Parador de Cangas de Onís

This was a first visit to Spain and I knew nothing beforehand of the Paradores. If this is typical I want to go to the others! I knew that this experience was going to be different from the walk to the room (in the original part of the building) which feels like a carpeted cloister. This old building, full of interesting nooks and crannies, with lots of interesting artefacts, has been set up to the highest standards for guests. All the plumbing was of a high standard, and it worked. The room was spacious with plenty of storage. A smallish window but understandable given the historic setting. A very comfortable bed. Little things that made us feel welcome as guests: the warm welcome in the dining room and bar, the extra food "goodies" left in the room with a nice note every day or two, the coffee machine. Little things that helped practically: the safe, plentiful car parking at no extra charge, the lift, a clear and itemised printout for checkout. We had two full evening meals and had snacks at the bar on several other days. The food was of very high quality, beautifully presented, and the dining room and bar staff were uniformly hard-working and pleasant (as were those at the reception desk). I very much enjoyed trying some of the regional specialities. The range of choice at breakfast was extensive, more than at most places that I have stayed. For touring, there are several other places of interest to be reached in an hour or so - we went to Ovideo, Llanes, Covadonga, Santillana del Mar, Ribadesella, San Vicente de la Barquera, El Mirador del Fito and Cangas de Onis itself. There is also at least one good full day's circular drive through the national park via Potes including some wonderful villages such as Sotres. On a rainy day, we did the long (2h30m) but relatively straightforward drive to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. We skipped Fuente De from our original list because of cloud cover. The hotel proved to be a very decent location for days out.

Great, helpful reception staff. Tasty meals served by the bar. Good selection at breakfast buffet. Ample, free parking around the building. Rooms are spacious, functional and perfectly comfortable. Decor in public areas such as reception or hallways surrounding the central yard is stylish and top notch.

The historic element. A beautiful building and the size of the room. We would have used the small seating area outside if the weather had been dry and sunny. The friendly staff. Beautiful location.

The room room was absolutely great, clean and functional. I did choose the hotel but would have liked it to be closer to town (my choice). I found the breakfast pricey and after a bad experience with the evening meal, decided not to have breakfast at the hotel.

Besides being housed in a historical monument that has been meticulously been renovated, the staff was exemplary. Anna at reception was quick to solve my problem of having left a suitcase at my last hotel with utmost professionalism and delightful positivity. My stress melted away once she was in charge. Very much appreciated!! Also the fabada stew was outstanding!