Parador de Plasencia

The hotel, a magnificent 15th-century former convent, stands as a signature feature, offering guests a unique journey through history within its beautifully preserved walls. Its central location in Plasencia's historic heart is consistently highlighted, making it an ideal base for sightseers and history enthusiasts eager to explore the city's monumental charm. Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms and the generally attentive and professional staff who contribute significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel's unique character and tranquil ambiance also make it a wonderful choice for couples seeking a romantic escape. To fully appreciate the hotel's rich past, guests are highly encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary guided tours offered daily, providing insightful details about the building's heritage. For a more peaceful stay, it is advisable to inquire about room locations, as some reviews mention potential noise from outside traffic or ongoing renovations.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that enhance the guest experience, though some areas have been impacted by ongoing refurbishment. Guests consistently praise the perfect Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the property. The outdoor pool is a popular feature, described as inviting for a sunny dip and contributing to a lovely pool area for relaxation. The hotel also boasts well-kept terraces where guests can unwind. While some guests noted that the fitness center was unavailable due to renovations, others highlighted the presence of a wellness center with a sauna and jacuzzi, offering opportunities for rejuvenation. The unique night bar located in the bodega or cellars is a novel and appreciated amenity, providing a distinct atmosphere for evening drinks. The hotel's historic cloisters and courtyards, despite some being under renovation, are recognized for their impressive beauty and historical significance, with many guests enjoying the architectural charm of the chapel, gallery, and panelled ceilings.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and comfortable, often highlighting their impeccable cleanliness and well-cared-for condition. The beds are frequently praised for being super comfortable with high-quality linen and options for different pillow firmness, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. However, a few guests experienced issues with small or shaky beds and some found the rooms to be cold or, conversely, too hot with difficulty adjusting the temperature. The bathrooms are described as well-equipped and often newly renovated, though some older bathtubs were noted, and a recurring issue for some was water leaking from the shower. Noise levels are a mixed bag; while many appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, others reported significant street noise from constant traffic or loud music, as well as noise from neighbors due to thin walls, and disturbances from construction work in common areas. Some rooms were also described as having small windows or lacking natural light.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives varied feedback, though many guests praise the overall quality. The breakfast buffet is frequently described as very complete, wide-ranging, and of good quality, with many appreciating the excellent coffee and the option for hot dishes cooked to order. However, some found the breakfast to be a bit expensive and noted occasional queues due to staffing. The restaurant itself is often lauded for its impressive atmosphere, set in what was once the monastery's refectory, creating an elegant and cozy ambiance. While many guests enjoyed delicious dinners with superb food and good value, some found the food quality to be average, with specific dishes like the roast suckling pig being disappointing or the meat tough. Service in the restaurant was sometimes described as slow or understaffed. The cafeteria and bar areas are generally well-regarded for their pleasant atmosphere and good quality beverages.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests directly within the historic heart of Plasencia, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city's monumental attractions. It is just a short walk to the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, and various shops and restaurants. Parking is a significant topic for guests, with the hotel offering an underground garage accessible via a unique car lift. While this provides secure parking, many guests note that the lift and parking spaces can be tight and challenging, especially for larger vehicles, with some reporting minor scrapes. There is also a charge for parking, which some found unexpected. Alternatively, guests mention the availability of free parking outside the city walls, typically a 5-10 minute walk away. The hotel's location is widely praised for its convenience, allowing easy pedestrian access to all key areas.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the helpful and welcoming attitude of the reception staff, noting their competence and efficiency during check-in, though a few experienced delays. The restaurant staff are often commended for their excellent service and pleasant interactions, contributing to a positive dining experience. However, some guests reported instances of slow service in the restaurant, describing staff as distant or appearing saturated, leading to long waits for orders and the bill. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall sentiment is that the staff are dedicated to providing a high level of service. Many guests also appreciate the free guided tours of the hotel, led by knowledgeable guides, which are considered a valuable and enriching service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has been undergoing ongoing renovations in certain areas, including courtyards and common spaces, which some found to impact the overall ambiance or cause occasional noise. Despite this, the hotel maintains its unique Parador experience, with some guests even hailing it as one of the best Paradors in Spain. For those interested in the hotel's rich history, the complimentary guided tour of the building is highly recommended, with the option to extend it to a guided tour of the city. A specific piece of insider advice concerns room allocation: guests suggest avoiding Room 112, as its proximity to the cleaning room and restaurant can lead to disturbances. While the hotel's historic charm is undeniable, guests with mobility challenges should note that the stone floors in some areas can make wheelchair movement less comfortable. Finally, the unique car lift for accessing the underground parking, while convenient, is noted as a tight fit, particularly for larger vehicles.