In the beautiful and ancient town of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, we stayed in the Cardinal Suite of the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, as it is known in Galician. In Spanish, it is called the Hostal Reyes Catolicos. This is the best hotel in Santiago de Compostela. It is also reportedly one of the oldest hotels in the world.

ABOUT THE HOSTAL DOS REIS CATOLICOS

With its vaulted ceilings and fine antiques, the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos is the most elegant hotel as well. It is one of only two five-star parador in Spain. However, the draw for me is its history and its best location right on the town square next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

THE PARADORES OF SPAIN

A stay in one of the suites is not cheap, but it is worth every euro. Experiencing this historic hotel, a member of the Paradores of Spain, is one of the highlights of visiting Santiago de Compostela. So, yes, please cut down on your restaurant budget or shopping budget on your holiday in Spain. Save up for a stay at the Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos. You must eat in their fine dining restaurant, too, as it is truly lovely and the food is excellent.

HOSPITAL TURNED PILIGRIM HOTEL

The Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos was once a hospital designed with great fervor and attention to details by Queen Isabela, the Catholic Queen of Spain. She designed the hotel together with her favorite architect. If you like design and aesthetics, this simple and graceful building built in the Galician Renaissance style. Filled with medieval period antiques and art, it will just take your breath away.

Queen Isabela is also known for having conquered the Alhambra and the beautiful city of Granada, by the way.

I just loved walking around this hotel as it’s a maze of interconnected buildings and you never know what you will find at the end of a corridor. In fact, I happily got lost several times in this hotel.

THE INTERIORS OF THE HOSTAL REYES CATOLICOS

The interiors of the Hostal Reyes Catolicos are nothing over the top, in terms of design. The interiors are consistent with the atmosphere of this former hospital turned luxury hotel in this pilgrim town.

Everythings is in very good taste and you feel a peace and calmness simply because of its design. The hotel is full of lovely courtyards. Meanwhile, most of the rooms are designed around the courtyards but they look out onto the city.

Except for the main entrance, the Hostal de los Reyes Catholicos is not open to the public. So I’m posting photos to show you the beauty of simplicity in this ancient must-stay hotel.

It’s a hotel from another time, and it’s been beautifully preserved. I honestly can’t think of anywhere else you should stay on a visit to Santiago de Compostela. The experience of staying at the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos is a must.

ABOUT THE CARDINAL SUITE

Meanwhile, the Cardinal Suite we stayed in is the most extraordinary suite in the city. This suite is known for its interiors and its unique hanging balcony. From the balcony, you can enjoy a lovely view and sunset.

There is no other hotel room in Santiago de Compostela with a hanging winter garden. I loved sitting here because we could see the sunset. It was wonderful for morning coffee before breakfast as well.

Yes, it was all 15th century in the suite but the bathroom was a complete suprise. It was a 21st century makeover with a glassed in power shower set-up for two and a very nice bathtub. I was floored by this high-tech bathroom in this very old-fashioned suite. Talk about a perfect combination of history, luxury, elegance and convenience.

Pope John XXIII was just one of the many VVIP guests who reportedly stayed in this same suite at the Hostal de los Reis Catolicos along with countless other VIPs. So I was half expecting a ghost to appear during our stay in this 500-year-old hotel room. Thankfully it was a perfectly peaceful night and the next day we woke up to another beautiful day in Spain.

Read more about beautiful hotels in Spain in Travelife Magazine.

The post The Parador of Santiago de Compostela appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

The Camino specialists at CaminoWays.com have a selection of easy Camino walk packages and plenty of tips to help you take the first step on this memorable journey.

5 TIPS FOR AN EASY CAMINO WALK DISTANCE PLANNING

Planning a manageable distance for your camino walk to Santiago de Compostela is essential. The beauty of the Camino is that you can walk as much or as little as you feel prepared for.

You can tackle the full 800 kilometers of the Camino Frances or just walk the last stretch into Santiago de Compostela. You can walk just for three or four days, or you can spend weeks on the road.

Just remember you will need to walk at least the last 100 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela in order to receive your pilgrim certificate.

REST DAYS ALONG THE CAMINO

If you are walking a full month-long route, we recommend taking a rest day after each week at least. It will give your body and mind a break and it will also be a chance to explore some of the great Spanish towns and cities along the camino trails.

SLEEPY TIME

A good night’s sleep will make you feel rested and ready for your next walking day. Having your own accommodation booked in advance will make your Camino easier for two reasons. One, you won’t have to worry about the logistics while on the trip; and, two, you will have your own private room at lodgings along the camino, where you can have a well-deserved sleep.

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

Getting your bag moved from one stage to the next will allow you the luxury of only carrying the essentials for the day in your backpack such as snacks and water. You only have to get up and go in the morning.

SPLIT LONGER DAYS

There are some particularly long stages along the Camino routes which are over 28 kilometers. It is recommend that you ‘split’ these longer stages in two, giving you shorter and easier walking days. This might not be possible on all routes or sections, as it will depend on accommodation available in that particular area.

Read more travel articles about Spain in Travelife Magazine.

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