Parador Lerma
The Ducal Palace is located in the highest part of the town of Lerma. It was constructed, taking advantage of the site of a 10th century castle and was implemented according to the plans of the architect Francisco de Mora in successive phases between the years 1601 and 1617. 
The palace was commissioned by the order of the first Duke of Lerma, Francisco Gomez de Sandoval y Rojas for the accommodation, rest and general enjoyment of his master, King Philip III.
This hotel has a central courtyard surrounded by columned galleries in alternating sections: the first has twenty Tuscan columns with semicircular arches, and the second has twenty Ionic columns.
After its restoration the Palace was converted into a Parador with 70 rooms and a capacity of 133 beds.
Information and reservations at Parador of Lerma
My wife and I stayed at the Parador Lerma with a another couple during our trip to Spain/Potugal last Oct. 2011. The Parador Lerma was absolutely super! This was our first experience staying in a Parador, it was so great that we booked Paradors for the rest of our trip. The Paradors in Hondaribba and Santo Domingo were equally as good. Consensus in our group was that the Parador in Hondaribba had the best views and also easy access to San Sebastian. We will definitely stay in Paradors on our next trip to Spain. Believe me .. you can’t go wrong!
Beautiful parador. Everything was perfect. The hotel and room were great. The staff were very efficient and very nice. I would highly recommend.
This is a wonderful place to stay both the town and the parador, we have stayed here several times since its conversion and will certainly stay again. There is absolutely nothing negative to say about it.
We absolutely loved this Parador. The rooms and the common areas are magnificent; the restoration of the palace is remarkable. We thought the reception staff was very helpful. Our only disappointment — and it was really only a mild disappointment — was the restaurant. Though the menus are similar, the food at the other Paradors at which we stayed — Olite, Santiago de Campostela and Plasencia — was far better. Despite the restaurant’s shortcomings, however, we would wholeheartedly recommend this Parador.
Great hotel, lovely location but the staff leave a lot to be desired. Arrived on market day and could not find anywhere to park, on mentioning this to the staff we were told we would have to wait for the market to finish – no mention of the underground car park.
We carried our cases to our room while the male receptionist carried the room key!! The room was pleasant but we became aware of the regular peeling of church bells close to our window on the fourth floor. We returned to the reception to enquire as to whether the bells carried on all night. The male receptionist assured us they would stop at 11pm and restart at 7am so we did not request a room change. However the bells rang every hour all night and at 6am they peeled several times for good measure. After a superb breakfast we requested to speak to the manager concerning this but were told he was too busy to speak to us. I therefore requested a complaint form with which the reception staff tried to give us an internal complaint form. On requesting the national one we really got the cold shoulder. We have no intention of staying there again purely because of the staff – they need to be educated as to what the word ‘Service’ and ‘Honesty’ means.
We had a wonderful stay in nearly the same lovely room as we had for 4 years ago, with a nice view over the Plaza.
The staff and the building top.
We will stay there next time when we are driving to Norway.
We recently stayed at five Paradors
travelling around Northern Spain and
Lerma was the all round winner. Whilst
no one was available to help us with
our bags, everything else was brilliant.
The meal in the restaurant was
memorable. The reception helpful and
attentive. The hotel and rooms well
presented and clean. Thank you to all
the staff there.
We had a great time at the Parador. We were very impressed by their efforts to hold back a violent storm that blew through. Everyone got a little wet, but their efforts had it cleaned up quickly!
Would recommend dinner at the restaurant one night, but don’t neglect the wine bars in the town: great local Crianza for Reserva wines for half the price of what you can get inside the Parador.
A very good Parador. We enjoyed our stay very much and the market in the morning was great fun.
My partner, baby daughter and I recently stayed at the Parador Lerma to break up a cross-Peninsular journey from Porto to Barcelona. We chose the Parador because of its location and the special price offered to younger visitors like ourselves, just as we had chosen the Parador Leon as our overnight stop on the outward journey. While our stay in Leon couldn’t have been better, our stay in Lerma was spoiled by the cold, unhelpful attitude of the staff and we won’t be returning.
Upon our arrival, nobody helped us into the hotel with our bags, despite the fact that my partner was already carrying our daughter and I was weighed down with all the paraphernalia required when travelling with an infant. I enquired about a private parking garage and was told there was one, but not a word more – neither where it was or if it was complimentary. The member of staff who checked us in complained that we had booked a room for three when what we required was a double bed and a cot. When I explained that there was no such option on the online booking form but that I had specified we were a couple with a baby he sniffed disdainfully and said no more. He then told us we would have to be accommodated in a more expensive room, before changing his mind and telephoning someone to arrange for a cot, but seemingly against his wishes. We were then shown to our room in silence; not another word about parking facilities or even instructions about where and when to find breakfast. We were made to feel thoroughly unwelcome and while the building is quite splendid – though not a patch on Leon – a hotel is made by its staff and on this point Lerma failed miserably.
My wife and I have stayed in numerous Paradores and Lerma lived up to our expectations. The building is very impressive from the outside and the entrance and reception beautifully furnished. Plenty of parking in front of the building on the main square.
Our bedroom, on the first floor overlooking the main square was gorgeous with a fantastic view of the distant mountains.
Slightly disappointing was the 5 course local tasting menu, sounded good but didn’t measure up to its description. Breakfast, served in a separate dedicated breakfast room, was excellent.
Stayed there in January 2010 on our way to the ferry at Santander.
All in all a most enjoyable stay.
An excellent parador particularly well situated for the next day Santander Ferry. The town is magnificent as is the hotel with superb staff at reception and the room quite stunning but the evening meal was quite dissapointing which I clearly stated at the time and it would be a pity to go out to eat when the ambience otherwise is so good.
We enjoyed our one-night stay at Parador Lerma. It was the third time we had stayed there, which speaks for itself. The receptionist in
particular were excellent
An unforgettable place with a delightful and well trained staff. And Lerma is also a very interesting town. I cannot help but to pass the observation that the painting facing the reception desk is of Phillip II and not Phillip III. The personnel at the desk argued (nicely) to the contrary but they were wrong, which raises the question that Parador’s personnel should have better History training.
My friend and I stayed one night at Lerma en-route from Marbella to catch the ferry at Santander. We had stayed the previous night at a Parador in Almagro. Both were chosen for their location just off the Autovia Del Norte. We couldn’t have been more delighted with our accomodation, ample free parking in the square just in front of the hotel.Our room, a standard twin, was huge, beautifully furnished with a lovely marble bathroom stocked with an array of products.
We chose not to eat in the dining room as the food in the previous Parador hadn’t been great so we crossed the square and ate at the Asador De Lerma a family run restaurant where we had the speciality lamb dish recommended by the owner. It was delicious served with salad, bread and patatas frites.
The breakfast at the Parador was exceptional. We found the staff were lovely and friendly from the receptionists to the bar staff and the restaurant staff. I will definitely be staying here again and would recommend it to anyone looking for a stopover or short break.
The building is very impressive from the outside and the entrance and reception beautifully furnished
Our bedroom albeit on the ground floor off the main seating area was gorgeous with a fantastic view of the distant mountains and a closer area of beautiful countryside
Slightly disappointing was the 5 course local tasting menu sounded good but didn’t measure up to its description
My wife and I have stayed overnight here at least six times and regard it as an exceptional Parador with a magnificent building, great location/views, spacious rooms, attentive staff and excellent restaurant.
Spent just one night here on the way south to visit family. Have stayed in quite a few paradors over the years and this must be one of the best. The building is awe-inspiring and the views tremendous. Bedroom and public areas spacious; dining room characterful, (as were some of the waiting staff!); breakfast on third floor we would like to repeat when there wasn’t mist, but the food was excellent. We have raved about this place since we came home to Scotland and will make every attempt to return.
The two of us stayed at Lerma on an overnight stop on Sunday 3 October, en-route for Santander, journeying north from the Costa Brava. We are experienced Parador visitors, and the hotel lived up to all the usual expectations – excellent rooms, location and wonderful breakfast. This visit however was marred by the fact that we were not advised at check-in that we needed to book a table for dinner that evening. When we entered the resaurant, imagine our dismay to be told by a very unsympathetic and unhelpful Head of Service that we couldn’t have a table until gone 10.00 pm because the restaurant was full. Given our very early start that morning, such a late dining time was out of the question and we were forced to snack in the bar area – all very adequate, but not what we were there for! This was our first disappointment in many years of visiting this hotel chain – a lesson learned.
We have published on Tripadvisor. See below.
My thanks in particular to Beatriz on reception, Ana in the cafeteria and all the restaurant and breakfast room staff. We hope to return.
Tripadvisor Quote
This was our first stay in a Parador. We went on a deal that combined the ferry trip for car and passengers to/from Portsmouth to Santander with four nights in a Parador. The package tour deal was great value albeit off season. A number of ferry passengers stopped overnight on their way south to Madrid and the Mediterranean. Its very convenient for the Autovia del Norte – the main motorway south from Northern Spain.
This is Spain on show. And what a show. To drive through a small city gate, up a narrow cobbled street, into a large square and to park outside the magnificent palace at the end of it – that was a knockout in itself.
To then stay in the discreetly updated palace – with absolutely all modern comforts was just wonderful.
Our room was large and had a fabulous view over the Plaza and the hills beyond. It was beautifully clean and immaculately furnished. The twin beds were big, comfortable and the linen top quality. We didn’t need the air conditioning (October) and it was so quiet outside – even after the restaurants emptied out – we could leave the French windows on our balcony wide open and still have a peaceful night. Might be different during a fiesta.
Breakfast was very good. Lots of choice. Lovely fresh fruit and even cholesterol lowering yoghurts – a first in a hotel for me. There local specialities to try – the local black pudding, tortillas etc. I had to try the super thick hot chocolate to drink and dunk churros into. Coffee was good – there were Lavazza espresso coffee pod machines as well as filter coffee plus speciality teas etc.
We stayed four nights and dined in the restaurant twice. Food was very good if not quite gourmet, not expensive and there were special local dishes. I did the local speciality tasting menu one night and thoroughly enjoyed it. The deserts weren’t inspiring but OK.
Although we had done our research and thought it would be a pretty special experience – in a good sense – we had slight concerns about the “state employee” attitudes of employees reported by some tripadvisor members.
We couldn’t have found a more welcoming and friendly attitude amongst the staff. The free wi-fi didn’t reach into our bedroom so we were given a cable to connect direct to the internet from the room. A lamp bulb died on us and was fixed as soon as reported. We needed an iron to press shirts – the housekeeper brought it to the room (at 8 in the evening). We didn’t understand what some of the local delicacies were – the waitress explained in English (a local shortbread biscuit to have at tea time).
On our last night there was a free classical guitar recital in the hotel atrium – wonderfully atmospheric.
The hotel is officially 4* – there weren’t for example bathrobes and slippers, there wasn’t a gym but it beats a lot of 5* hotels I’ve been to. We hope to go back.
Unquote
We found this Paradore pleasant and in a good strategic location for our return to Santander thence UK. We also enjoyed a good though quite expensive evening meal However we have stayed in many which were more interesting and offered a warmer welcome. Perhaps this was a consequence of a large commercial meeting the staff were preparing for the evening of our departure.
The reception ignored our question regarding the use of some of our points at the time of booking, leading to some confusion and irritability on their part on checking out. Reading other comments perhaps this was an uncharacteristic off day?
Stayed at the Lerma Parador whilst travelling to the UK from our home in Spain.
A lovely hotel,with a magnificent location on an imposing square.
Throughly enjoyed our stay there,with friendly and extremely helpful staff.
The breakfast was excellent.
Certainly recommend this Parador to friends and family.
Stayed 1 night July 2010. Rooms large and well furnished. Did not like view of unfinished building next door from bedroom. Beautiful building and bar and lounge exquisite but not for noisy children running about Dinner was good although I thought the restaurant was rather small. Breakfast room was much larger but not so much choice for breakfast as in other Paradors. Reception was quick and efficient.
The location is in itself well worth a stop
We enjoyed our stay in June . Helpful staff , friendly atmosphere , a majestical enviroment . We recommend it to our friends
My husband and I stayed in several Paradores during our May/June 2010 vacation and Lerma was definitely the stand-out, from the cordial, helpful reception to the lovely atmosphere of the building. We very much enjoyed dinner in the restaurant with its excellent service and helpful staff and the breakfasts were amazing! The bedroom was quite nice with its high ceiling and peaceful aura. There was also an expansive view from the window and the cleaning crew were very efficient.
The only item that I might mention as a possible improvement would be to oil the hinges of the doors which were very squeaky. I worried that we were disturbing our neighbors every time we entered or left our room, but that was a small thing in comparison to the rest of the stay!
Stayed there in May 2010. Parking right in front of the entrance and efficient reception. The building is delightful, with the bedrooms opening off wide, open walkways around the large open interior lounge area with its glass roof. This area is tastefully furnished to match the warm pink and beige of the building.
Our large comfortable room overlooked the town square with its restaurants and cafés; I imagine it could be noisy if there were events going on there, but it was quiet enough when we were there.
The restaurant is in an intriguing widowless, arched tunnel which I suspect from the arrow slits in the walls was originally the entrance. Service was good and so was the food.
Breakfast, served in a separate dedicated breakfast room, was plentiful.
All in all a most enjoyable stay.
Muy muy bien !!!
Todo perfecto , reception , abitacion , desajuno, restaurante , limpieza.
La ubicacion espectacular en un sitio muy tranquillo.
Parador de Lerma never fails to please. Courteous staff, very comfortable rooms, and of course a great location. We have stayed on numerous occasions, and have recommended it to many friends, who also return regularly. It would seem you have got it right!
Thanks
L’auberge espagnole n’ est plus ce que c’était; mais dans le bon sens cette fois
C’est vrai que la cuisine peut s’ affiner mais eu égard au prix les prestatons sont toutes nec plus ultra
We have stayed at a number of Paradors in the past, and Lerma was one of the best. The building is fantastic, and the surroundings very lovely, with the monastary and two churches and the old town a short walk away. The reception was cordial and the service and food excellent, and the bedroom was most comfortable.
Further to the previous comment. We love the hotel, the small town, the courtyard and the breakfast and hope to stay at Lerma again.
Having visited many Paradors and Lerma 3 times I am reluctant to critisize in any way but our one night stopover on the way to the ferry at Santander was spoiled by a poor evening meal which fell far below the standard we have enjoyed at nearly all other Paradors. The building, bedroom and reception staff were all as good as ever but the 32€ dinner was very poor in content and value. The veal steaks could not be cut with a knife let alone be chewed; it was nearly all sinew and the vegitables were over cooked, cold, shrivelled and unreconisable. It was difficult to imagine that the main course had been prepared by a professional chef or cook. What a pity! I hope that the next time we stay in this lovely hotel the kitchen will have been sorted.
We loved our stay. There was a warm welcome (as if we were coming to a private country house rather than an hotel), the room was magnificent including a very comfortable sofa bed for our son, and the buffet breakfast was excellent . We had dinner in the restaurant and the dishes were of really high standard and so much choice (if you are tempted by the black pudding they were also on the breakfast table and we later realised we could have shared the leg of lamb). Had a chestnut dessert that was heavenly. Lerma is very old, interesting, small and dozy after 9pm, but perfect for our stopover being 2 hours from the ferry at Bilbao.
This was an wonderful parador! We have previously visited the Carmona and Granada paradors, both of which were exceptional in different ways, and the Lerma parador made us realise that paradors generally (especially those in historic buildings) are in a different class from other hotels. Our room had a wonderful view of the square – although the window was small, but thia meant that the room wasn’t too hot. The room itself was magnificent, as was the bathroom and the decorations. Very happy with that. The meal that we had wasn’t as good as the one we had in Carmona, but was very good, and the ambience was very pleasant. We had breakfast on the terrace – great experience. We were in transit and therefore didn’t have any time to visit any of the local sites, but since we were in such a wonderful place there was no compunction to move anywhere else.
It is one of the most splendid Paradors we have stayed in and liked it so much we are going back in October with some friends!
Very much looking forward to the visit.
Accueil, hotel et chambres de qualité excellente. Par contre la restauration proposée ,en demi-pension, est de qualité très moyenne.
Au parador de Chinchon, le niveau de la restauration était nettement meilleur.
This was our first stay in a Parador and we were not disappointed with our choice of Lerma. The bedroom was superbly furnished and the bathroom had every amenity. The restaurant seemd a bit expensive for our budget so we walked down through the old town and eat at a local cafe/bar. It would have been nice to sample dinner at the Parador but the alternative bar in the hotel seemed uninviting, however sitting in the hotels central courtyard with our wine was lovely. The reception staff were very accommodating and showed us to our room rather than just handing over the key. The hotel is superbly located on the square and was very quiet. Yes, I was impressed, so much I have applied for a Parador Card – I just hope the prices don’t go up too much.
The place is just fantastic, one of the best parador I have been to. The builiding is magnificent, the patio charming. Reception very good and professional, the room was well furbished, clean and quiet. The view was very nice (unfortunatly there is the motorway at the horison).
Breakfast was excellent. Only one criticism. In the night, around midnight, we wanted to have a drink at the bar but no service was around, so we just went to bed!