While traditionally reviewing a hotel may be straightforward based on guest focus on comfort, amenities and service, attempting to tackle a review of a former monastery converted into a hotel is a bit of a different beast. It is such a unique experience, that judging it purely based on those other parameters is a bit challenging. And considering the highly reasonable cost, it is also not appropriate to call it a luxury hotel by any means. First of all, how many times in our lives do we get to live inside a monastery? If the answer is more than one, you are likely a member of religious order or just extremely lucky to experience something so special. Thus, the question of whether to stay here is categorically yes. Sure, the bedding is hard as a rock and pillows are as thin and synthetic. The rooms however are very special and with some status, was able to get a light upgrade to a room with frontal view of Cuenca. The design is largely what you would expect in a monastery: simple and traditional. But, aside from the slightly uncomfortable bedding, all the basics of what would normally be a decent 3 star hotel are there. But again, putting stars on this property is tricky due to its uniqueness. I'd pick experiencing this property over many five star city properties that tend to blend in. The bar and restaurant are also pleasant, both maintaining many elements of old design and complimenting the new features tastefully. The walk to town is quite fast over the bridge, so that's not an issue either. Overall, an excellent property all around for a very unique experience. If you are a picky sleeper, do keep in mind the bedding might be problematic, so consider bringing your own pillows if staying more than one night. read more

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In short summary, the Parador de Cuenca is a great historic hotel converted from a convent that has large rooms, great staff, and a great restaurant and is located in a beautiful location with great views. Now for the excruciatingly long elaboration. My wife and I have travelled about 10 times to Europe for vacation, from the US, over the last 20 years. We agreed that the Parador de Cuenca has been our best overall experience and would absolutely come back. People vary significantly on hotel expectations, particularly during vacation abroad, so I explain below what we liked about Parador. We like to stay in a location that allows for easy transportation to site seeing locations and provides a unique cultural experience. With Parador being located right across the valley from the UNESCO hanging houses and a short walk to downtown old and new Cuenca, the location is ideal. There is also a trail route with an obvious route to the top of the mountain to the beautiful lookout called the Mirador del Cerro del Socorro. From there you get the best view in town, which has a beautiful sunset view. The hotel is a renovated convent which kept many of the architectural stylings and I'm pretty sure the wooden carved ceiling in the primary dining hall is original. So in addition to being in a historic building and adjacent to a UNESCO site, the cultural immersion is further elevated due to modest tourism. There is enough tourism that local amenities are good but small enough tourism that you can get a local experience at many cafes in newer Cuenca. The second part of a great hotel is it's physical location as it relates to views and weather. I already mentioned the access to local hotspots, so that is covered. But Cuenca, in late April, was 75F, Sunny, and dry the whole week. Sure this can vary but it more likely to happen here than in northern Europe. The views are extraordinary just from standing outside the hotel. Very few hotels provide direct access to views of a beautiful UNESCO site. We also enjoyed this hotel location, due to relatively modest tourist density. This Parador of course doesn't control this...Instagram does : ) That said, it does make for a nicer hotel stay when there isn't as much frenetic tourist craziness. The hotel staff were fantastic! They were very helpful for all my requests for arranging taxis, providing an iron to my room and helping me find the right path to destinations. They were always helpful and I enjoyed all my interactions. There are several areas for eating in the hotel, both outdoor and indoor, but I will cover the indoor dining hall here. My wife and I ate there for breakfast and had one lunch there. The dining hall has original hand carved wooden ceilings that are absolutely beautiful and quite charming. On the first day we ate there for lunch at 1 PM and were blown away by how good the meal was. They brought fresh bread to the table and very unique local olive oil. We ordered an artichoke and red pepper appetizer. For the main course I had baked trout and vegetables and my wife ate the mushroom plate. We were served beetroot hummus as a gratis table appetizer and also some chocolates to close the meal. It was honestly one of the best overall meals we had during our 8 day stay in Spain. The breakfast is an open Buffett of many pastries, cheeses, ham, yogurt and other items with the option to order hot items like eggs or Churros. They aromatically brought coffee and hot milk to the tables. For yogurt adders they had the most unique offerings I have ever seen, like bee pollen (sweet and delicious), flax seed, and others. Since they have three seating times for breakfast (8, 9, or 10), they operate closer to an American pace so you can get in and out "faster" than most places. They have a handful of amenities that we did not try but we're available: gym, sauna, tennis court,swimming pool, evening bar. So finally I get to the bedroom. It was extraordinarily large compared to all we've been in on Europe. It had two windows that can open and close for light, sound and air flow to your desire. It had a large tub shower, dual sinks, and a toilet and bidet. Finally the hotel is an easy 10 minute taxi from the Cuenca train station, which is good on both ends of the trip. If even for one night, it is worth getting this experience. read more

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This hotel is a beautiful converted 16th century convent that is located in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Cuenca. Our room had a window facing the courtyard, but if I stayed there again I would love to have a window overlooking the gorge, bridge and the hanging houses. This really is a gorgeous hotel. I could just walk around it for hours looking at everything. It is like a museum that you get to stay in. I do need to mention a couple negative things. Our huge and spacious room was lovely, but we had a really uncomfortable bed. We should have possibly tried to get another room or bed, but we were usually so tired by the end of the day we just passed out. In addition, the manager of the restaurant wasn't the friendliest person and if anyone had a special request he wasn't very flexible. My recommendation is definitely have your breakfast there if it is included, but go across the gorge for lunch or dinner. We found some very nice restaurants on the other side of the gorge. We only stayed there two nights, but I would stay there again because it was a beautiful hotel with an amazing view of the city. read more

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OK. This place isn't perfect. But, what stars it loses to quirkiness, odd smells and underpowered AC it more than gains from the spectacular setting and architectural beauty. What an unforgettable location. What you see of Cuenca from the Paradores in the daytime is completely different from the evening when all of the canyon walls and beautiful structures are illuminated. Gorgeous. It's a bit rustic and the whole place has an antiqued, incense smell for sure. Our AC was a bit underperforming as well. You just have to be ready for that. We had a basic room but with a nice view overlooking the canyon. Even the basic room is very comfortable with a nice bath and ample living space. Went to the bar a bit early (7:30pm) by Spanish standards and we were the first ones there. Service was a little slow (OK, relaxed) but we had some great drinks, beer and wine once things got started and some really great tapas plates (try the manchego cheese!). From there, went across the footbridge to dinner but would definitely try their in-house restaurant as it looked good. Overall, a good experience here in a spectacular setting. Pool area is beautiful as well. Would definitely come back when touring Spain again. read more

Parador de Cuenca - Paradores de Turismo de Cuenca - Hotels Near Me - Cuenca, CU

Want to feel like royalty in a beautiful palace? Well, then you need to visit the city of Cuenca and stay at this BEAUTIFUL 500 year old Parador. It is so beautiful that it if hard to believe. The view of the rock formations with the famous "hanging homes" and the suspended bring is BREATHTAKING! The rooms are cozy and clean. The restaurant locating in one of the most beautiful courtyards is to romantic and relaxing with a violinist playing beautiful soothing music. The food is good and the wine list excellent. read more

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