Parador de Manzanares

We haven’t stayed here for many years so our overnight was fairly new to us. We had a great room. Comfortable and well appointed. Very friendly and very helpful staff. Particularly the reception. We had a good breakfast and evening meal. I had a personal problem ( a lost wallet) I thought it was a disaster but fortunately it was found and kindly returned by Miguel and the lovely reception staff

Don't bother till it improves, air conditioning not working, toilet didn't flush, windows in bar filthy. Located next to motorway Grounds not appealing

We have stayed here on a number of occasions travelling south from the ports. We have stayed half bound but the evening meal and breakfast, although excellent were just too much travelling. Instead we have a menu del dia on route and something in the cafeteria in the evening. Similarly we get away in the morning and stop for breakfast later on.

We have stayed in a lot of different Paradors over many years and this time was the first that we had been disappointed. It is a purpose built hotel on edge of town, right by the side of the motorway. There was plenty of outdoor parking, some of which provided shading from the sun. We enjoyed the outdoor pool and sun terrace although there was a lot of noise from the motorway traffic. As is usual at a Parador there were English speaking staff on reception and at the bar. However, there were none in restaurant which did cause some issues. The whole hotel looks tired and is in need of at least some redecoration. This was the first time we had a room in a Parador without slippers and gowns. However, this proved to be the same at the other two Paradors in which we stayed so perhaps it has been stopped now. A shame as it was one of the little touches that stood Paradors apart from other hotels. The bathroom was particularly tired and the shaving mirror incorrectly fitted so that it rotated left and right rather than up and down. This meant you had to bend down to use it. We have enjoyed some great meals in the restaurants at Paradors, this was not one of them. Although, at dinner, the restaurant was less than half full the service was rushed, leading to mistakes. The waitress who seemed to be in charge seemed to create an air of tension amongst the other waitresses. I ordered turbot. When it arrived half of it was uncooked. My wife had a lamb shank which came with no vegetables nor an option to order any. It was the same shambolic service at breakfast. The same person who was stressing staff at dinner was in charge with the same results. First, she brought coffee to the table, which we had not ordered. We wanted tea. Second, she took an order for a cooked breakfast from me but not my wife. As it happened, she did not want anything cooked but she should have at least been asked. The waitress then brought three plates for the two of us. Between them they contained the one order that I had made. They also had two items that had not been ordered at all.

This parador is an ideal stop-off when travelling north-south in Spain. It is unstuffy but nevertheless the staff are attentive

Although doesn't have the Castle type of other Paradores my experience was great. The staff both at reception and cafeteria were very friendly, nice and efficient. The room has a good size an a very cozy balcony.