In the late 1920s, at the height of the golden age of tourism, architects Carlos Arniches and Martín Domínguez saw a growing need: to create a space for "self-drive tourists", travellers who were beginning to explore Spain by car. Thus was born the idea of an accommodation network designed for this new type of tourism.
In 1931, Spain's first roadside hostel, opened in Manzanares (Ciudad Real), six years after the world's first motel opened in San Luis Obispo, California. This establishment was created to meet the growing demand from tourists travelling along an expanding road network. Its groundbreaking design included imported furniture, such as General Motors refrigerators, American telephone booths and mattresses from the United Kingdom. Travellers found everything they needed to rest and continue their journey. Today, the circular structure at the rear of the building still remains, a vestige of its innovative original design.
Today, that roadside inn is the Parador de Manzanares a unique place where history merges with the present, offering you a refuge in the heart of La Mancha. In addition to its Castilian-style architecture, with extensive gardens, a swimming pool and recreational areas, the Parador is the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside. Nearby, you can discover natural gems such as the Lagunas de Ruidera, the Tablas de Daimiel and Cabañeros Natural Park, three of Spain's most impressive parks.
Parador de Manzanares: a place steeped in history and nature
Located in a superb setting, this Parador combines comfort and tradition with the natural beauty of its surroundings. The Castilian house, which preserves the spirit of La Mancha, has wooden balconies, large gardens, a children's play area and a bicycle hire service. Its restaurant offers traditional regional dishes such as migas del pastor (shepherd's breadcrumbs), paletilla de lechal manchego (roast suckling lamb), tiznao de bacalao (cod in tomato sauce) and the delicious pisto manchego (ratatouille), allowing you to savour the best of the local cuisine.
The location is perfect for exploring the charms of the province of Ciudad Real. Just 30 minutes away is Almagro, famous for its Plaza Mayor and the only open-air theatre that has remained intact since the 17th century. You can also explore other picturesque villages in the region, such as Tomelloso, Daimiel, Argamasilla de Alba and Valdepeñas.
Discover a new form of sustainable tourism
The Parador de Manzanares not only invites you to relax, but also offers a unique experience where sustainability and responsible tourism take centre stage. Through our Nature for the Sensesprogramme, we seek to raise awareness of the importance of caring for the environment, giving you the opportunity to enjoy an enriching stay with awareness of the need to preserve our natural surroundings.
Among the activities available, you can explore cycling routes through fields of cereal crops and vineyards, discovering the agricultural essence of La Mancha. You can also visit the natural area of the Lagunas de Ruidera, step into the shoes of a shepherd, or delve into one of the jewels of our industrial heritage: one of the largest 19th-century wineries, among other experiences.
