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.
Information and reservations at Parador of Santiago de Compostela
I stayed for a week at the Parador in Santiago and couldn’t have been more satisfied. Gratified that the staff could understand me as I do not speak Spanish. I felt that I was staying in a living museum.
Food was very good, however being Australian, I found that the 8.30pm start in the Restaurant a bit late. I eventually discovered that I was better off having a late lunch. I was on my own and the lunch was a good option, less people and certainly no group, which was very off putting on my first night.
We stayed just one night at the end of Sept 2011 and were absolutely charmed by the place. The room was beautiful and very spacious with antique furniture. Looking out into one of the courtyards was a delight. It was such a treat to walk the corridors – it was one continuous art gallery.The location is superb, so central but no noise. The lounges and sitting rooms are elegant and beautifully fitted out. Our dinner in the restaurant was wonderful with superb service and extra treats served gratis. Truly a wonderful experience. Thank you.
We stayed two nights in the Parador and very much enjoyed it. The staff were welcoming and helpful and our room, although it had no view except the courtyard, was very comfortable. The only problem we had was the lack of garaging on our first night. My husband had to drive quite a long way to find room in a public carpark and then walk a long way back! We had space in the Parador garage on the second night which was much better. We were told that garage space cannot be booked ahead which surprised us. We would very much like to return to Santiago and the beautiflul Parador.
Stayed there this September, and really enjoyed it! Loved walking through the building reading the guide and stopping at the points of note – you’re staying in a Museum!
Room was spacious, and the beds were comfortable.
Breakfast was fantastic, looking forward to going back.
The Parador is one of the finest hotels we have visited. The history is with you everywhere in the old building. Two restaurants are both worth visiting and breakfast was excellent as well.The situation in the main square near the Cathedral is very good.
My husband and I love staying at this Parador: no other hotel can meet its location; its breakfast and the history within its walls. We have stayed there three times. One time we asked for a better view and received it. The last time we were there, the mattress was not very comfortable…but the hotel was booked.
My partner walked the camino for three weeks and i made reservation at the Parador upon her arrival in Santiago. Stayed there two days. Beautiful hotel,perfect location, nice room, excellent service but the quality of the beds was unexpected poor. Very uncomfortable, and not fitting a hotel with this quality and pricing. No reply after making comments.
Enjoyed two other hotels in my 4 day stay and all had better beds.
My wife and I stayed for 3 nights in early July. The whole experience was excellent, from check in departure the staff were helpful and friendly. The location could not be bettered and the general ambience was great. Our ro was comfortable but it did not have a view of any interest as it was at too low a level. The food was very good, particularly the breakfast offering.
I would recommend it as a location for visiting the area, but would caution that it is not an economy stay.
My wife and I stayed for a week in July 11. We witnessed the St James ceremonies, fireworks, light show etc. Magnificient. Breakfest each morning superb. Location perfect. On the downside, the festival, which ran all week featured loud music from the town, this made it impossible to sleep! Some of the bar prices in the hotel were outrageous, eg, €12.35 for a Carlos 1 brandy in the bar when we could buy a bottle of same for €21.00 down the street. Bar staff did not even think to heat the glass before serving the brandy. Other than these minor cavils, this Parador is certainly worth a visit. Be sure to be there for the pilgrims mass on Friday at 12 noon, to witness the spectacle of the Botofumeria, the Thurible which is swung in spectacular fashion after the mass in the Cathedral.
My daughter and I enjoyed a night at this magnificent hotel in May, having followed the Camino from Astorga. Our reward, perhaps! Reception was friendly and helpful. We were invited to join a tour of the hotel or do our own tour, map and information provided. We chose the latter and leisurely strolled through the rooms, halls, chapel, courtyards etc, all of which were fascinating. Our bedroom (‘standard twin’) was spacious and comfortably furnished and also quiet.The bathroom was similarly spacious and well equipped. Tucked away on the top floor, we benefited from an impressive view of the Cathedral tower as well as an aerial view of the courtyard below us. We followed the tactful suggestion by the receptionist that ‘a more casual restaurant is available if you do not wish to eat in the main, more formal restaurant’. (Yes, we did have backpacks). So in the ‘casual restaurant, along with other pilgrims, suitably spruced up, we enjoyed some of the best fresh oysters I have ever eaten! We also appreciated being able to ‘share’ the entree and dessert. No, we were not being mean, but we wanted to experience a few courses and we’d often found servings too generous on our travels, so we really appreciated the sharing. I shall certainly stay at this beautiful hotel again if possible, a truly lovely experience at the end of our walking. And of course being able to book on-line before we set out was so practical.
It was a wonderful place to stay especially as I was going to walk El Camino from Ferrol to Santiago. I stayed two night before setting off. It was, I thought a typical Spanish room in that it was very dark; I know the sun is strong but light is good. The unfortunate thing about Rm.444 is that it is at the end of the corridor by the two lifts. The noise when anyone used the lift was very noticeable for the first day or so, but by the time I checked out on the second day I found it had become less of a problem.
The second stay after the walk was wonderful with a nice room, next to a door that was not in so much use. It was only the noise of early morning guests that disturbed. TO conclude – I did enjoy myself and will return.
Staying at the Parador in Santiago was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The comforts of the hotel were especially appreciated after hiking the Camino. I loved the sense of history of the hotel, friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, and the amazing breakfast buffet. Thank you!
This is an exceptional place to stay, and we were delighted with everything. We had a room with four poster bed and a view of the cathedral (on senior citizen discount). The service, food, reception etc were magnificent. It is so good to stay in a beautiful building in such a special place, and we feel very lucky to have made it to Santiago itself and to have been able to stay in the Parador.
A fine hotel on a facinating historical square. Unforgettable stay!
My very first experience at a Parador in Spain was during last Carnival season (March, 2011), period when my wife and I stayed at this outstanding Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos. We enjoyed our staying a great deal. The service at the reception desk and at the door was extremely friendly making us feel immediatly as we were in our own home. Our room was well decorated (not fancy) and the bathroom clean and very modern (although the hotel dates beck to the XV century…). One thing particularly called our attention: the almost absolute silence at the rooms, bringing an atmosphere of a convent.
The breakfast was superb. A great meal to start the busy day of visits at the monuments of this fabulous Santiago de Compostela. The Parador itself is a monument and it is a must to all travellers to Spain. A true pleasure in a mystic town.
I did have a wonderful time, it is a truly beautiful hotel, and all of
the staff were very friendly and helpful. I really appreciated that you
were able to change my reservation to an earlier date after I injured
myself on the Camino de Santiago and arrived in Santiago much earlier
than I had planned.
We had a magnificent stay in Santiago. Our room was very comfortable, and the amenities were all we could ask for. The staff was particularly warm, friendly and helpful. The perfect location to visit the rest of Galicia.
We stayed at the Parador at Santiago as part of our honeymoon – we met on holiday whilst doing the camino and went for a drink in the bar, and commented at the time that we would like to come back – little did we know it would be our honeymoon! The hotel was just as beautiful as we had remembered – and in fact more so. We arrived late from the flight from Granada and although we were the last in we were welcomed and our bags taken care of. We found the hotel tranquil and the surrounds of all the art work, history and courtyards a stunning location to relax in. Although it is a stunning location the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and very relaxed – I think the mix of 5 star and being at the end of the camino. We ate both in the main restaurant and the smaller area and the main restaurant was a beautiful location with lovely extras such as a glass of rose cava when we went. Breakfast was in another great room and had a great mix of different things to eat, as well as hot chocolate on tap! Will definitely go back (already looking at dates and reasons!)
Lovely hotel in a magnificent setting with wonderful artefacts, wall hangings, paintings and pieces of art. If you are only staying one night as we did after our Pilgrimage from Pamplona the late check in time of 3pm doesn’t give you enough time to enjoy the hotel. Lovely room, luxurious bathroom!!! atmostphere and history; staff were very pleasant and helpful. BUT, too much of the hotel was “off limits” or “privatately booked” eg the computer room and restauant area downstairs. I really wished to view the mural/painting on the stairwell down to the restaurant but it was roped off so alas, I missed out. Disappointed in the “degustation” menu as it consisted solely of seafood – the Parador in Leon’s degustation menu was far superior in its offering and cheaper.
I would recommend the Santiago Parador for his unique beauty, history and location. It was a special but very expesive “one night only” treat upon our arrival at Santiago.
We had a wonderful time touring in North West
Spain. All the Paradors we stayed in were superb and we appreciated the history behind a number of them. We particularly enjoyed the walking tours of the Paradors at Santiago and Santo Estevo. Without exception, at every Parador we stayed, the staff were welcoming and helpful and made our stay in each very enjoyable. I must mention the receptionist at Cervera de Pisuerga who was really helpful in contacting a local garage for us to visit in order to inspect and repair a problem with our car. Food and accommodation everywhere were of a really high standard and the staff in the dining rooms were always helpful and cheerful. We stayed at the Paradors in Cangas de Onis (reviewed), Ribadeo, Santiago, Baiona, Santo Estevo, Leon and Cervera de Pisuerga. All were different and we looked forward to our arrival each day and exploring the Parador or the surrounding city or countryside.
The hotel room was small but acceptable. Completely unacceptable was the staff at the reception, at the bar and inthe breakfast room. Unfriendly, not willing to accommodate my wife and myself. No direction to the room, no help with the parking situation, no help with renting an umbrella for the pouring rain. It was obvious that when we left it was more important to serve some politician and his crowd of arrogant followers than any paying guest. Compared to any pousada we stayed in, this stay was unpleasant to say the least.
As always, my stay at the Parador was very special, thanks to the
attention and service or your staff, particularly the concierge, who
attended to every need of a returning pilgrim. I look forward to my
return next year. Thank you.
Together with my wife I made the Camino from Sevilla to Santiago de Compostela. Ending that walk, 1000 km, with a stay at the Parador was something we dreamt of, just like we did when we walked the Camino Francés ten years ago. The Parador in Santiago is a unforgettable end to an unforgettable Camino. I should mention that we stayed in the Parador in Zamora on the way and I can highly recommend that Parador as well.
We had a wonderful stay.
On May 23rd my wife completed her walk on the Camino, and upon arrival in Santiago spent three days at the parador, watching the plaza for the arrival of fellow peregrinos, and treating herself to bubble baths and high thread count sheets after more than a month of rough albergues. I arrived after 14 hours in the air to a wonderful room service tray of cheese, ham, bread, and bourbon, as well as a pampered and happy, if thinner, wife. The parador staff had already tucked her under their arms before I arrived, and they treated both of us like visiting royalty. Impeccable service, first class amenities, and excellent food in a beautiful and historic building, immaculately maintained, tastefully furnished, and ideally located in Santiago. Nothing more to be said – a world class hotel that makes you feel like you are staying with your favorite aunt and uncle for a weekend getaway. A wonderful place.
The best compliments for the hotel and its staff. Everything had been perfect.
Breakfast is fabulous, yet, may be, provision with tea or coffee could have been a bit easier.
Minor items on the furnitures or the windows need minor repair, but that is not important in consideration of the age and antiquity of the building, of its style and hospitality.
To stay for some time in the Parador de Santiago – Reis Catolicos gives experience of genious European history and identity and should be a must for anyone who tries on Europe.
I enjoyed my one night at the Parador in Santiago. Dinner in the restaurant was truly outstanding, and the waiters and waitresses were attentive and more than anxious to explain the various local dishes. Breakfast was also good, and plentiful — I don’t share other writers’ feelings about mass feeding and snooty waiters.
My room was fine, but I would have liked a few more luxury touches, like a bathrobe and slippers, better lighting, a coffee machine, a newspaper delivered to my door in the morning. It would also have been nice to have some literature in my room about Santiago. I speak fluent Spanish, but I imagine that it was all a bit daunting for guests who don’t speak Spanish.
Note for those with hampered mobility: the Parador is not ADA-compliant. There are steps down to the restaurant, and no ramp. There is a staircase up to the breakfast room, and no ramp or elevator. Etc. This is true in many places in Europe, not just the Parador. But do ask before you book!
This was a beautiful building and we had a fantastic view of the cathedral from our room. We had breakfast very early as we had a flight back to London, and although the breakfast room was nearly empty, I’m afraid I agree about the waiting staff being rather unfriendly and unhelpful.
I was also disappointed that there was no internet access available because someone was filming in the library, so I had to spend some of the evening in an internet cafe in the town. As we had walked from Tui to Santiago I was unable to carry a laptop and I imagine quite a few guests also arrive on foot, having completed pilgrimages.
Wonderful building and I’m glad I stayed once, but not my favourite parador and not particularly good value for money compared with other paradors – but you are paying for a fantastic location.
Our stay in the Parador Santiago de Compostela Hostal dos Reis Catolicos was wonderful. Everything was perfect. The room was exactly what we booked. Beautiful canapy bed, plenty of room and nice decorations. The view of the square was magnificent. Everything about the Parador was perfect. We enjoyed the food, bar and all the public rooms. The location is the best in town – we walked to all the sights from the hotel. Service was excellent from check in to check out. Resturant recommendation outside the hotel were wonderful. We woudl highly recommend it and would absolutely return. It was a wonderful stay – Thank you!
partiendo de la impresionante inmensidad del edificio, cuya belleza llena libros de arte, siguiendo por el respeto a su historia con lo restringuido del mobiliario y terminando por el tacto de su personal es el parador de los Reyes Católicos de lo mejor en publicidad para el pais.
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.