Hotel Spa Villa de Alarcón

If you go back a couple of weeks, you’ll find my post about the fortifications of the town of Alarcón in Spain. Well, today we’re going to take a brief look at the place where I stayed while visiting this handsome town. Hotel Spa Villa de Alarcón is located literally on the edge of town. As you’ll soon see in the following photos, the building clings to the side of the hill on which the town sits. Driving up to the building, however, you’ll be greeted by this facade:

There are a few parking spaces in front of the building and plenty more in a lot just a few yards from where this photo was taken. Before going inside for a look at the room, check out the swimming pool.

It was chilly during my visit in April, so I did not take the waters. That is a nice pool, though, and I look forward to getting back here some day when it’s nice and hot. Moving inside, here’s a typical room.

The double doors open onto a common balcony that runs the length of the building. You can look out over the valley and the swimming pool, too. The bathrooms are fitted with plenty of marble as you see here.

Don’t forget, this facility is also a spa. Various treatments can be scheduled for your stay. I arrived late in the afternoon and departed the following morning, so I was unable to utilize this feature. You’ll also find a nice bar, a restaurant, and a staff that will take care of you. The town of Alarcón offers a few other dining spots as well as a couple of churches worth a look. Enjoy your stay!

Published in: on June 1, 2010 at 9:44 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Alarcón, Spain, Fortifications

Alarcón, Spain, features a handsome set of fortifications. The town itself perches atop a tower of rock that rises above a winding river, making it an ideal place to built a castle. Take a look at the long view:

The main tower sits on the left side of the frame above. The watch tower to the right gives a great view into the next valley as wells as intersecting fire should someone have been stupid enough to approach from the area of that reservoir below. Note the walls that form a line about half way up the hill to the town. Panning slightly left, you’ll further see how isolated the town’s position is:

In the foreground left, stands another watch tower that guards the access road leading toward the town’s main gate. The people who fortified this town were serious about their mission. The main fort is now a paradore, welcoming visitors who wish to spend the night and enjoy a nice meal. I didn’t have the opportunity to stay there or dine. Let’s take a look at that building from the other side:

Those rain clouds passed while  I enjoyed a nice lunch. More about the food later. Check out the rainbow on the left. It was a nice touch for the photo. Before leaving, take a closer look at the road and the town’s main gate:

Alarcón isn’t the largest castle you’ll see in Spain. However, it does have all the features you come to expect from Spanish castle builders. Plus, you’re able to get up close to this piece of history.

Published in: on May 6, 2010 at 9:53 am  Leave a Comment  
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