Fodor's Expert Review Parador de Guadalupe
Calle Marqués de la Romana 12, Guadalupe, Extremadura, 10140, Spain
This exquisite estate, once the 15th-century palace of the Marquis de la Romana, now houses one of Spain's finest paradores. The sprawling building combines Mudejar architecture, exotic vegetation, and Moorish-style rooms, the best of which look out onto the monastery. There's a secluded swimming pool and a cozy fireplace room—a perfect place to enjoy an evening glass of wine. The restaurant serves simple local dishes such as bacalao monacal ("monastic" codfish, with spinach and potatoes) and frite de cordero (lamb stew).
PROS
- stunning architecture
- down-home Extremaduran cooking
- idyllic balconies
CONS
- tight parking
- long hike from reception to the farthest rooms
- old-world property with old-world amenities