24 hours before we arrived at this hotel we had not even heard of Mazagon. We had planned to stay in Jerez de la Frontera at the Barcelo Montecastillo and found it just not up to standard. Some swift research and phoning around and the Parador at Mazagon could fit us in for our dates.
Our inital impresssion was of a quiet low level 1960s style in good order hotel in pinewoods and we were delighted to see the view down the path to the pool area and sparkling sea beyond. Our room was spacious and comfortable, well appointed, spacious bathroom, verandah overlooking the well tended gardens leading to pool area.
Service in bar and restaurant was almost faultless, the only disappointment being the bar running out of sherry, and tomato juice after my husband had discovered the barman makes the best Bloody Mary anywhere. A table was reserved for us throughout our stay without our asking which looked over the sea and palm trees.
It was the perfect relaxing stay for us, it would have been better still if the pool bar/restaurant was operational, however we managed.
We did a few trips out but it was very much a pool oriented few days of pure relaxation with excellent food. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to anyone looking for 'away from it all' relaxation.

Incredible location, in front of the sea, far from any other hotels or buildings, in the middle of the nature.

Good views and swimming pool.

I have stayed in a number of paradors and this one is the worst. The overall appearance is outdated and lacking in style - felt the place was in need of modernisation and a facelift in many places. The restaurant lacks warmth and the food was very disappointing indeed. The location is attractive, but the approach, via the factories of Huelva, is unpleasant.

The best thing was the bathroom, which was recently refurbished and very good.

We had previously stayed at this Parador in April 2007 and had another excellent experience. Although the rack rate off season is 144 euros per room we were able to book via the hotel website as Paradors Amigos Members at 75 euros per night including an excellent full breakfast. Open to all over 55's is 30% off the rack rate plus a full cooked breakfast.

As our previous stay the room was excellent with terrific sea views. We ate at the Parador both evenings and had two particularly good value meals. For 30 euros one can pick from the menu a starter, main course and dessert with about five choices for each.

There are 190 steps down to the beautiful completely unspoilt sandy beach but it is possible to drive down to it via a sandy but navigable track beside the parador. Walkers will love the Parador and a beautiful 2 mile walk along the beach to the small town of Mazagon. We got a taxi back to the Parador for ten euros. Bicycles are also available from the Parador and internet is free of charge from the reception area.

It is well worth booking a tour via a 21 seat 4X4 bus of the nearby Donana National Park . Telephone this state run facility on
0034959430432. The three to four hour tours are unforgettable and you see wild boar, deer, lynx, sea birds etc. The cost is a very reasonable 26 euros per head. Drivers tend to speak only Spanish but charts of the wildlife to be seen are available. One normally needs to book the tours well in advance are they are very popular. There is also a well equipped visitor centre and restuarant at the tour start point.

It is about a half hour drive to the facility at El Acebuche at kilometre 39 north of Matalascanas on the El Rocio road. Other nearby sights include Christoper Columbus ships and museum at La Rabina.