Egido Don Manuel

Located within the charming town of Aranjuez, just 50 minutes south of Madrid, this beautifully renovated, 18th-century hotel enjoys a stunning setting beside the palace gardens. It occupies the Iberian Peninsula and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. Stay in the same place the 18th-century royals chose to visit during their summer holidays and which is now an UNESCO world heritage site. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla Its total surface area is 504,788 sq kms Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. You can take a stroll around the vast palace gardens that include the delightful man-made island on the River Tagus and the Narcissus Fountain. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Explore the surrounding Tagus Valley that is famous throughtout Spain for its strawberry farms and delicious asparragus. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). The Don Manuel offers decadent accommodation in a royal setting and perfectly blends modern comforts with tradition and heritage. In the second half of the 20th century, it has played a catch-up role in the western international community.