Well, it looks like another trip may be in the planning stages, this time with a group of friends (who shared in our Costa Rican adventure). Here's the first, of many questions: What is the best "castle" lodging, if any, in the following areas? Turegano/Segovia, Trujillo, Sevilla, Cordoba, area of the pueblos blanco (Jimena, Gaucin, Ronda, etc.), Granada, and Toledo? I realize that, most likely, accommodations would be in a parador. But, if you have any first hand experience or suggestions, I'd appreciate it. One of our friends would like to "stay in a castillo" although I certainly have a great selection of inns, B&Bs, hostales, etc. in mind.

Nothing to recommend in these areas? Castles converted to paradors that are worth the money? Anything?

Carole, I was interested in seeing a response to that question too. I do have an idea for you, though. I know I have seen books in Border's/Barnes & Noble about lodging in those types of places. I think there is one about "unique lodging in Spain & Portugal". It may not contain a lot of castles, but there were some cool looking places. There was another book I saw called "hip hotels" that had a crazy hotel somewhere in Spain that looked interesting. There is also a book exclusively on castle lodging in Europe, but as I remember most of those places were in Scotland and France. There MAY have been one in Spain.

I guess I go to the bookstore a lot, read, then not buy the book! I was planning a tentative trip to Spain/Portugal in May but that got changed to Greece. I still like to read/talk about Spain though. Good luck Carole!

I noticed there seems to be more lodging in 16th century monasteries than true castles and maybe that would suit your friends just as well. We stayed in the monastery at San Millan de Cogolla in Rioja and it was wonderful (and Bancotel friendly!). Also north of Palencia on the way to Fromista was a castle that had been converted into a hotel in Mozon de Campas. I stopped in for a drink and in looked interesting and I think rooms started around 10000pts last summer. These aren't in the areas you mentioned but in case you decide on a different route...

el Puerto de Santa Maria is a ways from Sevilla but there's a 5-star Monasterio de San Miguel there - not a Castle, per se but close enough.

It seems that most of the paradores are converted monasteries or palaces. The "stay in a castle" in Spain may not be an option. (We stayed in one in Tuscany that was fantastic!) I'll continue to research. I'm fond of the small inns, B&Bs, etc. recommended in Alastair Sawday's book. (Nope, I'm still not getting a commission on sales.) I know that it will again be my primary resource for lodging. We didn't go wrong once!

I was married in the castle (Parador) in Alarcon, in Cuenca, half-way between Madrid and Valencia off the N-III (an hour and a half from Madrid). It's not really on your route but certainly worth the detour. It's really small (14 rooms) and in great shape. It's a VIII century castle and the rooms in the tower are the best (#5, if I recall correctly, is the nicest but it doesn't have a "cama de matrimonio") The dining room is beautiful with great food. It overlooks the Embalse de Alarcon. There are a couple other castles in the area, mostly in ruins, you can visit. It's also quite near the "ruta de Don Quijote" and the infamous windmills. It may make for a nice detour.
Another option is the castle in Siguenza in Guadalajara (also not on your route). That's about 45-60 min from Madrid. It's much, much larger than the one in Alarcon and less intimate.
There are plenty of castles to stay in but I can't recall any on the route you mentioned.

Carole: I would second the opinion of nevado...I've been to Alarcón and it is a really amazing location. The pueblo is small, the castle beatifully situated on a promontory, and the vistas sweeping. This is probably what you're wanting if you want castle lodging...

Try jpmoser.com website. I see there's a castle/hotel near Salamanca.

I will check out the Parador in Alarcon (Cuenca). It's not that far from our route (and we haven't been to Cuenca in a very long time) and might be nice as a first night's stopover on our way south to Granada. (I'm thinking I should reverse the order of our trip, April/May, and head south first.) It would be a manageable drive from Barajas, I just need to check the route south from there to Granada. Salamanca is also a possibility for later in our trip although we hope to stay outside of Trujillo and then in Turégano, both of which have great inn-type lodgings which we want to re-visit. Thanks for your help!

Nevada and Calibasco,Do you think this is this the same as the Parador de Turismo de Cuenca listed in Frommers as governmnet sponsored converted XVI monestary? It is located a half mile NW of town. Do you have an email or # for the place you described?

I think what you're referring to is the Parador in Cuenca, Cuenca (XVI century convent). Alarcon is in the province of Cuenca but quite far (89 km) from the city of Cuenca. You can access them on the web (Parador website) or contact them directly- their # is 969 33 03 15 fax 969 33 03 03, e-mail alarcon@parador.es Be sure and ask to stay in the tower. In the previous post I put that it was off the N-II, it's actually the N-III (sorry)!

Is Alarcón beyond Cuenca (the city) toward Valencia, or nearer Madrid? Sorry, I don't have a map handy. The Posada San Jose and Hotel Leonara de Aquitania (I've mispelled it) in Cuenca are charming possibilities, although not castles. I wasn't able to use the link to the latter. I think they may both be recommended in Alastair Sawday's Guide (and you know how I like it).

Alarcon is equidistant between Madrid and Valencia- it's a straight shot from Madrid (takes around an hour and a half, depending on your driving)! It's 89 km. south of the city of Cuenca.
If traveling from Madrid you'll need to exit the N-III and travel on the old N-III (before they constructed the highway) about 12 Km. toward Motilla de Palancar. There will be signs for Alarcon and Motilla de Palancar of the highway. The 12 km. drive is quite pleasant, passing over the rio Jucar.
If traveling from Cuenca, take the N-320 to Motilla de Palancar and head west on the old N-III about 14 km.

Correct: Alarcón is on the way to Valencia...that's actually how we ended up there, as we were headed to Valencia.

Most of the paradors are monasteries, pazos, etc., but Alarcón is all castle. The pazos are more in Galicia, as that was more of the style there.

Although not a castle or a monastery, I recommend the Hotel Acueducto in Segovia, as long as you get a city-facing room. I've stayed there twice and have gotten a city-facing room both times. We had a little balcony which faced the aqueduct and the city walls. With the golden lights illuminating the city at night, the view is "sin par". Since the entire casco viejo is a monument, you won't feel as you're not inside a castle...you'll feel like your inside history. (Besides, at the Acueducto, you're only about 50m from Mesón Cándido and darn good cochinillo)...

Well, I've continued researching--looking for castle accommodations. Alaracon does sound fantastic, although a little out of our way. Still, just an hour and a half from Barajas--could be a very impressive first night's stay for our friends, first time visitors to Spain. What could I anticipate as far as driving time from Alarcon to Granada?