Parador de Mérida

It's a very well maintained hotel with roots that go back almost 100 years when it was converted into it's present use from it's origin as a monestsry. The tradition of full service is well practiced. The rooms are quiet, spacious and clean, the restaurant is excellent and the staff are very professional.

It is housed in a an old Convent-hospital Convento de San Antonio (Convent of Saint Anthony), which dates back to the 16th century. It is located close to several key Roman ruins in Mérida, a city that was once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. Mérida itself is known for its impressive collection of Roman architecture, including the Roman Theater, the Temple of Diana, and the Alcazaba (a Moorish fortress), all of which are within easy reach of the Parador walking. The Parador’s historical significance also comes from its strategic location in Mérida, which was founded as Augusta Emerita by the Emperor Augustus in 25 BCE. Over time, the city became an important political, military, and cultural center. Today, the Parador allows visitors to experience the grandeur of the city’s ancient past while staying in a place that blends modern comforts with centuries of history. The building’s architecture reflects its religious past as a convent, with a beautifully preserved cloister, arched galleries, and historical features that evoke the atmosphere of the time. The Parador’s interior is a harmonious mix of traditional and modern elements, offering historically evocative atmosphere for guests. Regional food, olive oil and wine is included in its Restaurant and bar. Breakfast is a buffet style very tasty and good to start the day. A seasonal swimming pools, gym and sauna are others services included in the Parador. Parking with a cost of 23€ under the ground floor or outside next to the garden of the building is offered. Electrical chargers are available too. All the Parador has disabled access and lift to go up and down to the parking and rooms.

Our dinner at the Parador de Mérida was another five-star experience and a perfect example of why Paradores work so well for us, especially when traveling with a baby. Housed in a former convent, the setting is simply spectacular. The architecture, the sense of history, and the calm atmosphere immediately slow you down and put you in the right mindset to enjoy the evening. We were particularly impressed by the dining room itself. The salón is beautiful, elegant, and very spacious, with high ceilings and a feeling of grandeur without being intimidating. For parents, this matters a lot: there is space to move, tables are well separated, and the overall ambiance is serene. Our daughter was comfortable the entire time, and we never felt rushed or out of place. The environment almost encourages calm conversations and relaxed dining, which is exactly what you want after a full day of sightseeing in Mérida. The food was very solid and well aligned with the Parador philosophy: classic regional cuisine, good product, and straightforward execution. We started with confit artichokes and jamón D.O., both of which were very enjoyable and well prepared. For mains, we ordered meat dishes including Retinta beef and solomillo, which were cooked properly and showcased the quality of the local meat. Nothing felt overcomplicated; the focus was clearly on the ingredients, which we appreciate. The wine selection was good, with interesting options that paired nicely with the food. It may not have been the most exciting wine list we’ve encountered on this trip, but it was absolutely correct and enjoyable, and it fit well with the overall dining experience. Service was another strong point. Professional, warm, and attentive without being intrusive. The pacing of the meal was ideal for dining with a baby: smooth, flexible, and stress-free. Small details—like patience, clear communication, and a relaxed attitude—made the whole experience much more enjoyable for us as parents. Overall, dining at the Parador de Mérida was a wonderful experience. The spectacular dining room, the calm and elegant atmosphere, solid traditional cuisine, and family-friendly pace made it a dinner we truly enjoyed. We would happily repeat and strongly recommend it to anyone visiting Mérida, especially families who want to enjoy a beautiful setting and good food without sacrificing comfort. Five stars, without hesitation.

One of my favourite towns, and the Parador is perfectly situated in a charming restored convent, one that has organically grown over the centuries. You find yourself gleefully wandering through th corridors, soaking in the history. Very good service, parking on site for the car, and the location is hard to beat.

I loved this parador EXCEPT for the fact that i do not remember being told that the pool area was under construction and unmonitored. This led to my clashing with smokers. It seemed I was the only one brave enough to confront them and complain to management. Enough said.||As for the dining room: absolutely first rate. We were here 11 years ago and the food was mediocre! How things change for the better. I asked for scrambled eggs as well as churros and chocolate for breakfast. Magnificent! And dinner was truly a delight with a chef who must love his/her profession. ¡Muchas gracias!||The only reason for my 4 rating is my worries about the pool area. I am a great fan of the paradors and stay in them whenever possible!

The Parador experience is predictable - I say that in a good way and not bad. This is a high quality hotel in a beautiful historic building. Our room was very comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful.

Second time we have stayed at this Paradores - fantastic location in a fascinating town. This time we had a room overlooking external renovations which started very noisily at 8.00am ! Our room was not the standard of previous stay but OK. As always with Paradores, impeccably clean, fabulous staff and very comfortable. We will return...when all is finished but this was a one off disappointment.

The hotel is very well situated and the staff was very nice however we were very unimpressed even disheartened with the hotel facilities. The outdoor area is under construction… which I understand….. but you cannot charge a full price when there are Construction workers drilling and hammering at 8 am under your window ( good double glazed windows but still could hear the noise). The pool and outdoor lounge area are not even usable … you are surrounded by construction panels and noise …. When we asked the staff if there were options of upgrading the room they very kindly said it would have a fee …. And the best they could was offer an interior room ( with a window to a very tiny courtyard or to another wall). The room itself is extremely basic …. Barr floors, white walls and extremely simple wood furniture. I am sorry but this Parador was a huge disappointment.

We stopped for lunch on our drive between Madrid and Sevilla, I would typically steer clear of hotel restaurants... especially because it appeared a bus load of tourists was dropped off to gorge themselves, but was pleasantly surprised at how nice the building was, great service, a delicious meal, and really inexpensive!

Non attentive staff. Not very imaginative menu. Seemed disorganized and somewhat rushed. Busy parador, so they may have just been understaffed. But there is never a need to have to wait twenty five minutes after being seated, and then finally wave someone over, to be able to order some mineral water. Probably much better options with in-town restaurants.