Parador Santiago de Compostela
Combining history, art and tradition, the goal of pilgrims and the emblem of St. James, the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, in the Plaza do Obradoiro, forms together with the cathedral one of the world’s most remarkable, and most visited, urban settings. 
The Hostal, which first saw life as a Royal Hospital in 1499 to house the many pilgrims arriving in Santiago, today still invites the traveller to enjoy this universal and fascinating city.
Considered the oldest hotel in the world, it is also one of the most luxurious and beautiful. It has four extremely beautiful cloisters, elegant public rooms, spectacular bedrooms and a luxurious dining room offering Galician style fish and meats and the classic apple filloa pies and creme brulee.
We stayed at the hotel only for one night in October. The reception on arrival was professional and the staff went out of their way to assist us with all our questions. The bedroom was elegant. Comfortable without losing the medieval feel. Our view of the courtyard was nice although we were slightly below ground level. The public rooms were grand! We spent much of our time exploring the grand rooms and halls. It was like staying in a museum. The restaurant was elegant with a varied selection of food. The staff were efficient and professional. Our room was quiet and the entire facility had a genteel feel even though it was being prepared for a major medial event. I most enjoyed the location on the plaza adjacent to the St. James Cathedral. The street life and the beauty of the hotel and the cathedral made this a memorable experience.
We recently spent 4 nights at this parador. The staff were very friendly & helpful, the room was super & the breakfasts were amazing. It was a very good base from which to discover Santiago.
We did however have a problem with a humming in our room at night, possibly coming from a nearby fan, which needs to be investigated.
Otherwise everything was perfect.
I stayed there in September. My room was wonderful; the building is stunning; the breakfast was - yes- busy as others have said, but good.
However I did not find the staff ‘friendly and helpful’ as others have said. I found them extremely professional, but impersonal to the point of snootiness. I got the impression that they were doing me a favour letting me stay there: that was their attitude. Very disappointing and quite spoiled my stay.
Of the three Paradores we stayed in during our September 2009 holiday this was the least satisfying. It had been so much recommended to me as THE place to stay, and I probably expected too much. On the positive side, we were treated well at reception, with some confusion over how best we should pay being sorted out efficiently. The building is stunning, both from the outside and within, with its enclosed courtyards and fascinating architectural detail. But our room was on the small side, and we were woken several times the first of our two nights by the street cleaners and the rubbish collectors. The bathroom was fine - well appointed and a good size. We did not really enjoy the breakfast experience though. Whilst the choice of food was good, you felt as if you were in a busy market rather than a 5* hotel.
One of the most WONDERFUL experiences in my life. Your hotel is
excellent, the staff very professional, impeccable room, like adream!
thank you!
We stayed in the Parador in July and were very impressed with the standard of the room as well as the general surroundings - beautiful courtyards and the sound of singing emanating from the chapel were very memorable. We had breakfast and lunch on both days we were there and found them to be extremely enjoyable. We were only surprised that the restaurant was relatively quiet - perhaps the evening meal is busier. The staff were exteremely courteous and helpful. I left behind my i-Pod which they posted back to me. Given the quality of the both the room (spacious and comfortable) and the food, we considered it to be extremely good value for money and will now vist other paradores. I thoroughly recommend it to any anyone.
The Parador de Santiago is a very prestigious place to stay, close to the airport and in the centre of the old town, the perfect location for a city break. The facade is awe inspiring, at the entrance guests are greeted by efficient hotel staff, who look after your every need. Our room was on the ground floor accessed from a delightful courtyard. The room,while medieval in character was small, dark and gloomy with a bright, enormous en suite. At night we were disturbed by the adjacent street noises. We spent very little time in the room, preferring to soak up the magnificent atmosphere of the rest of the hotel instead. The breakfast is served in a lovely room overlooking the center square, the food is excellent and plentiful, with the best selection I have ever come across, including champagne! The cafe has a nice view of the Cathedral and surrounding area, the service here is very slow, its better to order at the bar yourself. The main restaurant was impressive, if a little empty and lacking in atmosphere, service was excellent. Apart from the dingy standard room we had two wonderful nights here and I would highly recommend the hotel.
Staying in this exceptional hotel is undoubtedly pleasurable experience, however I would like to take into account that it is *****DL and pinpoint a few minor flaws. Firstly - no valet service and no own parking nearby (some time wasted and additional cost to park your car). Secondly, porter was either too ambitious or too weak as he couldn’t handle with luggage of three people at one time, dragging and dropping it all the time. Besides that, I see no reasons to complain - rooms were tasteful, interiors breathtaking, classical music played live in the chappel added atmosphere. And brakfast was one of the richest and tastiest I have ever eaten, I wish I could stay there for a month
I spent a couple of hours just exploring the many floors and courts of this wonderful building, enjoying the vistas within and without, while my husband sat in one of the cloistered courtyards and drew. Tremendously satisfying experience. Our room was characterful, comfortable and quiet even though it was just a standard twin at a discounted rate. The staff were friendly and efficient- what a joy to have the car taken from us to be parked after the hassle of finding and getting into the main square. We did not eat in the hotel as there was too much fascinating street life going on in the cafes just outside. Emotions run high for the walking pilgrims as they reach the Cathedral Square-and ordinary Spanish family interaction is great to watch! We loved hearing Russian church music being sung a cappella and really appreciated that the Hostal San Marcos was situated right next to the west front of the Cathedral in such an amazing square. We have now visited ten Paradores and shall be back to try more. Each one has something especial about it to savour.
On arrival at approx 3pm we were taken to our room which was a superior twin, not what we had booked, which was a superior double. Reception staff informed us they had no record of the requirement for a double, which was strange considering we had a confirmation email of our booking. We had to wait some 2 hours until a suitable room could be found and serviced, after some late staying guests had departed. Not what you expect from a ‘5 star’ hotel. Once sorted, our stay was very enjoyable in what is a beautiful hotel in a stunning location.
I loved it! We had such a great time. Finished the camino de Santiago and really wanted a bit of luxury. The staff were fantastic and kind and did everything we wanted them to. Breakfast was really good if very very busy (but that too muct be a good sign). We were dealt with very quickly at the front desk. I can’t wait to go back.
Stayed at the parador in santiago de compostela for 2 nights in August 2009.Building magnificent, but as a hotel it really does not deserve five stars. Service at the bar and restaurant slow and rather poor, bedroom large but no bed turndown in the evening, room and bathroom accesories definitely not in the five star range. It is not value for the money.
Adorei a minha estadia no Parador de Santiago. Foi tudo perfeito, a atençao dos garçons, a localizaçao maravilhosa, a beleza do hotel, a recepçao na chegada, o tamanho e o silencio do quarto. Recomendo a todos que queiram ir a Santiago de Compostela.
As we arrived at the hotel, there was a drizzle. We had to unload our car ourselves in the rain and to come back to the car in the rain. No porter had an umbrella and stayed inside watching us unloading. A “five star”-hotel, even “GL”!, without such a basic reception of her clients, is unworthy.
Apart from that, we enjoyed our stay for two days.
We spent two nights at the Parador at Santiago and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The town and its many cultural sites are magnificient. The Parador itself is a magnificent historical monument and the interior is decorated with od Spanish furniture. The staff was most friendly and helpful, the service was excellent and so was the restaurant.
During our trip along the Pilgrim Route (by car) we stayed also in other paradors such as San Estevo; Leon and Lerma. We found them all most delightful and shall, when planning future trips to Spain, make sure to choose accommodation in paradors whereever available.
I visited several paradors (Santiago, Leon, St. Domingo della Calzada) in March, April 09, loved the sites, was pleased with the buildings and - in general- with the employees. But I have difficulties to understand why - f.ex. in Santiago- Parador with a very international guest- rate not a single waiter (from probably 7 to 10 round eastertime) was able to speek any other language than spanish. It was not possible to make clear what I wantet (I speak german, english, french and a little italien).
Additionally it becomes boring, having every morning the same sortiment at the buffet. Moreover I felt, that the cooks in the Paradore- Restaurants do not have the Michelin- stars: I felt that it is a kitchen that feeds masses, not individuals. sorry to say that. Next time I would stay overnight of course again in the nice rooms, have a tea or coffee in the bar- area, but would not book breakfast and would not have dinner in the paradores.
MOLTO BELLO E SIAMO STATI MOLTO BENE
LA COLAZIONE RICCA E DI QUALITA’
I stayed three nights in this beautiful hotel. The building is a great monument in itself, the room was comfortable, large and quiet, and the hotel staff polite and very helpfull (especially in taking care of your car!). The hotel joins the cathedral square so that you can enjoy the magnificent view of the cathedral from the portal of the hotel and from the very pleasant outdoor coffee shop. There may be cheaper hotels in the city but if you have the choice: Stay in the Parador, it will be a unique experience you will never forget.
We stayed in the hotel in Apr. The hotel is magnificent, with a beautiful interior and excellent spacious and lavish rooms (at least the once we stayed in). The staff is very professional and helpful. Excellent breakfast. Unfortunately we stayed for just 1 night as we were making a tour in Northern Spain. And there is plenty to see inside the hotel, it is like a museum - you just need 2-3 hours to walk around. The atmosphere is unforgettable. Highly recommend.
I’m looking forward to staying at the parador dos reyes catolicos again. The parador is beautiful, and the service was excellent. The front desk was very helpful with directions and friendly. I just wish we stay longer at such a beautiful place.