THE FACTS ABOUT PARADOR HOSTAL DE LOS REYES CATóLICOS

Spain Santiago_de_Compostela

The Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, often described as the world's oldest hotel, has been welcoming travellers since 1499. On one of Spain's most beautiful squares, it stands adjacent to the exuberant baroque façade of the Santiago de Compostela cathedral, the final goal of countless pilgrims over the centuries. The hotel still maintains the ancient tradition of providing three days' free food for those who complete the pilgrimage (a certificate is required from the cathedral authorities). At night the silence is almost sepulchral, disturbed only by the sound of the cathedral bells. ROOMS Doubles from £99 CONTACT Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, Pza. Do Obradoiro 1, 15705 Santiago de Compostela la Coruña (00 34 9 81 58 22 00; fax: 56 30 94; email:santiago@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.