Parador de Hondarribia

Amazing castle high up in Hondaribbia.. Position is right in the centre of the old town so perfect for exploring. Beds were not the best. A bit hard but acceptable for a couple of nights. The rooms weren’t luxurious, a bit tired but the views from our bedroom were spectacular, overlooking the Atlantic harbour. Decent sized bathroom. Breakfast was just okay - freshly squeezed juices would have been nice. Lots of good restaurants nearby as although there’s a cafeteria on site, no facilities for dinner. Overall would recommend as the opportunity to stay in an actual castle is worth it.

Two casually dressed multi-millionaire retirees enter this magnificent, Spanish government sponsored example of excellence with their wives to enjoy a light lunch. Within the vaulted, ancient stone entrance, stands a grand plate glass doorway upon which is written, "Only registered guests beyond this point." The men request entry to the restaurant within, but the hotel's government employee descending gestures to the left, toward a perfectly appointed cafe, and then with great pomp, throws the glass door shut! The gesture reminds the ladies of an American motor vehicle office; an environment dominated by ill-trained, unmotivated beneficiaries of political graft. One wife remarks, "I won't eat in that dark cave! Let's go elsewhere." What could have been an exquisite invitational experience was, for lack of training and simple human courtesy, a lasting disincentive. The men had planned, after their lunch, to book a three week tour of Spanish paradors. Instead, they chose to adjust their plans west of the Spanish border.

This is the best location to visit Hondarribia. A historic property very well renovated but in keeping with the history. Within walking distance of everything, from historical monumebts to restaurants and shopping. To top it off it even has its own small parking garage despite being in the closed quarters of the walled city.

The building itself was amazing with all that one might expect from a medieval castle, and the location on the Plaza de Armas is perfect. However, you could say the same for many of the Paradors, and they don't have the huge excess charge over the normal Parador rate (plus a rather cheeky extra €20 per day parking fee) . The rooms weren’t as large as would be expected and were a bit tired, with scuffed furniture and paintwork, and incidentally the bath would not drain (I had to jam a coin into the plug hole to allow the water to drain away...slowly). On the other hand, the view from the window overlooking the Bidasoa Estuary was magnificent, and the breakfast was probably the best we had in our visit to the Pais Vasco.

There are many relics and historical artifacts to enjoy in this Parador - don't miss the tapestries upstairs as well as sitting out on the terrace with a drink and a Gilda pintxo.

The staff seriously let this place down. At Reception they are rude, inhospitable and dismissive. It’s a a if they’re doing you a favour letting you stay in what is actually a beautifully appointed building. The buffet breakfast leaves a lot to be desired, as do the surly (and possibly deaf) staff. I really would not recommend this place at all.