- Time of past OR future Camino
- First one in 1977 by train. Many since then by foot. Next one ASAP.
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Don't give up. Sometimes there are bargains - as described in this thread. You might want to sign up as a Parador Club Amigo.The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately
I have stayed in the one next to the 'chicken' Church.- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
It has been 20 plus years since I stayed in the SD dl Calzada, so my comments would be extremely out of date. However do join the Parador Amigos club which will entitle you to a discount on meals and drinks at all Paradors even if you are not staying at them. Also when you book look for the Golden years discount for over 55s' this also has the benefit of including breakfast for free.Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
Spent an indulgent night @ the San Zoilo in Sept 2019. Worth every penny, absolutely loved it, and it's absolutely on my list for next year.... (Even if it doesn't feature singing nuns!)Not a parador, but it looks equally luxurious, is the Hotel Real Monasterio San Zollo in Carrion de los Condes. Right on the Camino as you walk out of town. I've not stayed there, but want to.
What is a Parador Club Amingo?Don't give up. Sometimes there are bargains - as described in this thread. You might want to sign up as a Parador Club Amigo.
If you go on the Paradores website you can sign up the the Amigos de Paradores club for no charge. You get a reasonable discount and a welcome drink when you stay. You earn points and get free stays when you’ve accrued enough.What is a Parador Club Amingo?
see: https://paradores.es/en/amigos-de-paradores-0What is a Parador Club Amingo?
https://paradores.es/en/amigos-de-paradores-0What is a Parador Club Amingo?
I noticed a reference to Pilgrim discounts on their site as well as for age, and Club Amigos.Don't give up. Sometimes there are bargains - as described in this thread. You might want to sign up as a Parador Club Amigo.
Definitely join the Amigos club for Paradores. Also they have over 55 rates and Pilgrim rates. We have stayed in the Santo Domingo, Leon, and at now in Villafranca Parador. There rate here is the equivalent to a higher end Hostal or Casa. In Santiago dC, there is also a Christmas special and a Pilgrim rate. We used these as anchor points and doing cheap elsewhere. We’re older too and felt we need some good rest stops. Good luck and Buen CaminoBecause age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
I walked the Camino in 2009 and I treated myself to staying at the Paradors in Leon and in Santiago. Both are beautiful though my favourite was the one in Leon. I hasten to add that there was on offer at both for old people like me. I think that I paid less than 60 Euros for each. Such a bargain. As others have said, there maybe offers available for you as well, depending on the time of year, perhaps. Good luck and Buen Camino!Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
I remember walking on the road and observing this hotel in the distance. In 2017 it was unfinished and I actually had no idea what it was going to be.Or you could try the one at Muxia which, from a distance, looks like some sort of Bond villain's lair.
I'm looking forward to the new one in Muxia!!I remember walking on the road and observing this hotel in the distance. In 2017 it was unfinished and I actually had no idea what it was going to be.
I stayed in two—the one in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and the one in Santiago—and enjoyed the “pilgrim rate” at both, which if I recall was almost half off regular room rate. Was nice to experience some luxury!I noticed a reference to Pilgrim discounts on their site as well as for age, and Club Amigos.
How nice the building project moved forward to completion and I wish them continued success, especially as other hotel/albergues etc. had to close due to the pandemic.I'm looking forward to the new one in Muxia!!
https://paradores.es/es/parador-costa-da-morte
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On my past Caminos, I have stayed several times in both, the main Parador (1) next to the Cathedral, as well as in the Parador Bernardo de Fresneda (2) at the town's exit. Both have the same tariffs. I find that the rooms of (2) are less stuffy than (1), which is somehow staid and "dusty" but which has a bar and a restaurant. (But then, I prefer to dine out in one of the excellent restaurants in town) Both feature fantastic mile-long breakfast buffets.Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
When I have walked the Norte I have treated myself to the Parador in Vilalba before volunteering as hospitalaro, reasonable for Parador.Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
Well, bless your hearts, as we say here in Dixie! I would never presume, but thanks.....Well Father , If you can provide a link or a location perhaps we could donate to your Poradores stay. My brother is a Priest and I know his salary is very modest.
Spent an indulgent night @ the San Zoilo in Sept 2019. Worth every penny, absolutely loved it, and it's absolutely on my list for next year.... (Even if it doesn't feature singing nuns!)
At the other end of the spectrum, I might also try to stay @ the albergue San Anton! Seriously considered it several times -- especially back in 2015, when my friend Sillydoll was serving there -- but each time passed on to Castrojeriz. Mistakes, in hindsight.... It really looks to be a strange and wonderful sort of place.
Can highly recommend the one in Pontevedra. Spouse enjoyed the one in Ferrol (though he mentioned that it's in need of some TLC... still provided exceptional comfort and care and food).On my two CFs, I treated myself to a night in the Paradore in Leon, and a night (shared) in the Paradore in SdC. Both so totally worth it!!
Now I learn there are more along the Way!
Hmmm . . .
We had Christmas Day dinner at this Parador when we served as hospitaleros in Zamora in 2017. It is just around the corner from the Albergue and it is indeed a Palace that was turned into a luxury hotel!I have never stayed in a Parador, but I have been tempted twice, for the same Parador. Twice, while walking through Zamora on a pilgrim route, I passed the castle-like structure of the Zamora Parador. On the first occasion, I was walking the VdlP, on the second, the Levante. Both routes pass the Zamora Parador as they climb through the city. But, alas, on both occasions I had already passed the front door of the Zamora pilgrim albergue and been drawn in for the night. And on both occasions I had realized the next day, when gazing in admiration at the front of the Zamora Parador, that I could not spare the time to spend another day and a night in Zamora, if I were to finish my camino as scheduled. Conclusion: Maybe I might begin my next camino in Zamora, spending as much time as I wished in that amazing city, including at least one night in the Parador, then walk on to Santiago, mind and spirit filled. But I would have to avoid passing the albergue when the pilgrims were lined up to enter.
As a postgraduate student I had the good luck to live in a building that was mostly 15th century but with a barrel vaulted cellar dining room which was probably a century or two earlier. A beautiful atmospheric space. I spent so much time in there that by the end of the year I had put on about 12kg in weight!You are persuasive, but I'm not sure I'll be able to resist staying in the 12th century pilgrim's hospice.
Count me in as well..........Well Father , If you can provide a link or a location perhaps we could donate to your Poradores stay. My brother is a Priest and I know his salary is very modest.
Count me in as well..........
I'd love to do a Group Parador trip.Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
And then in the evening we’ll knock on your door and all end up in your room having an albergue style communal dinner (as per The Way)??I'd love to do a Group Parador trip.
In October of this year, I stayed one night at the lovely Parador Santo Domingo Bernardi de la Fresnada, the “other” parador in Santo Domingo. It cost 95€, so it was a splurge, but it was less money than I expected for a parador. They served breakfast (buffet style) for about 18€, convenient — but I might go to a nearby restaurant instead next time as the atmosphere was rather hushed. No other meals were offered at this parador, but you can walk to the other (5 or 10 minutes away) for meals. My room was large, gracious, wonderful sheets and mattress, bathtub with shower. However, you’re on your own there, i didn’t notice any “pilgrim” vibe there. I didn’t go into the other parador, so I cannot compare the two.Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
I concur about the knees , hips and age , we have now reached the take it wasy stage.My biggest expense has always been the trans-Atlantic flight.
I've stayed in the parador at Santo Domingo de la Calzada that is across from the big cathedral tower twice. The location is really nice but I felt that the parador was a little cold and not particularly beautiful or interesting. I also recall that, as paradores go, it isn't as expensive as some. But when deciding whether to stay there last time I was in Santo Domingo (2021) it just didn't seem worth it.Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
Thank you for this tip!Then one in Leon has become very expensive after the renovation and I now usually stay at the Hospedería Monástica Pax instead, a treasure. (Ask for one of the older rooms at 69 €uro)
I stayed in the Leon Parador in 2016, before the remodel. I would have done it again in 2018 if it had been open. And stayed in the Parador on the main plaza in Santo Domingo de La Calzada this past summer. I booked it in early 2022 for a stay in July. It was $95 US---and I absolutely love it. I get that some are put off by spending that much, but seems to me a Parador splurge once during a Camino is reasonable if not advisable. If you're open to staying at a Parador, the main Parador in Santo Domingo would be a good one. I've also very much enjoyed staying at a few Posadas, including Señor Tepa's wonderful home in Astorga. My experience is that a relatively luxurious stay once in a while is good for the psyche.Because age and infirmity are finally about to limit my ability to walk cross country, I'm thinking of significantly upgrading the places I stay next year, and just --- quite decadently --- indulging myself!
I've walked many of the various principal Camino routes (since 1977), but I've never stayed in a Parador, anywhere. Now I'm tempted to do just that --- at least once! The two very famous Paradores in Leon and SdeC are waaaay out of my price range, unfortunately --- diocesan clergy don't retire rich, alas! --- but I'm thinking that there are two attractive and very much more reasonably priced Paradores in "Chickentown" --- Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Anyone want to suggest why I should prefer one of them over the other?
BTW --- The last time I passed through Santo Domingo de la Calzada I enjoyed a brief-but-very-nice chat on the promenade with Forum member Sparrow in Texas. I pray that she is well and happy!
I have personally never stayed at a parador, but I have often upgraded my experience in recent years to include some hotel rooms, and private bed and breakfast type properties. They have always been a pleasure and do lift the spirits after a long walking day. No matter how lovely an albergue is (and there are many great ones), it is nice to lodge elsewhere for some relaxing private time. If one is sharing dormatories most nights an upgrade is a real treat. As I walk more caminos I notice a shift in where I choose to stay and bunk beds are becoming a thing of the past if other options are available.My experience is that a relatively luxurious stay once in a while is good for the psyche.
Yes, when we have stayed at a Parador, we were told the breakfast is only for guests and they were pretty strict about reserving a time to each so your table would be ready for service. The breakfast room was different from the dining room and there was a big sign each time about only being a guest... You can eat other meals in he Comedor though if you are not a guest and we have done that as well.After seeing "The Way", when we walked past the parador in Leon in the morning on my first camino in 2015, we decided to at least stop in to enjoy a "posh" breakfast. We were refused at the front desk since we were not staying at the parador and in addition, I assumed possibly because we were wearing "pilgrim attire". While looking around the lobby on our way out I spotted this guy checking out of the hotel at reception. We were right behind him on the street so I took this photo. It goes to show that "you can't judge a book by its cover".
View attachment 138194
Having lodged at one or another Paradores along the CF every year since 2012, only interrupted in Covid '19 and '20, I must say to their credit, that I never ever felt discriminated against because of my pilgrim attire, nor did I observe such discrimination targeted against other pilgrims.After seeing "The Way", when we walked past the parador in Leon in the morning on my first camino in 2015, we decided to at least stop in to enjoy a "posh" breakfast. We were refused at the front desk since we were not staying at the parador and in addition, I assumed possibly because we were wearing "pilgrim attire". While looking around the lobby on our way out I spotted this guy checking out of the hotel at reception. We were right behind him on the street so I took this photo. It goes to show that "you can't judge a book by its cover".
View attachment 138194
Me neither, Pepi!But then, of course, I would never dine in a restaurant –Parador or other– without putting on a fresh shirt (and long pants in the evening.)
I have enjoyed my three breakfasts at different paradors, having stayed the night as a guest. They were as good as any other high quality hotel one might stay in other circumstances, but a very special treat when one has been walking a camino.Me neither, Pepi!
I do think "lodging" for the night at a parador (additional € spent) can have an added benefit, as apparently the man in my photo must have experienced.
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