The concept of the Parador hotels is amazing...but we found that the reality was sorely lacking. Perhaps this was because our room was not in the wing of the "castle proper" itself, but what seemed to be an added-on brick structure built with narrower doors etc. to resemble a castle. This would be fine, but I don't think these rooms should be priced the same as the rooms with stone walls and the legitimate charm of the castle, because charm is sort of what justifies the prices of the Paradors. There was no air-conditioning, which wasn't that big of a deal, but it is advertised as having a/c. Lastly, we did not read our receipt carefully enough to realize that breakfast was included, and it was not mentioned when we checked in (time, place of breakfast etc.) thus we did not eat the breakfast but were still charged 22 euros for it. A bit shoddy. Anyways, despite that, the setting was still incredibly memorable, but I don't think I would stay there for the price again.

Fantastic location in beautiful city. Rooms where nice, service friendly, breakfast the best in spain! DON'T MISS the castle - it's amazing and ony 3 euro's to get in. Parking is a nightmare though, sso be prepared to wander around amlessly looking for spaces!

I agree with previous review in every way - except we were there in Jan. 2005. The town was quiet, but we were content to nose around the castle. Our room, too, was in the old part of the castle. We would return in a heartbeat - the Parador alone is worth the visit to Olite. We used petrabax to arrange for our 5-night card before we left the US. They are great!

This parador in northern Spain is fantastic. It is your dream of castles in Spain. Stayed here September 2002. Around September 15 they have a celebration which includes a mini "running of the bulls" and a town celebration. It is wonderful--intimate and fun. Our room in the old part of the parador (ask for the old part) had a walkin fireplace and canopy beds--totally 5 star and historic. The parador looks like a Disney castle.
Check the Spain parador web site-they have deals like 5 nite cards---etc that make these historic castle hotels really inexpensive. Check when the town September celebration occurs-you don't want to miss it.