Parador de Siguenza

Fantastic old castle, superbly restored and in the process of being refurbished. The breakfast and restaurant meals were excellent, and the staff were superb. My wife had been ill and only wanted something simple for dinner and so chose a fruit salad. Whilst she was eating it another waiter appeared with a different and less acidic fruit selection as he felt this might be better for her.

The castle itself has been beautifully restored, and it's a joy to visit and wonder around. The staff at check-in were friendly and efficient. Our room was huge, and we had plenty of space to unpack and settle in. The towels and linen were first-rate, and the massive four-poster bed was really comfortable. We had read some unfavourable reviews concerning the in-house restaurant, and indeed, a first-hand account from someone we'd met the previous week, so we avoided eating dinner there. However, the immediate area has plenty of other restaurants, so you do have choices. The breakfast was lovely. Very well presented with a wide selection of foods and all done with a high degree of professionalism and food hygiene. Each person having their own serving tongs for taking anything from the buffet as well as waiting staff. We parked our motorcycle in an area big enough for two motorcycles just outside the main entrance, free of charge, in the walled courtyard, and although outside, it felt secure.

Paradores Inc have converted another historic castle to a large comfortable hotel. Great location atop a historic village easy walk to the town through ancient cobbled streets. Free Guest parking is up next to the hotel entrance behind the first castle wall. parking in the large outer surface lot which is pay only and more of a hike to the entrance. NB in even cobblestone parking is hell on heavy roller suitcases so consider unloading next to the entrance and then parking. Breakfast buffet is in the large dining room. One hour seatings are reservation only. Everyone arrives at their appointed hour and has to leave when their time slot has expired. I can’t say I have ever experienced this management technique in a hotel dining room. It’s a little weird and overly bureaucratic especially since it’s a huge room with plenty of table space. The only rationale we could figure is it’s a pandemic holdover. Oh and don’t sit in a table unless it’s assigned by the hostess. A 3 person party sat at a 6 seat table and was brusquely moved by staff. Perhaps the staff is overworked and underpaid but they established a staff vs. guests vibe in record time. Unpleasant undertone. Work on that. Modern room plumbing, good AC and a nice room balcony overlooking the central court yard. WiFi signal was solid. Electrical outlets were in short supply. Bring an EU multi plug extension cord.

Staying in a castle is very special! As with many Paradores it could use some investment in upgrading the rooms and in staff but it was very comfortable and wandering around the castle was great. We had one of the cheaper rooms but it was perfectly fine especially as it was too cold to sit outside if you had invested more to have a balcony. There were good restaurants in easy walking distance so it was not necessary to eat at the Parador restaurant.

The property is beautiful and the location too. The parador and room was cleaned and the furniture in the rooms was in accordance with the property style....the bathrooms need a little updated but in general they are acceptable. The property could benefit from some plants/flower arrangement to warm the ambiance. The service at the bar was basic. We did not try the restaurant.