Parador de Santiago de Compostela

My boyfriend and I stayed one night at this hotel. It’s a very beautiful hotel, which is a museum, and the staff were very friendly, nice and helpful. The best thing about the hotel was the food, absolutely superb, delicious and not expensive for the outstanding quality. The breakfast was perfect, specially the serrano ham which was 10 out of 10. The views are also great and the hotel is located just by the cathedral which you can’t get any better than that. The bedroom was very nice with the old fashioned furniture, which gave the place a unique touch. The only negative aspect, is that when you are staying at a luxury 5 star hotel you expect everything to be outstanding, but the TV was tiny and a bit ild, therefore it was a bit of a downfall on that aspect.

The Parador was a lovely reward after 35 days walking the Camino de Santiago and staying in a mixture of hostels, guest houses and 1 star hotels, some of which were okay and others not so good. The day I arrived in Santiago was cool, grey and soggy, the sort of day when it is much better to be inside and it was very good to have a conveniently situated hotel at the end of the 779 km walk. It is a beautiful historic building both outside and in, in an austere sort of way. The reception staff spoke excellent English and I was into my room very quickly. This is one of those places that names its floors to impress rather than for accuracy so I was on the 4th floor which is actually the 3rd floor as there is no 2nd. It was also the top floor and had a view of the cathedral spires if you looked a bit sideways. The room was on the small side but adequate with a comfortable double bed, closet and cupboard plus a dining chair with arms and small side table. The bathroom was bigger than many with the shower over a tub. Everything was very clean with all bathroom amenities sealed with sanitary labels. My one complaint concerned the heating. I was rained on and damp on arrival and the room was cold. There was a thermostat but it didn't turn anything on. I suspect it was only for the air conditioning that was switched off for the season. The radiators were cold and when I enquired about them I was told that the heating was on a timer and wasn't switched on until 7pm. I am not sure how long it stayed on but I woke up cold in the night and the heating wasn't switched on again until early morning. I admit to being easily chilled but think that none the less there should be some way of warming a room that doesn't require waiting until the programmed radiators start up. That aside this is a lovely hotel. It was very quiet, possibly enhanced by the few guests due to coronavirus and the thick carpets in the hallways. The wifi was excellent. There was big lounge with many chairs and sofas on the ground floor and also a bar. Unfortunately, due to coronavirus restrictions the bar was unable to serve food or drink inside but could do so in the courtyard. The hotel is also close to the pilgrim's office for walkers wanting to collect their compostela and of course the cathedral is on the same square. I would be very happy to return but perhaps at a warmer time of year.

This is a Parador, which for regular visitors to Spain should tell you all you need to know. A 5 star property right next to the Cathedral, superb dining and beautiful suites this has to be the best value in Santiago de Compostela

Located right in the historic centre just in front of the Cathedral I can't think of a better place to stay in Santiago. You can feel history in the air walking along its cloisters and its facilities. Rooms of this luxurious 15th century former hospital have been refurbished to offer guests a unique experience, with modern bathrooms and comfortable beds keeping the style and the essence in its furnitures and decoration.

The bathroom had been refurbished and was a triumph of style over functionality.It looked like a disabled room but the bath sink taps and toilet score 2/10.The toilet lid set ofg the flush when lifted, the bath was a potential death trap and the basin and taps were very difficult to use.The room smelled of mould and damp. The next hotel we stayed at was twice as good for half the price.The staff were great. But noisy early in the morning moving furniture and someone moaning in the night possibly handicapped though. Overall the building and location were superb but the room and bathroom were disappointing.The TV was very small too.We got a good deal but it was still very expensive.