Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
18th century convent (4*)
The Parador de Mérida is an 18th century converted convent in the heart of the town, offering guests an insight to Mérida’s rich and celebrated history. Built upon the original Roman forum and temple remains, this white-walled, simple building has served a lifetime of purposes including a home for the poor, a hospital, an asylum and even a prison.
Mérida is proudest of its history as an important Roman town having flourished under Roman occupation and this influence is felt strongly throughout the town, reflected in the well-preserved Roman architecture. Mérida’s Parador features many artefacts from the period, such as Roman columns and sculptures, adding a cultural element to any stay at this hotel. Since it joined the network in 1933, the Parador of Mérida has welcomed a wealth of visitors including film stars, opera singers, politicians and even royalty. It has been a popular choice for the King and Queen of Spain, and also the King’s father, who have all stayed in this beautiful building on many occasions.
From its most recent use as a convent, the Parador features authentic remnants such as gates to the crypt with high vaulted ceilings, where guests can relax and reflect. The rooms of the Parador are in very much in keeping with the monastic style with subtle and simple décor; archways, columns and vaulted ceilings. There is a pretty patio at the centre of the Parador surrounding a former well which is the perfect place to keep coolwith a drink. At the back of the Parador lies an exquisite internal courtyard offering a peaceful place to sit and unwind whilst admiring the gardens which, contrary to the Roman influences of the area, were designed in typical Moorish style. The Parador de Mérida has benefitted from a few contemporary additions such as an outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally), sauna and a gym. There is no escaping the Parador's origins as a convent in its restaurant which features the typical vaulted ceilings and in summer months guests can enjoy meals in the Parador's gardens.
Its location in southern Extremadura means that this Parador benefits from a warmer climate all year round and there is a golf course just 8km away.
Keytours tips:
The Parador de Mérida offers an ideal base from which to explore this charming, historical town. Mérida takes immense pride in its Roman history, and is home to the largest collection of Roman remains in the whole of Spain, earning it its UNESCO World Heritage Status. The town was founded by Emperor Augustus in 25BC as Emerita Augusta (the origin of the modern name) and became the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. The site was considered a strategic base by the Romans when constructing the road between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea, now known as the Via de la Plata (the ‘Silver Route’). The three most prominent Roman sites of the town are the Los Milagros Aqueduct, the Roman Circus and the Amphitheatre, and these are some of the best conserved in Europe. In fact, the amphitheatre is still used by locals today to hold mock Gladiator fights, and each July the town stages Greek and Roman dramas late at night when the summer air is cooler and more comfortable. Other impressive Roman remains in the town include the triumphal arch, the Temple of Diana (whose granite columns still stand strong), and two Roman bridges, one of which has been pedestrianised and is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Mérida is also a good base from which to visit nearby Spanish towns such as Cáceres and Trujillo, both of which are within an hour’s drive.
2025: Due to maintenance work the sauna and gym are closed from February to September.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Restaurant opening times:
Breakfast: 7.30 to 11.00 (Monday to Friday) and 8.00 to 11.30 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Lunch: 13.30 to 16.00
Dinner: 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar open from 11.00 until midnight offering bar snacks and lighter dishes.
The Parador is located in the centre of the town. Mérida is 60 km from Badajoz and 350 km from Madrid along the main N-V road, and 70 km from Cáceres and 200 km from Sevilla on the N-630.
This Parador has enclosed exterior parking with a daily charge and facilities for charging electric vehicles, the cost of which is payable locally.
The western region of Extremadura is a home to jamón, medieval cities, Roman ruins and excellent bird-watching opportunities. The historic Paradors here are beautifully preserved and well placed to explore this region at a leisurely pace.
