Parador de Jaén

Parador de Jaén descritpion

On top of the Santa Catalina hill, this 18th-century castle has been beautifully renovated keeping its huge stone walls and many historical features to make for an authentic stay in Jaén.
Inside the Parador Jaén, you can travel back in time to the 18th-century as you walk around and admire the original features. Look up to high, arched ceiling, wooden beams and beautiful, tiled floors throughout. Be enchanted by the decor which is in complete harmony with the historic structure, using classical-style furniture with an Arabic influence.
Soak up the sunshine which this area enjoys most of the year and then cool off with a refreshing swim in the Parador Jaén’s outdoor pool.
Enjoy meals in the dining room which has a distinctive Arabic character. You can sample many traditional delights here, such as the varied soups and salads of the region.

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Facilities of Parador de Jaén

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool (seasonal) | Terrace

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Library

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

Languages Spoken ：French | Spanish | English

Reviews for Parador de Jaén

Review 1：Bathrooms need updating looked very tired, struggled to get internet in the lounge in the paradore and dining room. Would of been better if had wifi in all rooms.

Review 2：Views.

Review 3：The view of the mountains from the bedroom was amazing and the balcony was great. The dinner in the restaurant was superb - prawns and roast goat with lovely wines in the list. Good buffet breakfast also with Andalusian specialities.

Review 4：Argument over bill in restaurant where after considerable time they acknowleged that I was right and apologised, but still managed to get the bill wrong, but by that stage I was past caring as it was nearly right! No desire to put the customer first.

Review 5：The location was exceptional. The hotel whilst not old, has a significant degree of character

Review 6：Pillows were too thick and too firm, a good night's sleep was not possible. Kettle with tea and coffee in room would be appreciated, especially when a room bar is provided. Some excessive food portion sizes, in some cases the starter portions were too large and it seems there was too much wastage.

Review 7：Staff were very helpful and friendly, services were clean and well kept, food was excellent.

Review 8：Out of town. Unlike other paradors we stayed in we were not able to have the set three course dinner because we were half board. Couldn't understand the logic of this!

Review 9：The building was beautiful.

Review 10：Fantastic, inspiring location. Lovely, comfortable, pleasantly old-fashioned hotel. Great food in inspiring surroundings. Jaen full of nice surprises too.

Review 11：Nothing to report other perhaps (with hesitation) some noisy late evening visitors non-residents, but even that was transient.

Review 12：Great views over Jaén and olive groves. The sizable pool, always almost empty, was a plus in the August heat. Food was good as always in Paradores, and the staff most friendly and helpful.

Review 13：Even with a detailed street map description, it was very difficult to find. First of all, few streets in Jaen seem to have street name signs. We drove through the city and out the other side, until we caught a glimpse of the castle on the hill top and then just kept driving and turning until we found a sign. I doubt we could have found it after dark, but in the daylight, all we did was keep going up hill toward the castle on top. Once there, of course, the trip was worth it - all was well after we arrived.

Review 14：Wonderful vistas from a site atop a hill. Although the castle has been modernized, it is easy to imagine lounging in one of the great rooms with candles and fireplaces blazing on a cool night. Dining among the tapestries and arms was nice, and the menu was great. The pool and garden was a nice modern touch too.

Review 15：Poor cod steak (raw in the middle) on my second night was taken away, microwaved, then served back to me half eaten and steaming - not very classy. Food is expensive compared to the town. Rooms are dated and uncomfortable. Swimming pool closes at 8pm.

Review 16：Great views, lots of character.

Review 17：Nothing, although the breakfast was a bit pricey.

Review 18：The atmosphere of the castle is impressive. The bedroom was quite small, but the bathroom was spacious. The pool is fantastic.

Review 19：Only negative was, we could not use the terrace in our room as there were too many wasps buzzing around.

Review 20：Fabulous place. Perched on top of a hill overlooking Jaen!! Expensive though for one night stay. Staff very friendly and helpful. Views from our room were incredible, we also had a wonderful terrace. Rooms very clean and nicely decorated with air-con and wifi. Huge bathroom! Lovely terrace bar downstairs overlooking the town of Jaen. Another terrace bar to the side and a fabulous set out restaurant. Cannot comment on the restaurant as did not eat there. Would certainly recommend it for the spectacular views and for being set within a Castle. You can drive to Jaen which has many bars, restaurants and shops. The old town is also worthy of a visit with it's narrow streets and historic places of interest.

Review 21：The internet in the room is not very good.In the restaurant the air conditioner is overused and you cannot stay there for too long.

Review 22：The hotel is in an old castle and it kept that style. The restaurant and the bar are made in authentic style of 15th century

Review 23：The dinner /food was disappointing but in particular, the service was old fashioned efficiency - ie not very helpful coupled with little charm or warmth.

Review 24：The location, the building, furnishings and history made for a unique and memorable stay.

Review 25：Not really bad- but my husband had not read that the accommodation was a modern( although in keeping) building. He thought we were going to stay in a castle!

Review 26：Great location next to castle ruins. Built in the late 1960's, but made to look authentic. Next to the old castle which you can visit( small charge). Views aver the countryside magnificent . Food very good especially the breakfast.

Review 27：It's a historic building, so expect a few quirky things, such as the door and shutters out on to the balcony. It's also a bit pricey, given the standard of accommodation.

Review 28：Like most Paradors, the hotel is in a historic building with stunning views. The room and facilities were very comfortable.

Review 29：Some people would probably prefer something closer in to the city the taxi fare into the city is quite expensive.

Review 30：Peaceful location, yet a very convenient one. Super facilities and very friendly staff.

Review 31：The location is the good news and the bad news. The Parador is built consistent with the 12th century castle that it is next to. You have a bird's eye view of the entire region. However you are quite a distance from anything else. We thought Jaen was a VERY boring city.

Review 32：The Parador is beautiful and there is a great view from the room. If you have to be in Jaen, definitely stay at the Parador.

Review 33：Reception staff courteous but not what I would describe as friendly. Wi-fi signal very weak.

Review 34：Without doubt the location high up on a hill above the city is what makes this hotel special. It's worth it just for that. A very good selection for breakfast.

Review 35：We had dinner there on April 15, 2015. One waiter was very grumpy and disinterested. The food was average at best and certainly did not correspond to the general view that the food in Paradores is top.

Review 36：Outstanding location. We were given a very nice room (No. 2) with a small terrace providing a wonderful view of parts of the surroundings of Jaén. Friendly and helpful In general.

Review 37：like many paradores in old castles and monasteries, they fall somewhat short of a warm and welcoming environment. Rooms in urgent need of modernisation.

Review 38：Fantastic location, close to town and nature

Review 39：Lack of ambience: unlit fireplaces, holiday season without any candles, cold temperatures inside. Meals were disappointing in comparison to other paradores we stayed.

Review 40：View. Front desk. Architecture. Vaulted ceiling of bar area. Nice seating areas.

Review 41：Getting down into the city is either a very long and steep walk, or driving down to possibly not find parking. We did eventually find a place to park but it was a very tight fit.

Review 42：The hotel and location is beautiful. The child's crib provided was very comfortable. The neighboring castle is a very cool visit as well.

Review 43：We were at the Parador de Jaén in December, and its common rooms with towering castle-like ceilings were somewhat cold. (But we loved the sense of being in a castle, anyhow.)

Review 44：The view from the Parador de Jaén is amazing in its expanse. My husband said that he felt that he was seeing all of Europe (if all of Europe were covered hillside after hillside after hillside for hundreds of miles with olive groves!) Being on the grounds of the historic Castillo de Santa Catalina was another plus. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful, frequently going out of their way for our convenience. There was a lovely outdoor swimming pool, which we unfortunately couldn't enjoy because of the time of year. We would definitely go back to the Parador de Jaén.

Review 45：Not worth mentioning as the location is the star attraction.

Review 46：Everything, the hotel is in a spectaculor location. Get there early for sunset. Enjoy a reasonably priced dinner (tapas) in the wonderful bar. Take a walk to the lookout and enjoy the Jaen cathedral at dusk as the lights come on.

Review 47：drive up mountainside to castle. a bit pricey

Review 48：staying in a real castle excellent restaurant superb location on mountain top overlooking city of Jaen

Review 49：A bit dated.

Review 50：Location, room with a stunning view towards the mountain, very good breakfast (choice, service, quality) although a bit pricey, free parking in front of the hotel, friendly and helpful staff, good English. Charged us the "price of the day" for the room which was 40€ lower than the one we've booked for, very nice surprise! One free welcome drink at the bar. Beautiful view from almost everywhere. Possibility of a nice walk around the premises.

Review 51：nothing

Review 52：The parador has an absolutely stunning position on the hill above Jaen with beautiful viewss from the bedroom. We were sad to leave as we had such a lovely peaceful stay.

Review 53：Jaen is a very busy and noisy city. The cathedral is huge but is best viewed from the hotel site (ie the view). I would not advise venturing into Jaen itself. Just enjoy the views from the hotel site. We stayed there as a stop off between Cordoba and Granada. WIFI not available in rooms (public areas only) but we were not bothered by this. .

Review 54：The hotel is in a wonderful location with exceptional views. I don't know what the views are like from all the rooms but we have stayed here twice and had fabulous views from the bedroom balcony both times. The hotel is very atmospheric. We did not eat at the hotel on this occasion as I have not been too impressed with Parador meals in the past. However, they are not bad and as there is very little within easy reach of this hotel it is not a bad choice. I'm ashamed to say we bought a Spanish Tortilla and some allioli from a supermarket and ate this on the balcony with a glass (or 2) of wine and watched the sun go down. Fantastic. Parking was easy (important in Spain where parking can be difficult) Lovely walk to the cross (both in the day and after sunset) The room was very good and I would recommend as a comfortable and extraordinary venue

Review 55：The restaurant was a little high end to be the only option for a multiple night stay - very delishious, beautifully presented and excellent service. A gift shop would have been nice to pick up a memento.

Review 56：The location was wonderful, views amazing, room very comfortable.

Review 57：The bedrooms were comfortable and furnished in keeping with the historic charm but the bathrooms need some updating

Review 58：Everything from the castle to the bars & restaurant.

Review 59：Only the bill at the end of our stay, but we knew what it would be.

Review 60：The location and views. The waiter service was very friendly and good, even if a little slow at times. Excellent food. Good touring location for Jaen, Baeza and Ubeda.

Review 61：Both when checking in and out we were served by a middle-aged male member of staff whose unpleasantly abrupt manner we found rather off-putting

Review 62：the location is fantastic, the views all round simply stunning

Review 63：Poor internet connections in the lounge and NO INTERNET in the rooms.Not good for a parador!!!

Review 64：The location is perfect.Every room has a balcony with mountain views.Good to have vegetarian options in the restaurant. Piture perfect for keen photographers.

Review 65：The pillows were very hard and not at all pliable. The first night we used the typical Spanish bolster but then found spare pillows in the wardrobe which were as described. If I'd stayed longer I would have asked for a change. Dinner was same menu for two nights,disappointing.

Review 66：Fantastic location. Amazing views. We were thrilled with our Romantica room and it's four poster bed. The balcony had almost all round panorama fabulous. It had sun first thing in morning. Bathroom more than adequate, lots of hot water. Aircon very efficient.

Review 67：Small things that annoyed me because it isn't a budget venue by any means! Appalling coffee at breakfast. Weird thing for Spain! Unstocked minibar and a hotel bar that was shut by 11pm. Vague feeling from the staff that you are intruding into their world, but they will do their best to tolerate you.

Review 68：Amazing views, comfortable clean room. Good room service. We loved Jaen.

Review 69：La situation spectaculaire du Parador et son architecture - La décoration - Le restaurant.

Review 70：The character & atmosphere. Exceptional architecture

Review 71：Stunning location!

Review 72：Evening meal pretty average, so disappointing

Review 73：Fantastic views over the town and countryside

Review 74：Fantastic view. Kind staffs. Spacious room. Classical interior & furniture. Nice restaurant. Everything.

Review 75：Nothing.

Review 76：Architecture and ambiance of the building.

Review 77：Location

Review 78：Great rooms and views. Staff was helpful and courteous. Breakfast is great.

Review 79：Amazing views

Review 80：Nothing

Review 81：Brilliant location, friendly staff and unlike other Paradors the restaurant was really really good

Review 82：reception staff less than good with computer help .chap was able but too busy doing nothing .

Review 83：location

Review 84：The location The building Peacefulness The view

Review 85：Pool not opened at the end of June

Review 86：Views across the river.

Review 87：The bathroom was a little ' tired'.

Review 88：The location, the architecture and decor. The local history and the Paradore cuisine.

Review 89：No wifi in the room

Review 90：Friendly staff, cultural atmosphere, great food, beautiful relaxing pool area

Review 91：Not easy to find and quite expensive

Review 92：Dinner was excellent and room extremely comfortable

Review 93：The swimming pool was closed.

Review 94：The views and silence

Review 95：Nothing negative to say.

Review 96：The feeling of staying in a real castle

Review 97：Beds need upgrading

Review 98：Food amazing

Review 99：Great staff helped willingly. Food was substantial and high quality. No downside here

Review 100：Costs of meals very high and nothing included with room price. You are a captive audience unless you want to drive into town.

Review 101：Everything.

Review 102：Magnificent location high above the city,baronial setting with great staff keen to help.

Review 103：The price of breakfast and evening meals was very high which is why we did not partake

Review 104：The location was obviously superb with great views.

Review 105：poor wifi away from main areas

Review 106：Breakfast buffet Location

Review 107：The rome are starting to look a bit out-of-date. Noisy dogs outside, noisy A/C inside.

Review 108：Beautiful building and the public areas are dramatic.

Review 109：A bit expensive.

Review 110：The location is more stunning than photos show. Beautiful views of the town and countryside. Hiking available from the Parador.

Review 111：I loved the ambiance of the castle and the views were stunning

Review 112：Bedroom French windows could not be fastened in the open position

Review 113：Definitely 4 star quality Excellent cuisine Best appointed bathroom facilities

Review 114：Location, the building inside is like a castle, the food during breakfast and in the evening is excellent, parking for free in front of hotel

Review 115：Our sleep was interrupted by dogs barking loudly all night. Apart from that, it is a wonderful place to stay with fantastic views.

Review 116：Friendly staff, good food and beautiful location. What more can you ask for?

Review 117：The cost of breakfast exorbitant and coffee from the bar was not good.

Review 118：All the facilities were excellent. Pool, food in the restaurant was great.

Review 119：The views and the environment were splendid.

Review 120：Great location, with fantastic views.great pool, again with great views. Friendly staff...

Review 121：The amazing work to bring back to life the best of the past, The views of the montains and the city below. The restaurant lights, the ceiling of the coffee room are just magestic. We love all of it, well worth the visit, Jaen is the hidden gem

Review 122：It was hard to find the road up to the Parador and there was a lack of instructions on the booking form.

Review 123：The amazing atmosphere in the castle and the decor.The breakfast was outstanding.

Review 124：But food was terrible in all kinds of dishes we took. We were attracted by its outlook and decoration. Remember, don't oder lamb dish, it's tough and unchewable.

Review 125：Better to drive by car up to the hill to reach the parador. The location is excellent to have a panoramic view on Jaen, especially the night view is very beautiful and impressive.

Review 126：The dining room. The staff were ok for the first 2 courses, then they started moving tables about. We eventually got them to bring us a sweet menu but they left it at that, did not come to see if we wanted to order. In the end we walked out and had coffee at the bar.We were not in there late, just after the dining room opened but it was more important to move the tables ready for the morning than to serve us. Also food odd, my husband had the most delicious turbot, 2 great steaks, with 3 clams and parsley sauce. That was it, on the English menu it said mashed potato but no potato mentioned on the spanish menu. No side orders to be had. I has roast lamb with jacket potato that turned out to be sauted potato. No vegetables to be had at all. It was delicious but a bit much, need some accompaniments. Only had one breakfast as we do not eat breakfast. It was very nice, lots of variety but again we ordered coffee, twice, it took so long it was cold and not very pleasant.

Review 127：A lovely big room with a balcony overlooking mountains. The general ambiance of the Parador. Nice, generous sized ,thick, thick bath sheets. The location beautiful, especially the castle next door and you can walk to the cross late at night to see the view of the cathedral. Also beautiful gardens. Lots of places to sit, to have a drink or coffee. Jaen is a lovely city.It was a lovely 3 day trip.

The Fine Print

Please note that drinks are not included in the Half Board and Full Board rates.