Give it up, CaliBasco. Maybe your message got lost in the (e)mail. Sorry to hear that. I too sent a request for reservation to the Parador in Santiago de Compostela, but only a couple weeks ago now -- still no reply. AND *I* used my MadridMan.com account too! I not-so-humbly thought that might catch their eye and, hopefully, get me a quick response, but nooooooo... hehehe... Seems they're indiscriminate with their ignore-ance.

Hello rainspooner,
After Jaen, you might want to try Cazorla. It's a wonderful white village near Baeza and Ubeda. It has a wonderful castle with a museum inside--you'll get an escorted tour, in Spanish, of course. You can take lots of great walks, and the town itself is great. It was the only place in Andalucia where we saw the locals really dancing Sevillanas in the bars. We stayed at the Hotel Guadalquivir--spotless, newly renovated, cheap. tel/fax 9 53 72 02 68. Next to Cazorla is La Iruna, which has another amazing castle, in ruins, and a spectacularly located public swimming pool--rather like a 5-star hotel. Have a great trip!

Thanks for the info on Cazorla! I've read about it and it sounds neat. I'll look at it again and see if it's do-able.

I finally got my reply on the reservation request for the Hostal dos Reis Católicos in Santiago de Compostela...and it was worth the wait...we're in for May. I didn't need a credit card, but later submitted after I was approved, that way we can get in late, etc.

We're looking forward to 5-star luxury after 3 euro albergues along the road...

WOW!!!! CONGRATULATIONS CaliBasco!! That's GREAT news! Whew! Now THAT was a long wait! I won't expect to get my email replied then. Oh well. Good for you!!! I can't wait to hear your review of them.

Saludos, MadridMan

I look forward to posting a LONG one, and they'd better hope it's GOOD!!!