Good hotel in Santiago

[emilene]

I know there are a million hotels in Santiago but I'd appreciate a personal recommendation for a 3 or 4 star hotel near the cathedral. Thank you!

 

[mspath]

I know there are a million hotels in Santiago but I'd appreciate a personal recommendation for a 3 or 4 star hotel near the cathedral. Thank you!

Emilene,

In SdC the recently renovated seminary San Martin Pinario which faces the north side of the cathedral has rooms for both pilgrims and tourists. Their web site is http://www.sanmartinpinario.eu/. My private single pilgrim room with heat, bathroom and buffet breakfast was 23€ last December. After walking 50 days and staying in coed pilgrim dorms this was pure luxury!

Buen Camino!

Margaret

 

[tyrrek]

I know there are a million hotels in Santiago but I'd appreciate a personal recommendation for a 3 or 4 star hotel near the cathedral. Thank you!

Emilene,

In SdC the recently renovated seminary San Martin Pinario which faces the north side of the cathedral has rooms for both pilgrims and tourists. Their web site is http://www.sanmartinpinario.eu/. My private single pilgrim room with heat, bathroom and buffet breakfast was 23€ last December. After walking 50 days and staying in coed pilgrim dorms this was pure luxury!

Buen Camino!

Margaret

I second that. It's a great place, and really nicely converted. I've only stayed on the pilgrim floor (still 23 Euros) but I think someone told me the other floors were about 75 Euros. There's a website, so just Google it!

Buen Camino!

Edit: Sorry Margaret, I didn't notice you'd already posted the website! I was watching the football.

 

[Abbeydore]

Hotel Suso,
http://hostalsuso.com/
We stayed 2 nights, wonderful
5 mins from cathedral & next door to tourist office.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I know there are a million hotels in Santiago but I'd appreciate a personal recommendation for a 3 or 4 star hotel near the cathedral. Thank you!

Hola - assuming you are looking for a 3 or 4 star hotel near the cathedral and not a hostal or pilgrim accommdation the Hotel San Francisco is 4 * http://www.sanfranciscohm.com/ and is the nearest in that class to the cathedral I think. But I think the point others were making is that you possibly don't need to go to the expense of 4* hotel in the centre as there are many excellent smaller boutique hotels such as the Alta Air http://www.altairhotel.net/ or Costa Vela http://www.costavella.com/ or the modern http://www.mourehotel.com/ Santiago also has a huge number of hostals with prices ranging from 25 - 40€ for a room plus private bathroom and breakfast.

Good luck!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Parador.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

is a 5* hotel which wasn't what was asked...but never mind. http://www.parador.es/es/parador-de-san ... compostela

I had dinner there the other evening and it was the worst experience I've had for along time. I wouldn't give it any business - the service is dreadful and there are far better hotels in Santiago if people wish to pay Parador prices.

 

[Abbeydore]

is a 5* hotel which wasn't what was asked...but never mind. http://www.parador.es/es/parador-de-san ... compostela

I had dinner there the other evening and it was the worst experience I've had for along time. I wouldn't give it any business - the service is dreadful and there are far better hotels in Santiago if people wishes to pay Parador prices.

Hope you told them so!
Complained about my bananas today, (2 weeks later, got given new bananas)

 

[grayland]

I had dinner there the other evening and it was the worst experience I've had for along time. I wouldn't give it any business - the service is dreadful and there are far better hotels in Santiago if people wishes to pay Parador prices.

Johnnie...I fully agree. Pompous and bad uncaring service not worthy of a truck stop.
Food quality and presentation not up to a normal standard let alone a "rated 5 star" restaurant.
Priced as if it were really a quality place.
Somehow I have the feeling these are government employees...is that possible?
I feel very sorry for the Pilgrims who spend a lot of money there to celebrtheirhier accomplishment and are so disappointed. I have heard these same comments from many pilgrims.

 

[tyrrek]

Hope you told them so!
Complained about my bananas today, (2 weeks later, got given new bananas)

How do you know the new bananas won't arrive for 2 weeks if you just complained today? What was wrong with them anyway? Am I missing something?

Buen Camino!

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Johnnie...I fully agree. Pompous and bad uncaring service not worthy of a truck stop.Food quality and presentation not up to a normal standard let alone a "rated 5 star" restaurant.
Priced as if it were really a quality place.
Somehow I have the feeling these are government employees...is that possible?
I feel very sorry for the Pilgrims who spend a lot of money there to celebrtheirhier accomplishment and are so disappointed. I have heard these same comments from many pilgrims.

The Paradors in Spain are indeed owned and run by the government!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

As of 2011 there are 93 Parador hotels in total operating in every Autonomous Region of Spain except the Balearic Islands. The Spanish hotel chain owned and operated exclusively by the Spanish state, plans to grow to over 100 hotels in the coming years.

 

[Nandy61]

I "third" San Martin! We were brought there by one a Spanish teacher from Bilbao who became part of our "Camino family" . LUXurious. Sheets were divine and the small "blanket" at the end of the bed was so nice that my friend wore it as a shoulder wrap out to dinner that night!

 

[emilene]

Thank you everyone - you've given me loads of wonderful info. I'll be visiting all the websites now - thanks also for the honesty regarding the Parador - what a shame! I don't quite have the budget for that particular hotel but did consider it at one stage as I hope to arrive in Santiago on a rather notable birthday and a treat might have been in order... What a shame it would be to have a bad (& costly!) experience. Thanks a mil again - much appreciated!

 

[grayland]

[quote="JohnnieWalker
The Paradors in Spain are indeed owned and run by the government![/quote]

I should make myself more clear...I have stayed over the years in most of the Paradors in Spain and this is the only one that I find fault with. The others are outstanding and well worth staying in. Both Paradors in Santo Domingo are great.
The Santiago Parador has a unearned snob factor among the employees. This is a pretty wide spread opinion among those who have stayed or had dinner there. It is truly a shame.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

My room in the Parador was excellent. The price included the 20E breakfast for two persons, so the room cost $125 for two. The breakfast buffet is the best in the world in my opinion. I did not eat other meals there. There are too many good restaurants in Santiago to eat hotel food. Hotel food is to food as military music is to music!

 

[joecampbell]

Got to agree with the San Martin comments. I didn't know there was such a thing as a pilgrims floor so just booked in to a single room last week for 65 Eur incl breakfast. Lovely place.
Another option that I really liked was the Hotel Fonte de San Roque which has very nice rooms which make up for the astonishingly spartan breakfast (unlike the SM by the way, the breakfast there is good)....

Buen Camino

 

[Pieces]

can you not prebook the pilgrims floor at St Martins ?

 

[tyrrek]

can you not prebook the pilgrims floor at St Martins ?

I'm not sure if you can book. I've always just turned up and not had a problem even on Easter Sunday. I don't know if there's any limit on how many nights you stay, but the last time I think I stayed 3 nights no problem.

I don't know if the 'pilgrim's floor' is actually called that by the staff - that's just how I refer to it. These are sparsely furnished and some have bunks but are en suite and have nice sheets and towels etc. The other floors are real 'hotel' rooms. When I've turned up they've known exactly where to put me without asking!

Buen Camino!

 

[Pieces]

thanks Tyrrek

 

[JohnnieWalker]

My room in the Parador was excellent. The price included the 20E breakfast for two persons, so the room cost $125 for two. The breakfast buffet is the best in the world in my opinion. I did not eat other meals there. There are too many good restaurants in Santiago to eat hotel food. Hotel food is to food as military music is to music!

Hola Falcon - Pilgrims ask about the cost of the Parador from time to time. Do I understand correctly that you paid 125$ for a room and 2 x 40$ for breakfast i.e 165$ for 2 people or 145$ for one person. I understand that the cost of breakfast is included in the price even if you don't have it.
There are different levels of rooms in the Parador - was this the standard?

Thanks

San Martin Pinario - I'm meeting with them about a group booking later and I'll ask about the number of pilgrim rooms, reservations etc and let everyone know.

John

 

[Abbeydore]

I think falcon found a 'deal' on the internet, & yes included breakfast.
I personally was not allowed to walk within 50 feet of the front door :lol:

We stayed @ Hotel Suso, 2 nights + breakfasts & other coffees & more Santiago Tarts & wonderful service & didn't kick us out early in the morn, under $90 euros. Would stay again

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I went over to the Hospederia San Martin Pinario a few minutes ago and they showed me round. As well as being a regular hotel they have an entire floor with 60 rooms for pilgrims.

The charges are as follows:

Single room: 23 euros

2 person room: 38 euros

4 person room: 60 euros

All rooms have a private toilet and shower. Breakfast is included.

Pilgrims were just walking in when I was there and booking rooms. They are given a ticket, allowed to leave their rucksacks in the hotel left luggage and have access to the rooms at1pm.

The hotel PREFERS reservations which can either be made by telephone or by e mail. You need to be clear you want to book a Pilgrim Room. Contact details here:

http://www.sanmartinpinario.eu/

The rooms are simple and basic but very clean and warm - 30 seconds from the Cathedral.

 

[tyrrek]

The rooms are simple and basic but very clean and warm - 30 seconds from the Cathedral.

Thanks John.

That's exactly what I like about the place. The pilgrim rooms and corridors still have the feel of the building's previous use, but you have access to the hotel facilities. I also like the cloisters and courtyards as you go in to the reception.

I think Emilene might prefer one of the hotel rooms for her birthday treat though!

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

165$ for 2 people

"Best price" on the internet; lower than Five Night Card, Golden Days, or Young Persons. It popped up when I made reservations. I was expecting just the 30% senior discount, which currently is 196E per night for a double. I asked about the strange internet behavior, and the concierge said it was because the senior discount is on the full-price for the room, so the instantaneous special was a better rate. I was a bit put off by the subterfuge, but in the end, the rate was quite reasonable for what I got -- a spectacular room looking out on the cloisters, and the best breakfast in the world. Yes, you pay for the breakfast regardless. I would have gone for the breakfast even if I had stayed in Hostal Suso, which I have done a couple of times.

The Five Night Card for all Paradores is 105E per night, double occupancy, for five nights in any Parador with limited availability by reservation only. There is a 55E "supplement" in Santiago, making the rate 160E for two including breakfast, pretty close to the rate I actually got. With the card, you could use one night in Santo Domingo, one in Leon, one in Villafranca, and two in Santiago, and live rather well on the Camino. Santo Domingo was completo when I was there, so the big price discount is gainsay based on the limited availability of the various discounts.

It all sounds a bit like a government operation, where the art is in the deal!

 

[madrid12]

We stayed at the parador last year for our wedding anniversary [complimentary fruit, cava and chocolates in the room] and could not fault it, we paid 150€ a night for a double standard room bed and breakfast booked through the parador website, sometimes offers are there. We also stayed at the parador in Ferrol at the start of the Camino Ingles for a double room for 53.40€. This year we emailed San Martin Pinario and stayed there rate 62€ b&b for a normal twin room. It was excellent, warm, comfortable and good position.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

I've used the 5 night card for Paradores in Spain and they are excellent value. For frequent visitors consider becoming an "Amigo of the Paradores" - you only have to have checked in once to qualify. With an "Amigo card" you are entitled to a frequent users discount and also special offers.

However for those seeking pilgrim accommodation (see above) the 4th floor of San Martin Pinario remains the best value in Santiago!

 

[Pieces]

I think actually I would rather the San Martins and then save the parador for some other experience, also i hear that san martin has a court yard spacious enough for a marching band and a proper tatoo...

 

[tyrrek]

I think actually I would rather the San Martins and then save the parador for some other experience, also i hear that san martin has a court yard spacious enough for a marching band and a proper tatoo...

...more often for a sneaky cigarette, I suspect. Really nice, though.

K

 

[Pieces]

sneaky cigarettes are the best cigarettes

 

[JohnnieWalker]

sneaky cigarettes are the best cigarettes

Especially with a wee doch and doris before the tattoo.

 

[miamijhp]

Johnnie Walker:
Thanks for the information. I know you are helping a lot of people with this info. One more time thank you. Jorge
PS: This time I will try to meet you (Around end of September) I own you one for last year (lost of Compostela). Buen Camino

 

[Tia Valeria]

For us the Hostal Linares on Rua Algalia do Abaixo. Very friendly and helpful, reasonable prices.
Tel +34 981 580 443.

Like Johnnie we tried the parador last year, but just for a coffee and said 'never again'. Couldn't be bothered with us.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Couldn't be bothered with us.

I found the welcome cordial whether I was a guest in the Parador hotel, or a drop-in diner, but it clearly is not a place where you walk up to a table and ask if you can join them, which I have done hundreds of times in pilgrim places, including Casa Manolo just up the street. The thing about the Santiago Parador is that it once was a pilgrim hospital and has a very nice cloister. They have put up signs saying the cloister is for hotel guests only. I did find that much more off-putting than anything else. I had brunch one time when a fellow pilgrim just ignored the signs and toured the cloister. No one said anything!

 

[carolh]

I stayed - in Hotel Compostella ( last thursday 17 May) it is in the Plaza Galcia about 10/15 walk from Cathedral, it was very good, staff helpful, clean.

Carol H

 

[tyrrek]

I stayed - in Hotel Compostella ( last thursday 17 May) it is in the Plaza Galcia about 10/15 walk from Cathedral, it was very good, staff helpful, clean.

Handy for the airport bus too.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Hotel Compostela

"The Hotel Compostela is inside completely renovated and is located in a monumental building in the heart of the city." Ninety euro per night for a double.

The Hostal Suso is just down the street from the cathedral for about 40E.

http://hostalsuso.com/index_en.html

The Hostal La Salle is much closer to the bus station, and is about 35E for a single.

http://www.hostallasalle.com/ing/tarifas.html

 

[miguel_gp]

I know that just about evey hotel in Santiago has now been recommended but just to finish it off, I stayed at the PR Hortas last week. This is 153 metres (as the Pilgrim walks) from the front door of the Parador and on the Rua Hortas (Finisterre Route). It is uphill on the way to the square but does mean that you can roll back in the evening :roll: . I would definitely stay there again some time.

30 Euros for a single with bathroom and also available through booking.com with free cancellation up to 2 days before check-in.

Cheers
Mig

 

[emilene]

A big thank you once again for all the great advice - hotel is now booked and I have 6 days left before leaving for Spain. I'm nursing a 'mother-of-the-bride's-new-shoes' blister on my foot after my youngest got married on Saturday but other than that, excitement is mounting! I look forward to meeting some of the forum members along the route - thank you again for all the valuable advise posted here week after week!