Where to book Accomodation

The most frequently asked question we will address concerns planning accommodation. Our accommodation recommendations and plans can be found here: http://parvelomata.online/stay

We will explain the 4 possibilities we suggest regarding location.

1. Ocaña

This is the option we like the most. This is the town we live at, therefore people would be closer to us. In the days before the wedding we could do things together and I could show you life in La Mancha. There are a few hours’ worth of sights in Ocaña itself, and after that I would plan visits to nearby places and wineries. On the wedding day you’ll all get on a bus together to the wedding location and come back at night if you choose to. We are talking to local hotels to get a large group discount. The hotels in Ocaña aren’t anything special, but they aren’t awful either (Hotel Plaza Mayor and Hotel Puerta de Ocaña). We have to finalize the bookings by the end of December, otherwise there is a chance of another large group booking the same date and losing our prices.

The bigger issue is getting to and from Ocaña. Direct options are buses from Aranjuez or Madrid. These buses run approximately every hour during daytime and are often full at peak hours. Coming by car tends to be easier.

2. Madrid

The capital of the kingdom. Anything is possible here, and you will get mugged easily if you are not attentive. There are more sights and things to do. If you choose to stay here you should book your stay as soon as possible to get good prices. We kindly ask you to stay away from rooms and private houses (like Airbnb style) as they collaborate in gentrification and drive-up rent prices for locals. I don’t recommend driving within Madrid itself, Sara absolutely hates it. Rush-hour traffic jams are bad and another problem is finding parking spaces. There are many parking garages and underground car parks, but they’re generally expensive and may not be close to your final destination. It’s more convenient to use the metro, buses, or walk. On the other hand, taking day trips out of Madrid to Aranjuez, Segovia, Alcalá de Henares, Toledo, etc., is more convenient, you can take advantage of bullet trains, cercanias trains and even rent a car. When choosing a hotel, you should definitely check the parking options if planning to use a car.

June is peak tourist season, which means that after March it may be impossible to find convenient hotel options. Similarly tickets to more popular sights (Royal palace, Museo Prado, Museo de Reina Sofia) should be prepurchased a month or two in advance.

Getting from Madrid to Ocaña is a bit less convenient without a car. You can either take the bus from Mendez Alvaro (South bus station) directly to Ocaña or go by train to Aranjuez and then continue from there by bus or have someone pick you up by car to Ocaña. From Madrid you can also take a train to Villacañas (the venue). This train runs six times a day. For example, on Friday, 12 December (no 2026 departures were shown to me yet) the train leaves Madrid Atocha at 07:26, 13:10, 14:35, 16:54, 18:42, and 21:38. The first three of these are suitable for arriving at the wedding party on time. From Villacañas train station, it’s a 25-minute to the venue or you could take a taxi. I think for those coming from Madrid to Villacañas it’s best to stay the night.

3. Aranjuez

Staying in Aranjuez is a compromise between the two previous options. There’s at least a day’s worth of things to do in Aranjuez: the King’s spring residence, the palace gardens, the pedestrian zone, etc. You can get to Ocaña by bus and to Villacañas by train (the same trains that depart from Madrid). Tickets can be bought about 2 months in advance though Sara thinks there is no need. You can get to Madrid by train every 30 minutes or less. Arelis has worked at hotel NH Palacio de Aranjuez and recommends it.

4. Villacañas

Now, there is not much more to do in Villacañas vs. Ocaña. Accommodation options are listed in the appropiate section. As previously stated, you can get there by train from Madrid and from Aranjuez. If you are renting a car it might be a good starting point to continue checking out enchanting towns from La Mancha, and even go to Quixote windmills. Sara’s recommendation would be to visit Alcazar de San Juan, El Toboso and maybe even continue more south to Almagro. Keep in mind that, in these areas, finding non Spanish speakers will be difficult.

• Toledo

I think it is worth mentioning that we don't recommend staying in Toledo unless you have a car. It is the capital of the province but moving from here is basically impossible. There are trains to/from Madrid and that's all.