Parador Castelo de Monterrei

This is both a classy and iconic building in the Parador group. It´s been recently and tastefully refurbished- we had a fantastic room in the Keep, all of which have been created in an innovative and stylish pod formation. We had access to the wraparound balcony with had amazing views of the countryside for miles around. We vastly enjoyed exploring the various corners of the castle and also took the guided tour of the site, run from the tourist information cabin located at the bottom of the hill. The food was a joy, with many local dishes and ingredients: we enjoyed the well balanced tasting menu and would also recommend the cheeses, their unique and tasty tortilla and the pancakes. The staff couldn´t have been more helpful and, overall, this was a really special and memorable stay.

Driving up the access road you realise that you are about to enter a walled mediaeval village. Unfortunately, many of the buildings you pass are in a state of disrepair but eventually you arrive at the car park and entrance to the castle itself. Passing through the garden you arrive at reception where check was seamless having checked in online before arrival. The room was compact, but unexpectedly modern, the outer wall appeared to be from the original castle but other walls and ceiling were clad in pine making the room a cross between a cell and a log cabin. The only natural light came from a patio door leading onto a communal terrace which had outdoor seating and tremendous views of the countryside. The room was really clean and comfortable and the tranquility of the location assured a restful experience. Dinner was served in a small “bistro “ style restaurant. Service was friendly and professional and the food was well prepared. This must surely be the smallest hotel in the Parador chain, but the friendliness of the staff made it an enjoyable stay.

It doubtless helped that we arrived on a late summer's evening with beautiful light effects on the castle walls - and that we enjoyed a glass or two of wine - but the setting of the parador is truly magnificent. The central inner court, where drinks and snacks can be taken, is particularly harmonious, and the hotel also has wonderful verandahs. A great stay!

Over the last six years we have stayed in almost 70 of the paradores and have been made gold amigos. This was the second time we had stayed in this parador, we had returned because we enjoyed our first visit so much. ||How we wish we hadn’t returned.||We had booked two rooms for our family and were disappointed not to be staying in the castle itself but in a newly refurbished three room annexe called the parsonage. Very disappointing, with no view or balcony. We ate in the restaurant and ordered a bottle of white wine to accompany our starters. It arrived well after the starters had been presented. The service was appallingly slow especially considering the small number of diners. However it was the food itself which was really awful. Massively overcooked scallops, seafood crepes which were baking hot in parts and stone cold in others - classic evidence of microwave cooking. I won’t catalogue every dish but they were all awful and either sent back or left unfinished. ||We have always found that dining in paradores has been excellent. This place on this occasion was not. The staff attitude was pretty poor also from check in to check out. Avoid this place and go to all the others.

My wife and I spent a night at this Parador. It is small -- only 12 rooms. Our room was small, but comfortable and included all we need. Service was friendly and professional. Parking was easy. We enjoyed exploring the grounds and learning about their history. ||||Google's GPS led us to the correct spot after the GPS in our rented car led us to the wrong location.

Exceptional castle/hotel. Beautiful rooms and bathrooms, which are very modern but work in the castle.||The cafe's sandwiches were not very good, but dinner in the evening in the restaurant was excellent. The receptionist was very friendly, welcoming and helpful. Super tour of the castle by a guide brought the history of the place to life.

What a Magical place, history, class settings and views all day everyday. Great staff, fantastic infact. Great food, rooms well equipped and V comfortable bed, We will be back Loved our stay here.

it's an interesting experience to stay in a castle, nice views. It wasn't the most comfortable staying for us - we had problems with temperature regulations in the room, the system just didn't work and it was always 24-24.5 C which was too hot for us. The restaurant was good - we had pulpo and rice with something.