The four star Parador Hotel de Limpias is a majestic nineteenth century palace standing in five hectares of parkland which has recently been restored to its former splendour. The estate contains one of the best examples of the typical mixed forest which covered a large part of Cantabria many years ago with numerous ash, maple and magnolia trees.
The palace was constructed in the 19th century by the architect Emilio de la Torriente combining rustic and modern features which was fashionable at that time. It is a large square building with towers at the corners and substantial stone walls. When you enter the parador facing you is the central staircase where the walls are decorated with hangings from the Bauhaus collection which imitate the design of the window which dominates the first landing. During the reign of King Alfonso XIII it was the most important building in the area where some of his councils were held.
The accommodation at the Parador de Limpias comprises just 18 rooms in the restored Eguilior Palace and a further 47 rooms in a newly constructed building which combines mountain architecture with galleries and large glassed areas.
Seven of the rooms have living rooms ensuite, and the top floor of the new building has six large rooms with views of the surrounding gardens. The contemporary rooms have been tastefully furnished using chestnut wood and the beds have magnificent carved wooden headboards and brightly coloured textiles in bright colours.
In the grounds of the parador you will find a swimming pool which is open during the summer season, tennis and paddle tennis courts.
There is a bar and café at the parador and a restaurant which specializes in the local cuisine which is based both on products from the mountains and fish from the nearby sea. Typical dishes include: "marmita", a traditional sailor's dish (a tuna, sardines, lobster, trout or salmon stew); "cocido montañés", (pork sausages and beans stew) - the symbol of the Cantabrian cooking; large variety of chickpea and white and red bean stews; selection of cheeses and desserts including "corbatas de Unquera", "sobaos pasiegos" or "pantortillas de Reinosa"
