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Parador® Jaen

Hotel Castillo de Santa Catalina

Spain - Andulusia - Parador de Jaen - one of the Spanish Paradors Paradores

Spain - Andalusia - Jaen

Luxury four star hotel in a thirteenth century Arab fortress

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As you drive up the road to the Parador®, the views over the city of Jaen and the beautiful countryside of Andalusia are breathtaking. The ultimate panorama is reached at the Parador®.
Parador de Jaen - restaurant
The balconies of teh bedrooms offer a 180 degrees view of the surrounding plain, the Gualdaquivir river, the Sierra Morena hills and at a distace the mountains of Sierra Nevada.

This panoramic view is one of the main reasons for the high position of the castle. it is easy to see an approaching enemy and also difficult to make an attack.

During the Roman occupation, around the time of Christ, Jaen was known as Aurigis because of the silver mines in the area. When it was later conquered by the Moors its name was changed to Geen which is the Arabic for 'crossroads of caravans', an important trading route.

Although the Arabs built the original fortress (Abrehui's), the current construction is of Christian origin, raised after the conquest of the city by Ferdinand III of Castile, called the Saint, in 1246. The castle held out against repeated attacks by the Moors over the next two centuries.
view over Jaen Parador

In 1968, the castle was restored and extended to form the Parador®. The buiding's majestic appearance continues inside with impressive twenty metre high crossed arches in the main sitting room with large metal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, the Arabic style dining room and comfortable bedrooms with wonderful views.

The Parador's® restaurant offers the opportunity to taste some of the local specialities as well as international dishes. Some of the local dishes include:

"ajo blanco" which is a cold soup with strong garlic flavouring;
"Ensalada de perdiz" being partridge with salad;
"morcilla en caldera", black pudding cooked in the pot; bedroom in Parador de Jaen
"pipirrana" being the regional mixed vegetable salad;

Outside there is a lovely seasonal swimming pool and an area where guests can have a walk on the grassed parade of the castle while looking at the surrounding fortifications.

Acommodation consists of 8 single rooms, 6 double rooms and 31 twin rooms. Bedrooms are equipped with minibar, telephone and television with canal plus.

The Parador® has air conditioning, heating, lift, restaurant and bar.

Conference facilities are also available at the Parador®.

Pets are not allowed in the luxury hotels in the Spanish Paradores® group.
 

Guest comments - Parador® Jaen (74) Image gallery Video of Parador® Jaen Map with location

No prepayment - No booking fees - Cancellations up to 72 hours prior to arrival without penalty
 
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Directions
Parador® Jaen
Castillo de Santa Catalina, s/n
23001 Jaen, Jaen
Latitude: 37° 46' 5.556" N (37.76795842598155)
Longitude: 3° 48' 7.0914" W (-3.802342414855957)
Parador de Jaen - one of the Spanish Paradors Paradores Parador de Jaen - one of the Spanish Paradors Paradores


Nearest Paradores®
Parador®
Distance in Kilometres
Direction
Ubeda 60 North-east
Cordoba 100 West
Granada 100 South
Cazorla 125 East

Information on Jaen

 

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Guests' Comments
Comment posted by Martijn Marijt
The Jaen Parador is an unique building at an equally unique loation. Hospitality, service and rooms are at a high level. The meals (breakfast, lunch, etc) are of good quality. Before arriving please make sure you know the route since not all GPS devices do recognize the Parador address. This Parador can be recommended wihout any reservation.
Comment posted by Christine
We had a lovely stay in this imposing parador in early June. It was a welcome respite from a hectic driving journey and we were able to relax in this beautiful location high on the mountain. Views were beautiful, the room was spacious. Public areas were large, the dining room was spectacular, and meals were excellent.
Comment posted by Chris and Vicky Farthing
We have visited many of the Paradores over the last few years, but Jaen is perhaps the most spectacular location so far. The sunset and sunrise views from our room balcony were tremendous. The reception staff were friendly, efficient and very helpful - especially in helping to transport our many and weighty items of luggage from car to room - not an easy task owing to the various levels, lifts, stairs and corridors. Car park security and ease of luggage transport are high on our list of needs and Jaen scored very well on our league table. We are usually resigned to doing our own heavy lifting, after a perfunctory offer of help at most hotels, but the staff here were great. Dinner and breakfast were excellent, both in menu and service, with particular emphasis on local produce and dishes. Our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer to explore the local area. Thank you Jaen!
Comment posted by Howard Jones
We stayed one night in September on our way south. Our welcome was efficient rather than effusive but all the other staff were very helpful. The hotel is very impressive, rooms clean and well presented. The public rooms are spectacular. The bar area is a little small for a hotel of this size. Food and service in the dining room was excellent. The views are breathtaking. We would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel and look forward to a return visit.

Parador® Jaen is a luxury hotel in a thirteenth century Arab fortress in Andalucia Spain.