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Elegant lodging in Santiago

mspath

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
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St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I loved my stay at the Parador while in Santiago. I didn't have one of those suites but I did have a room with a huge bathroom and that tub - absolutely wonderful! For me it was worth the extra money at the end. They also have a pretty good breakfast buffet.
 
My wife and I have been members of Amigos de Paradores since 1985. At the conclusion of the Camino Frances in June, 2017, I treated myself to the extravagance of the Parador in Santiago. After one night, it did not feel right without her presence. I did stay one more night before discovering the Hostal Suso for my final days in Santiago. This assuaged my conscience a bit, and I'll look forward to the next time when she can meet me in Santiago and together we'll stay at the Parador—guilt free.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I read the the subject line for the post very quickly, and I saw it as **elephant** lodging. Now that would be an epic Camino. No donkeys, no bicycles, just my domesticated elephant.
I have heard thar Hannibal took elephants over the Alps, although they didn't like the journey much. But I have never heard of elephants crossing the Pyrenees
 
I have heard thar Hannibal took elephants over the Alps, although they didn't like the journey much. But I have never heard of elephants crossing the Pyrenees
If memory serves, Hannibal's elephants skirted the Pyrenees to the east, close to the Mediterranean coast, on their way north into Gaul/France....
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I find it interesting and amusing the way some of these posts take many twists and turns before the moderators step in. I hope it continues even though I don't have an elephant, only cows and sheep.
The twists and turns are fun. I think that the moderators only step in when a thread becomes too contentious.
 
While an elegant hotel is tempting, not for me in 2021 or 22! Would I sit inside their restaurant.....honestly, no. .....especially with people who may not be vaccinated? Would I use the sauna, swimming pool,or most of their other amenities this year...for-sure not.

My priorities in 2021 are nice, simple, private, clean accommodations, no rugs, sparse decorations, good window ventlation, and air-con. Hopefully, a large outdoor eating facility ...away from the very center of humanity...can be found. Maybe I will look for something elegant in 2023.
 
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While an elegant hotel is tempting, not for me in 2021 or 22! Would I sit inside their restaurant.....honestly, no. .....especially with people who may not be vaccinated? Would I use the sauna, swimming pool,or most of their other amenities this year...for-sure not.

Mr priorities in 2021 are nice, simple, private, clean accommodations, no rugs, sparse decorations, good window ventlation, and air-con. Hopefully, a large outdoor eating facility ...away from the very center of humanity can be found. Maybe elegant in 2023.
I was going to do the CF again in 2022 on my 80th until I learned it will be double secret probation Holy Year busy, so I am now targeting 2023, and may it be elegant . . .
 
While an elegant hotel is tempting, not for me in 2021 or 22! Would I sit inside their restaurant.....honestly, no. .....especially with people who may not be vaccinated? Would I use the sauna, swimming pool,or most of their other amenities this year...for-sure not.

Mr priorities in 2021 are nice, simple, private, clean accommodations, no rugs, sparse decorations, good window ventlation, and air-con. Hopefully, a large outdoor eating facility ...away from the very center of humanity can be found. Maybe elegant in 2023.
Let me ask you a question- are you vaccinated/in the process of becoming vaccinated? If yes, why the stark fear to be around people as before? The whole point of being vaccinated is that you have a statistically miniscule chance of contracting Covid and if you do, it is even more of a statistical chance that you won't be sick enough for hospital. In reality- vaccination= no Covid.

So why the reluctance to be near people, to resume normal activities? isn't that the entire point of getting the shot? The whole point of the worldwide stay at home order was to flatten the curve and not overwhelm the medical folks. We've done that. Science has developed a vaccine. we've done that. I can tell you, I have been eating in indoor dining since May 1 last year, got a massage, do my own grocery shopping, get my hair cut, went to a sports event- and that was before the shot. I would love to sit and have coffee in that beautiful restaurant tomorrow and would have no fear of bad things happening.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Let me ask you a question- are you vaccinated/in the process of becoming vaccinated? If yes, why the stark fear to be around people as before? The whole point of being vaccinated is that you have a statistically miniscule chance of contracting Covid and if you do, it is even more of a statistical chance that you won't be sick enough for hospital. In reality- vaccination= no Covid.

So why the reluctance to be near people, to resume normal activities? isn't that the entire point of getting the shot? The whole point of the worldwide stay at home order was to flatten the curve and not overwhelm the medical folks. We've done that. Science has developed a vaccine. we've done that. I can tell you, I have been eating in indoor dining since May 1 last year, got a massage, do my own grocery shopping, get my hair cut, went to a sports event- and that was before the shot. I would love to sit and have coffee in that beautiful restaurant tomorrow and would have no fear of bad things happening.

Yes, I am vaccinated with both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. I am willing to take a certain amount of risk, like riding in an airplane, staying-in a private accommodation, and eating outdoors. But, as a senior, I plan to practice social distancing and use masks whenever within proximity of another person.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health...nd-when-covid-vaccines-arent-fully-protective
 
Let me ask you a question- are you vaccinated/in the process of becoming vaccinated? If yes, why the stark fear to be around people as before? The whole point of being vaccinated is that you have a statistically miniscule chance of contracting Covid and if you do, it is even more of a statistical chance that you won't be sick enough for hospital. In reality- vaccination= no Covid.

So why the reluctance to be near people, to resume normal activities? isn't that the entire point of getting the shot? The whole point of the worldwide stay at home order was to flatten the curve and not overwhelm the medical folks. We've done that. Science has developed a vaccine. we've done that. I can tell you, I have been eating in indoor dining since May 1 last year, got a massage, do my own grocery shopping, get my hair cut, went to a sports event- and that was before the shot. I would love to sit and have coffee in that beautiful restaurant tomorrow and would have no fear of bad things happening.
There was no world wide stay at home order.

I have been living a normal life for some time now and I don't expect to be offered a vaccine for 4 to 6 months. 🥝👍
 
Dreaming of an elegant lodging? See these Parador spaces.


What I wrote above was not a recommendation of the Santiago Parador but simply a reference to a reportage illustrating the extraordinary history and luxuries of that Parador.

For earlier posts re Paradors and the camino
see this thread

During 450 camino nights I have never wished to break the simple pilgrimage mood in any lavish way.

The only time I even entered a Parador was a cold March day in 2007 in Leon; the same day I took the photo here.
I stayed at the pilgrim albergue run by the Santa Maria de Carvajal nuns; since it was the "slow season" I was granted two nights in their women's dorm.

Wearing my pilgrim winter garb I brazenly visited the super deluxe San Marcos Parador which was built as a pilgrims' shelter/hospital 12th/16th c.

Greeted at the door by a tres chic maitre de who said Madame? I asked in French if I might visit their famous cloister garden. He answered that I might circumnavigate the space but must not enter it. Thus I slowly walked and photographed


Leon, parador, garden.jpg

while he watched!!

After viewing the unique garden I treated myself to a thick hot chocolate in their morning café before returning to the more basic realities of the Caravajal albergue for a much needed siesta.
 
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The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
How interesting, thank you, @mspath. If I understand correctly: This luxurious suite, named The Cardinal's Suite, was created in 1954 to welcome Cardinal Roncalli, who later become Pope John XXIII, as he travelled to Santiago for the Feast of James in the Holy Year 1954 although he stayed elsewhere in the end, I think? And that the building itself was opened as a Parador hotel, after extensive renovation work, on the eve of the Feast of James in 1954?

I am participating in on online course and have learnt that this marvellous building had always been much more than a mere pilgrim's albergue. Right from the start it had been designed to care for the sick from the town of Santiago, to house doctors, nurses and priests who lived and slept in the building, and, yes, right from the beginning they reserved some of their better rooms for the exclusive use by visiting bishops and nobility. Long live traditions! 🙂
 
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Some views of the interior of the Parador. I stayed at the end of October 2020.

9B672C84-FBE7-47B3-B62E-37C9E32E5E05.jpeg

A87562EE-1566-4025-973D-E94A3A82FD62.jpeg

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368DE488-2027-4CA6-B2EA-B5EC54F65C54.jpeg

B68707C0-3E97-4A17-8B82-8583A6EF889A.jpeg

D5379DF1-8649-4F2C-9C18-FECC1A47E2F4.jpeg
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
"A pretty good breakfast buffet" (@Jamieb) is an understatement, at least if it's still the same as when I stayed there in 2011. Among all the fabulous food choices, they had red and white wine, and cava! Viva Espana! And I too enjoyed being able to soak in a bathtub for as long as I liked after all the weeks of 2-minute showers at the albergues. Thank you @mspath for bringing back some lovely memories.
 
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I couldn't agree more with this statement. I always make sure I do this when arriving in Santiago. (Makes me walk faster closer to the end).
I consider any lodging upon arrival in Santiago without the word "albergue" describing it to be a pleasant and special treat! 😃
(BTW, I am appreciative of most albergues and have had many very good experiences.)
 
In 2017 my sister and I stayed at a neat little Pension called the Pension con Encanto San Martino Pinario. It was a lovely small place with kind hosts. It was very centrally located, although we couldn't seem to get our bearing in Santiago and continually had difficulty getting "home." I rarely get the urge for luxury, and it's not that, but the rooms are quaint and pleasing.
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
The
I loved my stay at the Parador while in Santiago. I didn't have one of those suites but I did have a room with a huge bathroom and that tub - absolutely wonderful! For me it was worth the extra money at the end. They also have a pretty good breakfast buffet.
Parador is a lovely place. We were very fortunate to belong to the first 20? Getting their Camino certificate in 2019, and were given passes for camino lunch at the Parador. An ancient custom apparently to look after those that completed their camino. Unforgettable experience and lovely lunch.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
There was no world wide stay at home order.

I have been living a normal life for some time now and I don't expect to be offered a vaccine for 4 to 6 months. 🥝👍
If you live in the UK any semblance of normality has been removed for months. We only resumed pub visits this week. Outdoors and freezing cold out of the sun. Still a pint’s a pint and it’s good to socialise again. Can’t wait for my next Pulpo, though not sure when that will be. NZ seems to have played a blinder in all this.
 
My memories of Camino lunches in the Parador are so good. Years ago you had to queue in a carriage entrance down the hill (carriage on display). Was it twelve, armed with fresh Compestellas? A member of staff escorted the group to the kitchen.. the tray was gradually filled with good food. Wine bottles were dispensed. The charming room was decorated with murals of Camino scenes and we sat at several tables. A delight of companionship and communion.

I only ever went for lunch, though one had access to three meals.

Subsequently it changed to the voucher system. Last autumn, when I enquired at the Pilgrim office, the custom had been suspended, understandably.

Somewhere I must have a photo of the room... but perhaps someone can supply ( calling Peregrina2000! ).

One year, on returning to London, I was outside the Templar Church (as in the Da Vinci code)... Lo and behold, there appeared an American lady pilgrim I had shared a Parador lunch with!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Every time I see this thread title I think it says 'Elephant lodging' and I get excited about what that could mean.

🐘 emoji @ivar?
What it means is everything IS connected!

Elephant sounds like olifant, French for a tusk of ivory. Roland, the nephew of Charlemagne; blew his olifant-horn at the battle of Roncevalles. Read more above in this post
 
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Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I must have a photo of the room... but perhaps someone can supply
There was an article in a Galician newspaper with a photo of this room with pilgrims having their free meals in the Parador a few years ago (see below). However, this was a short-lived tradition because this meal that you can get if you receive a free ticket from the Pilgrims Office is nowadays served in one of the Parador's restaurants, where they also serve their regular guests. Tickets for three meals a day are also long gone. Now it's only one free meal for the lucky pilgrim.

s22c2f5.jpg


It seems that the Reyes Catolicos Parador in Santiago has several restaurants. This one is probably the elegant one nowadays - it would be interesting to know the original purpose of this space:

Parador Santiago.jpg

Or perhaps this? It definitely was a chapel once ...

Chapel restaurant.jpg
 
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This is my GOTO place for returning to the real world post camino. I have been here twice and will return again and again, simply because of how I am treated, helped, respected.
 
This is my GOTO place for returning to the real world post camino. I have been here twice and will return again and again, simply because of how I am treated, helped, respected.
It looks like a nice place and not far from the Frances route. Sad to say it seems to be closed until further notice due to the pandemic.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
While an elegant hotel is tempting, not for me in 2021 or 22! Would I sit inside their restaurant.....honestly, no. .....especially with people who may not be vaccinated? Would I use the sauna, swimming pool,or most of their other amenities this year...for-sure not.

My priorities in 2021 are nice, simple, private, clean accommodations, no rugs, sparse decorations, good window ventlation, and air-con. Hopefully, a large outdoor eating facility ...away from the very center of humanity...can be found. Maybe I will look for something elegant in 2023.
0h no! No air con, unless the filters can filter the virus then a lot of air con units just chill and recirculate the same air and any virii brought into the establishment by carriers. I doubt the type of establishment you dream of has the type of capital to spend on the type of air con that many airlines have been forced to retrofit into their fleets along with more regular changes to the filters.
However I agree with your intentions, the more sparse and simplistic the dwelling the easier to keep disinfected.
 
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The only time I even entered a Parador was a cold March day in 2007 in Leon; the same day I took the photo here.
I stayed at the pilgrim albergue run by the Santa Maria de Carvajal nuns; since it was the "slow season" I was granted two nights in their women's dorm.

Wearing my pilgrim winter garb I brazenly visited the super deluxe San Marcos Parador which was built as a pilgrims' shelter/hospital 12th/16th c.

Greeted at the door by a tres chic maitre de who said Madame? I asked in French if I might visit their famous cloister garden. He answered that I might circumnavigate the space but must not enter it. Thus I slowly walked and photographed


View attachment 97584

while he watched!!

After viewing the unique garden I treated myself to a thick hot chocolate in their morning café before returning to the more basic realities of the Caravajal albergue for a much needed siesta.
The Parador in Leon has played many roles in its history .. hotel, hospital, even a prison. While now it's popularity means visitors, who are not hotel guests, cannot enter many areas of the hotel, there was a time it served as a prison, thus those staying there could not leave. My family lived in the city of Leon when my dad was a young child. My uncle was held in this Parador when it served as a prison, during the Franco years. Many years later, when visiting Leon, he would joke about this Parador ... that there was a time they wouldn't let him out, and now they won't let him in !!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I'd also recommend the Hotel Monumento San Francisco. Both the hotels are really nice, a little pricey, but very very nice. After a Camino, I don't think it's too indulgent to give yourself a treat.
Dreaming of an elegant lodging? See these Parador spaces.

 
Hotel Moure. Less"elegant" than very spare and modern. Has zero Camino ambiance, which I find a relief after 30 days of bonhomie.
 
The

Parador is a lovely place. We were very fortunate to belong to the first 20? Getting their Camino certificate in 2019, and were given passes for camino lunch at the Parador. An ancient custom apparently to look after those that completed their camino. Unforgettable experience and lovely lunch.
Ok Here are some pics from April 2019 Parador. Maybe you are in one of these?
 

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