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Parador Alarcon

Hotel Marquis de Villena

Spain - La Mancha - Levante. - Parador de Alarcon - one of the Spanish Paradors Paradores

Spain - La Mancha - Alarcon

An 8th Century Arab Castle transformed to a 4 star hotel in La Mancha, Spain

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This 8th Century medieval castle is perfectly preserved and will take you back in time to the middle ages.
Restaurant in Parador Alarcon
This fortress, now the Parador of Alarcon, is located on a promontory looking down over the fertile plain of the river Jucar.

Steeped in history, this medieval castle has seen many sieges and revolts. It was founded by the Muslims in the 8th century and was then captured by King Alfonso VIII in the 12th century. It has been home to the Marquises de Villena and later, the home of the famous writer Don Juan Manuel.

From the battlements, the keep and the main tower "Torre del Homenaje" there is an interesting view of the triple defensive walls echoing back to the past. However, the main defence of the castle was its location. It was protected from assault because it is perched on the edge of a ravine with the river Jucar forming a natural moat on three sides as it flows down the ravine.

Reopened to the public in 2003 after months of work, emphasis has been placed on the austerity of the building which is in keeping with its great history. A military theme is reflected in the decor and rich Castillian wood combined with a mix of modern and classic have transformed this Parador.

Lounge at Alarcon ParadorYou will also see fine examples of the works of painters such as Tapies, Redondela, Sempere, Amadeo Gabino, Alvaro Delgado, Martinez Novillo and Menchu Gal decorating the walls of this Parador, once the home of the Marquis de Villena.

The Parador group serves regional dishes in their restaurants and have a gluten free menu. The Parador de Alarcon is on the boundary of the La Mancha and Levante regions and the local dishes are based on the meat of the young lambs and goats of the herders and the game shot by the local hunters.

Recommended dishes are:

"Morteruelos", hot meat pate;
"Zarajos", cured ham and tripe;
"Cordero en caldereta", lamb stew;
"Gachas de mortas", pork based dish;

Another regional speciality are the sweet almond sauces (suspiros) for which the Alarcon and Alaju regions are famous. bedroom at Parador de Alarcon

Excursions can be made to the Embalse de Alarcon, Belmonte and Ciudad Encantada.

Another interesting visit is to the Cassasimarro craftsmen who specialize in handmade guitars, lutes and bandurrias.

The Parador Alarcon has four twin bedded rooms and ten double bedrooms. All have private bathroom, television and telephone.

The Alarcon Parador is air conditioned, has heating, lift, restaurant, bar, currency exchange, parking facilities (without security and limited places), garden and conference facilities.

Distance from the nearest airport is approximately 132 kms, train station is 86 kms away and the nearest port is 175 kms away.

The traditional restaurant is now closed. Meals are served at the 'Gastrobar' with an informal but complete offer. Breakfast and event services will still be served at the Parador.

Pets are not allowed.

Guest comments (24) Image gallery Video Map with location

No prepayment - No booking fees - Cancellations up to 48 hours prior to arrival without penalty
 
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RACK RATES
2013
Rates in Euros
Standard Double superior Junior Suite
All Year
248302354
Breakfast included in room rate                 Lunch or Dinner 36 per person per day

PROMOTIONS IN STANDARD ROOMS * (Subject to availability)
2013 Rates in EurosGolden DaysYoung Persons5 Night Card2 Night Special
All Year 173.60 173.60 108.00 240.20 per night

Rates are per day for 2 persons sharing a double room and include tax
*Supplement and restrictions may apply - General terms and conditions

PROMOTIONOVERVIEW (For more detailed information use the links below)
Golden Days 30% discount for guests 55 years or over in a standard room with breakfast
Young Persons Discounted rates for guests from 18 to 35 years old in a standard room with breakfast
5 Night Card Discounted rates for 5 nights in a standard room exc. breakfast
2 Night Special 20% discount for 2 consecutive nights or more with half board

 

Directions
Parador Alarcon
Avda. Amigos de los Castillos, 3
16214 Alarcon, Cuenca
Latitude: 39° 32' 47.58" N (39.54661047387258)
Longitude: 2° 5' 2.0034" W (-2.084054946899414)
Parador de Alarcon - one of the Spanish Paradores Parador de Alarcon - one of the Spanish Paradores

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Nearest Paradores
Parador
Distance in Kilometres
Direction
Cuenca 86 North
Albacete 90 South
Chinchon 153 West
El Saler 186 East

 

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Guests' Comments
Comment posted by tim and Penny cox
2012-10-22 20:45:44
We are great fans of Paradors and Alarcon is a joy. What makes it so special is it's size - so tiny and the dramatic location. The staff were great and couldn't have been more helpful. Our room was clean comfortable and stylish. We ate in a local restaurant 5 minutes from the Parador. Local food, local wine, which we thought was reasonably priced. We had a great evening chatting to local people - which was fun as we don't speak Spanish but everyone was charming. The breakfast very good served with a smile. Alarcon is definately one for the to do list,
Comment posted by Patrick & Ursula Byrne
2011-09-15 11:28:03
Parador Alarcon was the first Parador that my Wife and I have ever stayed in and the experience was a truly magical one. From the time one drives down the approach road towards Alarcon and seeing the Parador appear on the horizon, then turning the corner going under the gatehouses the magic begins. We could find no fault with our stay what so ever. The staff were friendly and helpful at all times. The food was wonderful; a great chance to sample some local high quality cuisine. The accommodation was of a very high standard and the location was wonderful. Some great walk around the walls of the village; not advisable in the midday sun! We have recommended Alarcon to many of our friends and plan to stay in other Paradors in the future. However, it will be hard to better the standard of Alarcon.
Comment posted by Desiree and Jim
2011-07-26 05:11:04
Romantic and quite. After finishing a whirlwind cruise for 9 days and few nights in Barcelona and Madrid, staying at the Parador de Alarcon was a welcome break. I'm sorry that other people have bad experienced in the restaurant but out waitress was great. She even promise to learn more English next time we come back and my husband promising in return to learn more Spanish. We were lucky to have the room on top of the tower, although nice and comfortable I would have like to see more of the authencity of the old castle. It would have been nice if the hotel provided more information of the castle's history and maybe old photos of the castle. Music in the patio would have nice too.
Comment posted by Meershoek
2011-06-13 16:10:31
On our trip from Barcelona to Nerja in may 2011 we stayed at the Parador of Alarcon. The reception was very friendly. The Parador is breathtaking, which goes for the location as well as the building. The room was beautiful, clean, with good beds and a spectacular view from the windows. Unfortunately the air-conditioning was still in wintermode, so we could not cool our room. The restaurant was impressive and warm and the food was excellent. The presentation of the dishes is worth taking a picture. Breakfast is served at the table, with a wide choice of cheese, meats, eggs, bread and pastry and fruit. The town is located near the Parador and is very small. On our second day we made a walk around the Parador, which meant a lot of climbing, leading to more spectacular views (large fields of red poppy’s). We enjoyed our stay very, very much and we can certainly recommend this Parador.
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A perfectly preserved eighth century Arab castle in Alarcon is now a Parador hotel.



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