My husband and I recently returned from a 9-night trip through Andalusia, staying at the Parador de Ronda for two nights (Nov. 6 and 7). The other cities we visited were Seville (4 nights, with a day trip to Cordoba) and Granada (3 nights). Ronda, and in particular, our wonderful stay at the Parador, was the highlight of our trip!

We were upgraded to a superior room at no extra cost, and had an amazing view -- the Puenta Nueva to the north, and the surrounding fields, hills, and the town of Ronda itself, clinging to its jagged cliffside, to the east. Additionally, our bathroom window looked out over the beautiful pool and garden of the Parador. Words can't describe how scenic it all was, and we needed to only open the curtains to let it all in. All this, and the room was the least expensive of our three hotels!

Now, down to brass tacks: our room was large, scrupulously clean and very airy, with a generous sitting room area, Italian bed (two twins pushed together), large color TV, minibar, more than ample storage space, and huge marble-clad bathroom with the biggest, best tub and shower I've ever experienced, twin sinks, toilet and bidet (and enough giant towels for a small army). There was a rollout bed hidden in a cunning wooden cabinet, and the room would easily have slept a family of 4.

We had dinner our first night in the Parador Restaurant, which specializes in regional dishes. Our food and wine were phenomenal, one of the best two meals of our whole stay. (The other best meal, incidentally, was also in Ronda at Don Pepa's, on the main downtown square.) We did not eat breakfast at the Parador, so I can't speak to the quality of the breakfast buffet.

The staff were not overly warm or helpful, but Ronda is a small town, easy to get around in by foot and to see on one's own. The parking was pretty expensive -- 17E a night -- but was in a garage under the hotel, very convenient.

If you are planning to travel to southern Spain, make time for a couple of days in Ronda. And if you are going to Ronda, stay at the Parador!

We stayed in the Parador Hotel in Ronda from 6th to 8th November 2007. The hotel was good, the room excellent and the staff very helpful. Checking in was very efficient and we parked in the hotel car park at a charge of 17 euros per night ( a little expensive). We had been informed to reserve a superior room, which we did and were met by a view over the complete countryside. Excellent recommendation.
The room was large, clean and 'airy' with high ceilings. The bathroom was larger than expected and well stocked with towels etc.
Breakfast was included in our package and again the choice and quality was very good. We then tried dinner and again the food was different and to our liking. The staff were very attentive.

The hotel is in the prime location and the aspect is unbelievable - actually quite frightening if you look down !! We stayed in a duplex suite which was very spacious and had amazing views. The hotel was modern and rather plain. Breafast was ok. The service was fine, however nothing like what a great establishment delivers.

Excellent Hotel. Park your car and walk to to town. Ask for a room with a view of the gorge! The extra money is well worth it. You will want to spend some time just sitting on your balcony enjoying this view. Country vistas, steep hills. Fantastic, but not a place for children. Would be bored. Definitely an adult place if you love small towns, history, slow fascinating walks, exploring tiny streets filled with lovely shops, long lingering meals with tapas, wine... You must not be in a hurry here. I would suggest at least 2 days here to relax, unwind and breathe in the real Spain. The hotel restaurant is ok, but there are many, many, restaurants to explore in the town. The Bullring is fascinating. The oldest in Spain. Worth the visit. Lots, of little churches, just beautiful.
When you do leave get a car and roam the countryside around this area of Spain. You will love this if you like exploring the small villages and what I call the real Spain; out of the way places. Fantastic area of Spain. I would go back in a heartbeat.