Old Town Cuenca, Spain
Renovated
2025
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LocalOutside the door
The house
ParadoresClifftop Dominican monastery
Life revolves around the central cloister, where centuries of monastic quiet overlook the sheer Huécar gorge.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Founded in 1523, this Dominican monastery perches high above the sheer Huécar gorge.
Notable
Julián Casado's constructivist canvases line the glazed sixteenth-century cloister galleries.
Notable
The former monks' refectory serves traditional Manchego morteruelo facing the Casas Colgadas.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The San Pablo footbridge leads straight into Cuenca's old town, spanning the gorge high above the river.
The rooms
Rooms are finished in dark wood and terracotta tile. Superior rooms look straight across the gorge to the hanging houses.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The pool
The seasonal outdoor pool looks straight out over the gorge, bordered by sun loungers and trees.
Restaurant
El Claustro
Tables line the glazed gallery and fill the open courtyard beneath tall cypresses on summer evenings.
At the table
Breakfast is laid out across a timber island. The bar pours drinks inside the former monastery chapel.
How it began
Canon Juan del Pozo founded the monastery in 1523 on a precarious rock spur above the Huécar.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.