Lleida's imposing main railway station sits at the end of the broad 'Rambla de Ferran', a…read morefifteen-minute walk from the centre of Lleida. It's a major junction and a principal stop for services between Barcelona and Zaragoza and Madrid. This now includes the high-speed AVE service, for which the station has received a major make-over: a modern glass-and steel wing has been added to the imposing 19th century French-style classical façade, and white-and-blue wavy roofs have been erected over the platforms. The main building contains a spacious ticket hall, with a separate information centre, a small selection of shops, a café, and security facilities for AVE passengers (all baggage for passengers on AVE services is X-rayed). It all feels spacious and modern, the only downside being that the subway beneath the tracks runs from the new extension, entailing a good five minute walk from the main entrance to the platforms (so leave enough time). In front of the station is a taxi rank, a small Tourist Information office and bus stops for local buses. Both conventional and AVE services go from Lleida go to Tarragona, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid, and other conventional services to La Pobla de Segur and Manresa both through spectacular scenery.

Stayed at NH Lleida Pirineos while passing thru Lleida last night. NH is a leading, reputable hotel…read morechain in Europe, and this one is everything you would expect from a business hotel. The staff was nice and helpful. Even though there isn't a fitness center on site, there is one next door that guests can use for free. The hotel is within walking distances to a supermarket, pharmacy, and restaurants. Parking is in an underground garage that is located a few blocks away and costs €16/night.

Gayle and I spent 1 night at this Parador. We booked it to break up a long drive from San…read moreSebastian to Begur (Costa Brava). It was a solid Parador experience, but not our favorite during our month-long trip to Spain in May. For that, please refer to my reviews of the Paradors in Santiago de Compostella, Hondarribia, and Fuente De. Paradors feature some sort of a expertly restored historical building (this one is a former convent) in a scenic or quaint village setting. Parts of Lleida aren't that charming and this Parador seemed to be in a more urban and gritty part of town. On the other hand, finding the parking for this Parador was fairly easy, and yes it was safe to go outside. In fact, when we ventured out the next morning, we we really enjoyed our self-tour of the Cuiraça (old Jewish Quarter) and La Seu Vella (a ruined hilltop fortress and cathedral with dramatic city views). This Parador also involved my only "panic attack" of the trip. Gayle and I were touring around the building and went up to the exercise room and "sky deck". Both of us used the rest rooms there, but I failed to notice that my passport fell out during that time. We went back to the room to check out, and do you know that feeling when you reach for your wallet and nothing is there? We retraced my steps and after assuring ourselves that I wasn't bumped and pick pocketed, a ran upstairs, and to my relief say the wallet on the floor where it first dropped. Onward.... Negatives 1. Our room was warm and stuffy at times. As the room is controlled by a central thermostat, our only option was drawing the curtains during the day, and opening the windows a bit at night. 2. Is it really necessary for other guests to play their music out loud in the Lounge? Positives 1. The Parador has a very nice central lounge area with bar/food service if you don't want to use the Dining Room. There's also a cozy bar area off the central lounge that we both enjoyed. 2. Our breakfast on the ornate Dining Room was plentiful, delicious, and fancy. 3. The interior historical touches in the Lounge and Dining areas were impressive. 4. Lounge/Bar and Front Desk staff were very helpful and pleasant. 5.. Stuffiness aside, our room was very comfortable and well appointed.