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.
Country house hotel with panoramic views (4*)
The Parador de Toledo, is set in a beautiful stone-built mansion with wooden balconies, a garden and seasonal outdoor pool. It stands on the Cerro del Emperador (‘Emperor’s Hill’) 4 km outside the city across the gorge. From here it has the most stunning views across to the historic hill-top city. Particularly prominent in the view from the Parador is the Moorish fortress, the Alcazar, which sits atop of Toledo. Also the cathedral, noted for its paintings by Rubens, Bellini, Titian and El Greco, can be spotted.
Toledo’s Parador takes its name, ‘Hotel Conde de Orgaz’, from the famous painting by El Greco, who spent his later years, and died, in the city. This painting, 'The Burial of Count Orgaz', is on display in the Church of Santo Tome in Toledo. The Parador itself offers the guest every comfort, and the warm interior makes extensive use of wood in both floors and beamed ceilings. Rugs, copperware and decorative tiles recall the Moorish influence in the area. Perhaps the highlight of any visit to this Parador is the unparalleled view of the city which can be enjoyed over a glass of wine on the hotel’s terrace. Alternatively take in the panorama from some of the public areas or from one of the bedrooms that benefits from city views. The Parador's stylish, colourful restaurant serves a variety of delicious local and international dishes and enjoys the fabulous views of the city. The Parador takes advantage of its large space, with rooms and wrapped around its seasonally-open swimming pool, each offering comfortable design and a welcoming atmosphere.
Keytours Tip:
While the national capital of Spain may have moved 45 miles north to Madrid in 1561, the ex-capital Toledo has retained its place as the centre of Catholic Spain and is the most important city in the region of Castilla la Mancha. Known as 'The City of Three Cultures', Christianity, Judaism and Islam have all left their architectural footprints on Toledo and although the heart of the city’s religious heritage is clearly its widely-renowned high Gothic Cathedral, visitors will also encounter an enchanting assortment of churches, mosques, synagogues and convents. The best way to get to know the city is simply to wander through the narrow streets of the old town armed with a map and come across Toledo’s collection of historic buildings, walls, bridges and fortifications, as well as small historical flourishes such as the tiles marking the former Jewish Quarter, and the manacles of freed Christian prisoners which adorn the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery.
Toledo steel was highly prized since before Christ and its fame built a strong reputation for its skilled craftsmen, examples of which are on display in many shops, alongside the city's famous 'damasquinos' gold inlay jewellery. The city is also heavily associated with the life and work of the painter El Greco who produced many of his finest works in the city and figured prominently in the Golden Age of Spanish arts. As the nickname bestowed upon him may suggest, ‘El Greco’, was actually born in Greece, however from 1577 until his death he lived and worked in Toledo. The city’s Museo del Greco houses has an impressive collection and is well worth a visit for art aficionados.
Any visitor to the city cannot fail to spot the the Alcazar de Toledo, and impressive fortress building that sits atop the town and is immediately visible on approach. The buildings foundations date back to the Roman period, and the Alcazar itself has been built and rebuilt several times over the centuries, the most recent restoration takin place under Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Today the Alcazar houses an extensive Army Museum featuring weapons and clothing dating back centuries, and the top floor is home to Castilla La Mancha's Regional Library.
Toledo's proximity to Madrid makes it an easy train ride for those wishing to leave their driving gloves at home. The city also works as a good base for exploring the rest of Castilla La Mancha such as the famous windmills featured in Don Quixote, the summer palace of Aranjuez and Cuenca.
For seasonal Parador pool opening times please visit our information on pools page.
Restaurant opening hours:
Breakfast: 7.30 to 10.30 (Mon to Fri) and 8.00 to 11.00 (Sat & Sun and public holidays).
Lunch: 13.00 to 16.00
Dinner is served 20.30 to 23.00. It may be possible to arrive up to 22.30 and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 10.30 to midnight.
The Parador is located 4 km from the centre of Toledo on the Cerro del Emperador, high up on the south side of the gorge. It is 70 km from Madrid along the N-401, 135 km from Ciudad Real and 40 from Aranjuez along the C-400, and 53 km from Maqueda on the C-403. Basic points of reference to find it are the main N-IV and N-V roads.
Free parking in its spacious outdoor car park and facilities for charging electric vehicles, the cost of which is payable locally.
Castilla La Mancha, just south of Madrid, is perhaps best known for its Manchego cheese and its depiction in Don Quixote. The region has a number of World Heritage Cities and some lovely Paradors, both historic hotels and ones with fabulous views.
