hostal de los reyes catolicos

This is an expensive place to eat but a coffee and mineral water here is worth more much more than the 5€ it'll cost you because you get to sit for a short while in an incredible environment of privilege and luxury which no longer exists (if it ever did!). Two uniformed doormen let you in and you enter into a cross between an exclusive gentleman's club in Edwardian London and regal/papal antechambers in the Vatican Palace. Even the Muzak in there is special! Made me think of the ever-increasing gap between rich and poor and the transitory nature of power and privilege. Sic transit gloria. Well worth a visit for <5€!

Is the oldest purpose built hotel in Europe and is in all probability the very best hotel anywhere. You must try it

A great place,expensive,it is the place where the kings of SPAIN come to rest when they come to SANTIAGO,the menu is exqusite.

Whilst this is a hotel today and not necessarily open for tourists, we had an approved guide who was able to show us around. This 16th century building was originally a hospital and has a magnificent façade at the entrance depicting the twelve apostles, which is worth seeing in its own right and can be viewed from the square, Praza do Obradoiro. If I return to Santiago, I would certainly want to stay at this hotel.

Great Hotel to base your stay - so close to the Cathedral and easy distance from just about everything you want see and visit The Cathedral City is pedestrianised!

Visits to this impressive royal hostel, now an expensive Parador, are prohibited to tourists. One can only visit if you have an approved tour guide. But...we followed some Danish friends who acted like they were staying there and were able to see all the courtyards inside. It was wonderful. Many thanks to Rikki and Helen for leading us in!

Converted to hotel (parador), but you mist visit even if you are not staying. Beautiful interior, including gorgeous cloister

Santiago de Compostela is the goal for the thousands of pilgrims who take part each year in the Camino, coming on foot from all over Europe. The beautiful Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos is the place to stay in Santiago,. Situated right next to the Cathedral of Saint James, the Hostal has been accommodating travelers since the 15th Century. It still retains its original quadrangular plan and its guest rooms are spread around four courtyards. A number of the guest rooms are small and somewhat cramped, as befits the age of the building, but all are comfortable and well-appointed. Meals are served in either a spacious second-floor dining room or in a medieval room down some steps from the first floor. Most important, a stay in the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos enables the traveler to step back in time and to participate in a truly historical experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Built in 15th century, Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos used to serve as a hospice and a hospital to pilgrims who finished their Camino de Santiago. These services were free of charge. Since 1954 it's been one of the most famous Spanish paradors (luxurious hotels in historical buildings) although limited number of pilgrims are still being provided with some free services. As we were neither guests nor pilgrims we only took a look at the facade, out of which the ornamented entrance is the most interesting. Read that their restaurant is located in the former morgue chamber - bit spooky :-)

The hostal was an old hospital for the pelgrims. At present every day the earliest 10 pelgrims receive a free meal.

Went there to have a drink, rest a piece, and stayed for lunch. Nice option. Being pricey (but you pay the place and atmosphere) is a good choice in Santiago, at least if you don't want a budget meal.

This is a beautiful piece of history. Stayed here 2 nights after finishing the camino. What a special treat ! This is a 5 star hotel. The front staff helpful. The room was fantastic. Large room with sitting area. Antiques ,beautiful decor. Beds very comffy. Nice large bathroom. Welcoming the weary traveler. The history of this hotel is amazing. We took a tour of the hotel . Recommend if your a history or architecture buff. You get to see places that most people don't see unless they take the tour.Our room overlooked one of the beautiful courtyards. We opened the beautiful ,old,windows. The sites ,sounds and smells of this beautiful place was just hard to believe. The restaurant is good. The breakfast is a large buffet. Very good ,many choices. The bar is nice. Little pricey. But atmosphere good & you don't have to leave the hotel just to get a drink. Fantastic location. In the middle of everything. Highly recommend if just for one night or just go in and take a look. Amazing .

What I see was great, but several parts are exclusive to guests. I guess next time should stay there!

A friend and I decided to splurge a bit and stay two days in the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos while we were in Santiago de Compostela. Our room was large and well appointed, with a nice bathroom and lots of amenities. Breakfast (part of the room cost) was good. Nothing special but good. One other meal in the restaurant was less than stellar. I would recommend this hotel, however, because of the history that is so much a part of its walls. Built in 1486 by Ferdinand and Isabella, it is considered the oldest continuously operating hotel in the world. It is located directly across the plaza from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and served as a place for R&R for pilgrims (peregrinos) who had completed the pilgrimage. The hostal (now part of Spain's parador network) once provided services to all pilgrims free of charge. Now it does so to a much more limited number each day but it's the thought that counts. The ambiance is unbeatable and I would heartily recommend a stay of at least a day or so.The town itself is fun. While the focus is clearly on the pilgrims, there are excellent shops with silver art and some world class linens trimmed in hand-made lace that is being made by a group of ladies sitting around a table as you shop. Excellent!

Amazing old building since 1499...just loved it. Once you are in Santiago don't miss visiting it and the chapel inside