Parador de Alcala de Henares

The Parador de Alcala de Henares enjoys a peaceful and relaxed location in the centre of the city. The building is one of the city's landmarks, along with the Hosteria del Estudiante in the former San Jeronimo college, which was founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1510 and which offers marvellous views over the beautiful Patio Trilingue courtyard of the University of Alcala de Henares.

The hotel is next to monumental treasures such as the Capilla de San Ildefonso, the Palacio Arzobispal and the baroque convent of Las Bernardas. Nightlife opportunities and links to public transport can be found in the immediate vicinity. The bus and train stations are about 15 and 20 minutes' walking distance away, respectively. The La Dehesa shopping centre is about a 15-minute drive away, and Barajas Airport is approximately 25 km away.

This newly opened city hotel was built in 2008. It is housed in a magnificent seventeenth-century building, the former Santo Tomas Dominican Convent and School. All in all, it offers a great combination of tradition and avant-garde, making it perfect for either relaxing stays or successful business meetings. It has 128 rooms in total spread across 3 floors.

Amenities and services include air conditioning, a lobby, 24-hour reception and check-out service, a hotel safe, currency exchange facilities, a cloakroom, lift access, a garden and a terrace. A restaurant, cafe, bar, TV lounge and Internet access are provided.

There are also twelve rooms suitable for holding conferences, meetings and other events. Some of these even have a separate reception area. Room and laundry services are available for a fee. A car park and garage also feature, providing parking for up to 124 vehicles.

The rooms are decorated in baroque style, and each one comes with a double or king-size bed and an en suite bathroom with shower, bath and hairdryer. Direct dial telephone (subject to fees), TV, radio, Internet access, minibar and safe all come as standard. Individually regulated air conditioning and heating, a lounge area and a balcony or terrace also feature.

Guests may take advantage of the outdoor pool with poolside snack bar, as well as the sun terrace with sun loungers and parasols. A hot tub, sauna and steam room are also provided. Massage and spa treatments, tennis, aerobics, horse riding, biking, darts, bowling and entertainment programmes for young and old are offered for a fee. The nearest golf course, El Robledal, is about a 15-minute drive away (greens fees apply).

Guests can enjoy the cuisine typical of the Spanish Golden Age. It is traditional cuisine which has been updated, incorporating the techniques and tastes of modern times, but without forgetting the essence of the cuisine from the time of the writer Cervantes. Of particular note are the sweet desserts made with almonds and honey. Breakfast is served as a buffet, while lunch and dinner are either a la carte or as a set menu.