Jet48172427859
August 9, 2024
This is a beutiful hotel. It is built within an 18th century former convent, and is sandwiched between a large church and a working friary. The rooms have been designed brilliantly, and are comfortable, spacious and attractive. The hotel's location is also superb - right in the historic centre, five minutes' walk from the cathedral, with many bars, cafes and restaurants nearby. A good buffet breakfast is served in a wonderful restaurant which appears to have been the convent refectory, superbly maintained. Dinner can also be had there, with supposedly traditional "monastic" fare - quite nice, but on the evening we went it was fairly empty and lacked atmosphere, and the food something of an acquired taste. There is an indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi, which is free of charge to use pretty much all day. Best of all there is a lovely central courtyard where cocktails and snacks are served in the open air, or where one can just sit and chat or read. There is a good car park. Staff are friendly, and helpful. Why then four and not five stars? Because some improvements are needed. The lovely open-air courtyard is slightly spoiled by the cheap plastic chairs and tables, which are more suitable for a roadside ice cream stall. The indoor cafeteria (snacks, hot drinks and cocktails) gives off a bit of a canteen smell - why not have a bar, or serve drinks, in one of the beautifully furnished public rooms near the reception, like the Salon Giotto? The shower in the bedrooms is clunky to use and not quite as good as one would expect in such a hotel. I would definitely recommend this hotel. It's a really great experience and a lovely place to savour Santiago. But it could be so much better with just a few improvements.