paradors.

I recently found a book at the thriftstore titled, The Paradors of Spain. Thier history, cooking & wines. by Jan Read & Maite Manjon. 1977.

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Origins of the parador spain go back to 1910 when the Spanish Government assigned the Marquis de la Vega Inclán the task of creating a hotel infrastructure.
In 1926, he started a hotel in the Gredos Mountains - making its wonderful landscape accessible to tourism.
King Alfonso XIII of Spain was very enthusiastic - he, personally, chose the location.
Efforts were then channelled into perfecting the original idea, making use of selected historical/artistic monuments and beautiful landscapes for the establishment of further paradores of spain.
From the beginning, they were meant to provide more-than-adequate accommodations set at appropriate distance intervals around the country. They have evolved today into a chain of 93 Paradores. It is rarely more than a few hours, or at most half-a-day's drive between one Parador and the next. This now makes traveling by car in Spain a real pleasure. The traveler can explore out-of-the-way areas and really get to know the country - always confident that a delightful place to rest, one of the fine Paradores of Spain, is awaiting just a little ways down the road.
Another thing that separates the Spain Paradores from other hotel chains is their commitment to environmental protection as they undertake their many restoration projects. They are thereby helping maintain both the natural and cultural heritage of Spain.
Dining in Parador restaurants is always an enjoyable experience. Each Spanish Parador offers a menu that centers around the traditional dishes of the local region, yet prepared in a style that sets them apart. Many of Spain's finest chefs oversee the restaurants in the various Paradores. There is always offered a "set-menu" at a very affordable price - then also an array of specialty dishes for the more adventuresome and discerning diner. The Parador wine lists invariably feature some of Spain's best.

paradors of spain website.
and another.
find the book.