PARADOR

I thought that among Paradores there was no hotel worse than the one in Tordesillas, but it seems that the competition for the number 1 spot in hospitality disaster is tough. Very dirty, with hair remnants all over the bathroom floor (in some corners real clumps of hair), the shower full of "souvenirs" from other guests, a real plague of flying insects in the room. We had to dedicate ourselves to eliminating them with clean towels, and even then they kept flying over us. The rooms are very tight for a 4-star, they are more like 3-star, and that's being generous. Therefore, the price is very high for what it offers; they are simply taking advantage of the Paradores brand to charge what it is not worth. The dining room staff deserves a separate chapter. I have never encountered anyone as lazy, rude, and insolent, neither in Paradores nor in any hotel. If any worker has work problems, they cannot take them out on the customers, because they are not to blame. Without a doubt, the worst experience in a long time, something unworthy of a Parador. Unless you have a whim to stay there, you'd better look for another option if you want to enjoy a place as beautiful and cozy as Ciudad Rodrigo. The management of Paradores can start doing their job now and keep a close watch on establishments like this one and the one in Tordesillas, so they don't rest on their laurels. Going up is hard, but going down is very fast.

Disappointing experience in the restaurant where the two ladies waiting on pretended that they didn’t understand English and both made quite an effort to speak only in Spanish. As ever we try to order in our best pidgin Spanish as a matter of courtesy but it certainly didn’t work this time. Something or someone must have riled them before we got there and sadly we got the brunt of it which we’ve never come across before, neither in paradores nor anywhere else in Spain but it’s nevertheless still a lovely place to stay and we will be back.

I celebrated my son's communion at the Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo, and it was the best decision I could have made: exquisite food, unbeatable service, and a theatrical visit that delighted both adults and children. I love this Parador!