Silken Juan de Austria Valladolid Paseo de Zorrilla, 108 Online Booking

Superb city 125 miles North West of Madrid and 83 miles South East of Lyon - the once Royal city of many centuries ago is the place where the King and Queen of Spain were married - Isabella and Ferdinand, their son Philip II was born here and Christopher Columbus died here.

Cold in the winter and very hot in the summer and a centre of commerce and industry.

Staying at the Juan de Austria puts you in touch with all that the city has to offer - in a totally luxurious and comfortable atmosphere. Fully equipped ensuite rooms that have all the modern day amenities and some little luxuries too. A place to totally relax after busy days out in the city.

There are many monuments and museums to be visited, the gastronomic delights centre around Hispanic/Portuguese cuisine and there is a a lively and happy social scene in the evenings with many bars and pubs centred around Plaza del San Miguel, Calle del Paraiso and lots of chatty cafes around Calle de Vincente Meliner - great for the 30's an upwards who prefer a social setting where you can have a decent conversation with friends.

The Cathedral and its museum form a centrepiece between Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Santa Cruz and is well worth viewing just for the polychrome statues which are most life like. The National Museum of Sculpture and the Oriental Museum are highlights too and worthy of your time.

Some pleasant surprises and treasures to be found here.