fact when we arrived at our destination next day i had lost a tooth filling, resulting in a 150 euro bill. Unfortunately the evening meal spoilt the visit.
We were happy with the experience of staying at this and two other paradors.
Well satisfied with the service at Alcaniz. The location is tremendous and it was easy to find. We would certainly use this Parador again if in the area.
We stayed at Paradores in Segovia, Cordoba, Mojacar and Alcaniz all of
which were excellent. I particularly
enjoyed the local menus which were good value.
Please keep me advised of any offers or news regarding Paradores as we
would like to visit Spain again next year.
Booked 2 double rooms at the Alcaniz Parador for 1 night, 24/7/09, direct via the Parador Website from the UK; no problems at all.
A truly stunning location which is well signposted on the roads into Alcaniz. We didn’t find much to see or do in Alcaniz but we very much enjoyed the scenic drive from Tarragona and to beautiful Morella afterwards.
The check-in was very smooth and all the staff throughout the stay were very attentive and obliging.
The bedroom was spotless, comfortable, quiet and well appointed with a lovely view over the surrounding countryside.
Dinner in the Restaurant can only described as truly scrumptious. 2 of us had the Regional set meal at 35 Euros each and the other 2 had the Anniversary set meal at about 19 Euros ( all inclusive ). Everyone was totally satisfied. I found the wines to be reasonably priced for the setting and standard of Restaurant, not to mention extremely drinkable.
Breakfast was a well stocked hot and cold buffet and had something I have never seen before : i.e. wines freely available. Alas, I was driving.
All round, well worth the drive from the coast for a bit of self indulgence.