Although off the normal tourist routes, those who enjoy staying in Parador castles and other historical Paradores will want to add the Parador de Alcaniz and the town of Alcaniz, itself, to their itinerary if at all possible. Situated in an early thirteenth-century fortress castle built by warrior-monks of the Order of Calatrava, the hotel is perched on a promontory overlooking the surrounding countryside and the historic town of Alcaniz first established during the period of Islamic rule. As usual, the conversion of the castle into a modern Parador has been tastefully done while respecting the peculiarities of the original buildings. This is most evident in the manner in which its large restaurant, bar and breakfast room have been situated at separate locations within the hotel, each offering their own, distinct historical ambience (the restaurant and bar are easy to find but entry to the breakfast room requires one to exit the hotel proper and walk up a flight of stone stairs). My wife, daughter and I found our rooms to be comfortable and dinner and breakfast well-worth taking in the hotel, rather than searching for a restaurant in town.
It is worth noting that the Parador attracts outside visitors to the castle keep, chapel, cloister, tower, and sepulchre, most of whom opt to take scheduled tours during the day. Fortunately, we found the groups quiet and unobtrusive and that the hotel offered ample parking place for its guests.