THE FACTS ABOUT PALACIO CONDESTABLE DAVALOS

Spain

For a more sybaritic taste of Spain, visit one of the palace paradors, of which there are few better examples than the Palacio Condestable Dávalos in Ubeda. The town itself, a Renaissance gem, remains remarkably unspoilt. The 16th-century parador is one of several outstanding structures that line the long and nocturnally deserted main square. Beyond its soberly elegant façade lies a two-storey house and arcaded courtyard; a grand staircase leads to delightfully spacious bedrooms with tiled floors, handpainted mirrors and beautifully crafted furniture. Suite 12 has a corner balcony with a view of the richly adorned chapel. ROOMS Doubles from £63 CONTACT Parador de Úbeda, Pza. De Vázquez Molina, S/N 23400 Úbeda, Jaén (00 34 9 53 75 03 45; fax: 75 12 59; email:a href="mailto:ubeda@parador.es">ubeda@parador.es www.parador.es) WHO TO GO WITH To book from the UK call Keytel International (020 7 402 8182). Other tour operators offering parador trips include Castaways (01737 812255), Magic of Spain (020 8939 5452), Abreu Travel (020 7 229 9905) and Traveller's Way (01527 559000). It is worth asking about special offers such as the Go As You Please (Tarjeta Cinquo Noches) deal, a booklet of five vouchers costing £240 which entitles you to five nights' accommodation (for two people sharing) in one or more paradors, subject to conditions and availability.