Are you considering doing the world-famous Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) pilgrimage soon? Well, if after days and days of walking and staying at modest accommodations, you feel like treating yourself, I have the perfect hotel in Santiago de Compostela for you.
Hotel Palacio del Carmen, Autograph Collection is a luxury, 5-star hotel in a former convent near the city center. Specifically, this carefully restored hotel is only a 10-minute walk away from some of this northern Spain city’s must-see landmarks. So, from some of the rooms, you can get breathtaking views of monuments like the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage traditionally ends. Yet, this accommodation’s location gives it a relaxing vibe you may not get in the city’s center, especially on a weekend night. You could even say the hotel still has some of the peaceful atmosphere it probably had when it was a convent.
Like all 5-star accommodations, this historic building has all the modern comforts and conveniences you would expect, perfectly mixing old and new. Hence, Hotel Palacio del Carmen is an excellent choice for a first trip to Santiago de Compostela, whether you’re doing the Way of St. James or not. This top-rated hotel’s amenities include an indoor pool, a gym, and a restaurant with a menu combining delicious, traditional Galician cuisine and contemporary touches.
But what exactly can you expect when you stay at the Hotel Palacio del Carmen, Autograph Collection? Keep reading as I share my experience in this gorgeous accommodation in the capital of Galicia.
A Heavenly Experience – My Stay at Hotel Palacio del Carmen in Santiago de Compostela
I stayed at Hotel Palacio del Carmen during my first and, so far, only trip to Santiago de Compostela. Granted, unlike most people, I wasn’t doing the Camino de Santiago but visiting the city for my birthday. So, Instead of walking the famous pilgrimage route, I bought high-speed train tickets from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela and was there in about three and a half hours. Yet, I liked the UNESCO World Heritage city so much that I hope to do the Camino someday.
From the station, one of the most beautiful train stations in Spain, we took a taxi and arrived at the hotel in less than 10 minutes. On first impressions, I was amazed by how grand and elegant the 18th-century building seemed. I’m not religious, but I felt like I was entering a sacred place. The reception and lobby staff were also very welcoming and friendly as we left our suitcases since we got there early and the room was still being prepared.
For a few hours, we explored the Old Town, one of the best areas to stay in Santiago de Compostela. When we got back, our room was ready, and there was a special treat for my birthday. On a table in front of the plasma TV, there was a Tarta de Santiago (St. James cake), a typical Galician almond cake covered with powdered sugar. This cake’s origin dates back to the Middle Ages and is intertwined with the Camino de Santiago. It can often feature a cross’ outlined with powdered sugar on top. I’ve never tried it before, but it was delicious, and I’ve read online that it is among the best in the city. And, as a self-proclaimed person with a sweet tooth, I’ve appreciated the gesture.
The room was big, clean, and comfortable and included a coffee machine. It didn’t have a balcony with views of the Cathedral, but the windows overlooking the gardens let in a lot of light.
Coming from Madrid’s hustle and bustle, it was refreshing to look out and see trees and listen to the birds and the nearby river. The next day, I particularly enjoyed the surroundings when I woke up early to walk along the river, breathing in the fresh air.
The staff was always attentive during my two nights and three days at the hotel. They even talked to me about the building’s history. I was thrilled to learn that the convent’s Oblates sisters order protected and helped women. Thus, these nuns are called by many the “first feminists” for their dedication to equality and justice.
Since my birthday was in late January and winter was still in full force, I didn’t even think of asking about the indoor pool with salted water. However, I tried breakfast and had dinner at the hotel’s El Camelio Restaurant. But, as a food lover, I believe the meals deserve a separate section, which you will find below.
A Galician Foodie’s Paradise
One thing about me is that breakfast is my favorite meal, and I would never miss a hotel’s buffet. Luckily, the Palacio del Carmen’s breakfast did not disappoint.
The breakfast spread had plenty of options, including classics like eggs, which you could order as you pleased, bacon, Spanish sausages, and ham. There were also a few types of cereals: yogurt, fresh fruit and vegetables, juices, and, of course, coffee. Both mornings at the hotel, I had the same. My picks included scrambled eggs with bacon, tomato toast with Iberian ham, a glass of orange juice, and a strong, black coffee. Everything was delicious.
During the rest of the day, you could either head to the Suite Bar, which has a selection of salads, sandwiches, and snacks, or the excellent El Camelio Restaurant. El Camelio’s food combines typical Galician dishes and flavors with signature author cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing local ingredients and preparing each dish to ensure its quality, and this was evident when we had dinner in it on our first night.
As a starter, I ordered a Galician octopus toast, which was incredible. Then, among the main courses available in the restaurant, I tried the risotto, and it was also to die for. We had a bottle of white wine from the hotel’s extensive selection, which takes you on a journey through the different regions in Galicia, and it was excellent. Lastly, it came down to my favorite part: dessert. I tried the chocolate souflé with tangerine ice cream and nearly levitated. That’s how tasty it was.
Other dishes on the menu include burgers, salads, soups, croquettes, and, naturally, Tarta de Santiago. The restaurant also has a terrace where you can drink beers and eat their accompanying free tapas and a lounge serving cocktails in the summer.
Hotel Palacio del Carmen, Autograph Collection, an Overview
The Hotel Palacio del CarmenAutograph Collection features an indoor pool with salted water, a fitness center, and beautiful gardens with aromatic plants, flowers, and trees. Overall, this convent-turned-hotel has a peaceful atmosphere because of its services and location, which is far enough from the city center but within walking distance.
This hotel in Santiago de Compostela also has rooms for conferences and events. The staff can even help you organize your wedding, business meeting or whatever you need.
The hotel offers several types of rooms, including standard, family, and twin rooms. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the cathedral, while others face the beautiful gardens.
According to the hotel’s official website, you can get a special foot massage with natural oils to relax after doing the Camino de Santiago. The website also says many cats live in the garden, but sadly, I didn’t see any during my stay.
The hotel’s location is Oblatas, s/n, 15703 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Book a room at the Hotel Palacio del Carmen in Santiago de Compostela now.