Parador de Mérida

The Parador has a seasonal pool, gym, sauna, and lifts connecting the rooms and parking, with disabled access throughout. Parking costs 23€, either underground or outside by the garden, and electric chargers are available. Breakfast is a tasty buffet, and the restaurant and bar serve regional food, olive oil, and wine. The historic setting is a big part of the appeal. It occupies the 16th-century Convento de San Antonio (Convent of Saint Anthony), a former convent and hospital, with a preserved cloister, arched galleries, and other old features alongside modern comforts. It’s also close to Mérida’s Roman sites, including the Roman Theater, Temple of Diana, and Alcazaba. The city, founded as Augusta Emerita by Emperor Augustus in 25 BCE, was once the capital of Lusitania and an important political, military, and cultural center.

What made dinner especially easy with our baby was the pace and the room to settle in. Service was warm, professional, and attentive without hovering, and the staff were patient and clear with us. The dining room is spacious, with high ceilings and well-separated tables, so our daughter stayed comfortable and we never felt rushed or out of place. The former convent is a spectacular setting, but the meal itself was enjoyable too. We had confit artichokes and jamón D.O. to start, then Retinta beef and solomillo. The meat was cooked properly, and the straightforward cooking let the local ingredients come through. The wine list had some interesting choices that went well with dinner. It wasn’t the most exciting one we’d seen on this trip, but it was a good fit. The calm, elegant atmosphere made for a lovely evening after sightseeing in Mérida. We’d happily return, and would recommend it to families looking for a relaxed dinner in a beautiful place.

The big, authentic room had an opulent bathroom, and the building’s history really impressed me. I’ve just come back from a lovely stay. One thing that may put me off booking again is the Parador’s choice to provide a minibar instead of hot drink facilities. There was no kettle or cups.

The town has a fun mix of Roman structures, jazz bars, and funky tapas places, with plenty of good bars and restaurants. The hotel is right in the center, so it was easy to walk everywhere. It’s an old former convent, with long corridors and 300 year old floor tiles that make the place feel quirky. Our room was large and really quiet, the bed was comfortable, and the linen was excellent. The aircon and everything else worked fine. Breakfast was quite a feast with a very good selection. We used the underground parking, which was very convenient, with a lift straight to reception. There was on-street parking in town that could have saved us the charge, but the hotel parking was easier. A wonderful stop on the way to Portugal, and we’d definitely stay again if we come this way next year.