Parador Siguenza
Parador of Siguenza is installed in an Arab fortress, built on Roman foundations. The construction of this imposing castle began in 1123, home of bishops, cardinals and kings. This is an appropriate base for exploring the historic town and the beautiful landscape around it.
The hotel’s traditional Castilian furnishings are tastefully displayed in the large, comfortable rooms, some with canopied beds and terraces, authentic royal bedchambers in a palace which has kept its lordly halls, ideal for meetings and celebrations, and a 13th century Romanesque chapel.
Within its thick stone walls is the cobbled courtyard and an imposing dining room, where you can enjoy fried eggs with breadcrumbs and lardoons, oven roast baby kid, cod with Manchego cheese, and for dessert the famous borrachitos seguntinos and flores de Cabanillas. Everything is prepared with the best local, seasonal produce.
Information and reservations at Parador of Siguenza
What a treat. Thoroughly enjoyed our one night stay in August. Not sure why there are any negative comments. The staff were friendly, the breakfast was extensive as was dinner. The castle itself is very interesting. Look out for the visitors lounge, the chapel and the impressive arches in the dining hall.
The drive in was impressive and as usual the staff were polite and courteous.
Our rooms were of the usual high standard and overlooked the courtyard.
Both dinner and breakfast were more than enough for us and well presented.
There was no noise as the hotel seemed very quiet. Unfortunately we were only staying one night and did not have time to explore the town or surroundings, but we will certainly look forward to staying here again. A thoroughly enjoyable experience
We stayed here on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday was fine, but on Saturday it was overrun with loud weekend visitors/events and we found that rather spoiled our enjoyment. The castle itself is a great pleasure to stay in and the food (both dinner and breakfast) was exceptionally good. Just make sure you avoid the weekends (when it’s also more expensive).
This was my first visit to Spain let alone a Parador, we went for February half term.
In reply to the negative comments about the staff we found them to be friendly and helpful, we were taken to our room by the receptionist, who gave us a mini tour on the way, and we were greeted with a friendly hello every time passed any of the staff. As for their intolerance of people who don’t speak Spanish we found this was not so, the lady in the bar kindly offered to bring me an English menu after noticing me trying to translate the menu with my phrase book.
After reading the comments about breakfast I have to say it was more than we could eat! When we sat down we were given plates of three different cooked meats, three different cheeses, melon, pineapple and kiwi, muffins, danish pastries, croissants and bread rolls, and a jug of the most delicious freshly squeezed orange juice, then to our surprise the waitress came and asked what we would like for breakfast? My husband and daughter both asked for bacon, when the plate came it was stacked high with no less than fifteen slices! She also brought us two fried eggs each (which we don’t remember ordering) a plate of churros and fried peppers, WOW!! Was this a poor breakfast? The next morning it was the same again except we had omelette and black pudding rather than fried eggs, and yoghurt rather than churros. We didn’t need to eat for the rest of the day! The waitress was very attentive and gave the people at the next table some tin foil to wrap rolls and cheese in for their lunch.
Our room was very comfortable, and we were thrilled to have an actual arrow slit as a window along with a window seat. The decor was perfect and very fitting for a medieval castle, and despite being there in February and it being cold outside the castle was warm and cosy inside.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, although I have to say it was very quiet in February, there weren’t many guests in the castle, and places in the guide book were closed at that time of year. However the service, friendliness and attentiveness of the staff and the breakfasts, oh! and the hot chocolate in the bar after out walking in the wind more than compensated!!
To convert a castle used by Pedro the Cruel to imprison his wife, clearly cost a fortune, and is an extraordinary experience.The limestone arches in the Dining Room are fantastic. When making our reservation we requested disabled access but were dismayed that to the surprise of the manager the disabled room was already occupied and we were not shown the access to drive into the courtyard. Spain is generally unimpressed by those who cannot speak the language but the general lack of welcome must be a frightening reminder of the recent past. Bullet marks around the Cathedral tower were noted. I would certainly recommend this visit.
Sometimes when you read too many positive reviews, you find that you may have high expectations and could end up disappointed. Having said that, this Pardor, for me, had the best overall atmosphere of many of the other Paradors and I have stayed in quite a few.
I had previously stayed in Cuenca and cancelled one night to stay an extra night in Siguenza and I was overjoyed from the moment I arrived.
The sunny courtyard on a late October afternoon was stunningly pleasurable for sitting and taking an afternoon drink. The only downside was the service, it was quicker to go and buy a drink at the bar and bring it out yourself. Although the reception staff were very helpful, some of the bar-staff and restaurant staff seemed to be in a very bad mood but strangely we found this quite amusing. I also observed this with the people in the village. I said, “Buenos Tardes” to several people and expected at least a smile of acknowledgement but just got snubbed. Also, when we were leaving a cafe in town, we got a stare like daggers from this local man for leaving the door open too long while waiting for my wife. Although no smoking is allowed in many areas of the Paradors, in the village even in the Michelin Star restaurants smokers sit alongside no smokers so beware.
A useful tip to remember if you are in the Parador bar: If you want a herbal tea for two people, order two different flavours. Otherwise you will get the same pot with two cups and end up paying double, which is approx £6.50, effectively for a single tea bag and hot water. Other than that and it is a brilliant Parador with a really interesting Don Quixote footpath walk just yards away behind the castle at the foot of a steep bank.
Cuando arribanos al parador habia una boda y el parqueo estaba imposible, estaba lloviendo, tubimos que estacionar el auto bien apartado de la entrada. hicimos revervacion para una cuarto superior y nos dieron un cuarto bien malo y pobre. Era la segunda vez que estabamos en ese parador y creemos que no volveremos mas al parador de Siguenzza. Estubimos en OCTUBRE 9, 2010
Parador Siguenza was fabulous! As we drove up, we were enthralled with the location. From our room we overlooked the delightful town. Our dinner and breakfast there were delicious. The decor of the Parador was fitting for such a fortress. The staff was very polite at checkin and checkout. Our room was quite comfortable. We loved it!
The whole experience was wonderful. Beautiful situation, beautiful hotel, good service and excellent food. We were delighted and we considered it a privilege to visit such a stunningly situated and ancient and historic venue.
Brian and Beryl Foster. England.
our view of the Parador SIGUENZA as we approached was breathtaking.On arriving at the parking lot,we were greeted with masses of people,as we were informed later there was “FIESTA” taking place,when the Director was informed of our arrival he accompanied us to reception.he was marvelous courteous and a great help.The PARADOR’s Disabled bedroom was excellent as were the Restaurant and other facillities.We enjoyed our stay very much. Regards Julie & Rick Thomas Cambridgeshire England.
We love Parador Hotels and this was no exception. Expensive perhaps but money well spent for a special occasion. We had an outstanding Suite with a good sized sitting room (in which we watched the world cup final!) and very comfortable 4 poster bed in the large bedroom.
There is plenty to see in the hotel and the Chapel is well worth a visit.
We found the Spanish food in the Restaurant to be excellent at dinner and breakfast. A slight criticism was that a couple of the waitresses could have curdled milk with a single glance! A smile from them would have made all the difference.
The setting is picturesque and the town, with its market, narrow cobbled streets and bullet-marked Cathedral at the bottom of the hill, historical and charming.
We loved our stay at Parador Siguenza.
We stayed in this Parador in June of 2010. It was a wonderful experience. We loved every moment of it!!!! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was not that impressive but OK for Spain.
This is a wonderful parador.The setting is outstanding and the town is a gem,even though it seems to be under constant renovation.The only negative is the attitude of the staff;reception seemed to think that they were doing us a favour by processing our reservation.From our extensive travel experience we know that “it starts at the top” so please get a new manager as the current one clearly doesnt know that they are in the hospitality business.Having said that ,the parador itself more than makes up for the indifferent staff at reception.
The Parador of Siguenza is ideally situated on a hill above a charming little town. It has been immaculately restored from the origional castle. Normally Paradors are outside my price range, but the generous reduction for golden oldies made it irresistable. The restaurant was excellent and the staff helpful – altogether a great experience.
Unfortunately we found the staff to be quite rude and intolerant of English speaking guests. The restaurant served excellent food for dinner however the breakfast was disappointing and not up to usual Parador standards – small morcels of food on toothpicks, food not topped up or replaced after a large group had been through and eaten just about everything! Room was a bit ordinary and in need of an update. We have been staying in Paradors for many years now but on our last trip we found that although the prices have remained high, standards are dropping – rooms need renovating, breakfasts have been cut back to a minimum – all in all very disappointing. In future we would prefer to stay in a 4 star hotel
A wonderful hotel but I had a difficult situation on checkout. I had pre booked for B&B 1 night. We needed to leave at 7.30 the next morning to catch a ferry and requested an early breakfast. Breakfast started at 8am so the receptionist offered either a tray to take that evening or a reduced price without the breakfast, but asked me to confirm our preference. I returned to the desk to confirm and saw another person who had heard the options given. I confirmed ‘no breakfast’ and I saw her type something into the computer. Next morning at 7.25 (new staff), I was asked to pay the higher price. The above confirmation was not known or accepted. An argument ensued, then a stand off! Phone calls were made, no joy. Now 7.40, I had to leave. Eventually the lower price was reluctantly accepted but I HAD TO PAY CASH. This left me short of cash and time. This spoilt what could have been a good experience
A very dramatic situation on top of the hill overlooking the little town and lovely countryside.
Reception was extremely busy as we arrived – conference dinner? – which possibly explains the somewhat cursory greeting and directions to our room.
Our bedroom and bathroom were delightful, plus lovely balcony overlooking inner courtyard.
I was disappointed with the decor of your dining room, very 1950-60′s in its black timbers, red curtain and seat colour scenario, it is in dire need of an update.
You have a truly magnificent hanging on the far wall. Why not use the colours in that for redecorating the room – pale grey roof timbers will ‘lif’t the ceiling; the whole room would appear even larger, lighter and so much more elegant and inviting.
And why do we need to look at not particularly beautiful or antique cupboards, containing the linen etc? Could they not be tucked elsewhere?
Your bar staff were delightful, also our waitress at dinner. And the food was good.
My wife and I have been to a number of Paradors and again we were delighted with this one in Siguenza. For our Son it was his first Parador and he was hugely impressed.
The setting is spectacular, the atmosphare warm and friendly and the facilities excellent.
Another memorable experience.
What a treat to stay in a medieval castle complete with contemporary comforts! We especially appreciated the comfortable bed, the modern bathroom with decent-sized bars of soap, and the view from our balcony. Plan to arrive early enough to see the sunset’s rays bathe the castle in pink light.
We had a lovely time at the parador: the staff were friendly and helpful, the castle itself was stunning and the rooms were of the usual high standard. We were two families with 4 children (ages 5-8) between us, and I highly recommend the Sigüenza parador for families. The kids had the time of their lives exploring the castle and pretending to be royalty:) The food was excellent, and they had a good kids meny. The town itself is beautiful and charming and the locals are very friendly, especially if you speak Spanish as well. It is very easily accessible by train or car, so it makes a perfect weekend trip from Madrid. Try to get a room with a balcony overlooking the countryside: great for hanging out on a cool evening and spotting wildlife, such as deer and eagles (which our kids also enjoyed!).
We arrived on a very hot day and the carpark was unshaded. The entry was not clearly marked but the Reception staff were busy but helpful. The restaurants were excellent and our room and bathroom of the usual high standard – overlooking a pretty courtyard. The castle itself is enchanting and we were sorry to leave.
Beautiful place as was the Parador at Jaen. staff, service, accomodation excellent.
Breakfast superb, only disappointment was the dinner in the evening.
All seem to offer the same things – we thought that the hotels of your standard should have a better choice of items on the table d’hote menu.
Otherwise – most enjoyable
We liked to stay here. Service and accomodation was outstanding.
Emmy and Siegfried Mermann, Vienna, Austria