Hostal dos Reis Católicos - a statue of a man holding a child
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Hostal dos Reis Católicos

4.6
·4k reviews·Santiago de Compostela, Spain

A 15th-century royal hospital turned luxury parador, offering historic charm and prime views of Santiago Cathedral.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Hostal dos Reis Católicos - a statue of a man holding a child

Hostal dos Reis Católicos

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 15th-century royal hospital turned luxury parador, offering historic charm and prime views of Santiago Cathedral.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"A stunning building - like no other hotel I've ever stayed in."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Ahead!

This historic gem is popular. Secure your room early, especially during pilgrimage season. :ticket:

Embrace the History

It's more than a hotel; it's a former royal hospital. Explore the cloisters and soak in the atmosphere. :classical_building:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cloisters

The Cloisters

Central Courtyard

Wander through serene, historic cloisters that whisper tales of pilgrims past. An oasis of calm.

Reddit
Cathedral Views

Cathedral Views

Select Rooms & Common Areas

Wake up to breathtaking views of the Santiago Cathedral towers. An unforgettable sight.

Reddit
Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Throughout the Building

Explore a magnificent building that's a joy to discover, steeped in centuries of history.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time

This isn't just a hotel; it's a 15th-century royal hospital. Embrace the history! Book well in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage season, as rooms fill up fast. Reddit

Location, Location, Location

Nestled on Obradoiro Square, you're steps from the Santiago Cathedral. Enjoy unparalleled access to the city's heart, but be prepared for potential crowds outside. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Las pelis y series sobre la EDAD MEDIA mienten. #edadmedia #santiagodecompostela #Mirones #reyescatolicos
@fernandomirones
7K likes • 89.6K views

Book Ahead!

This historic gem is popular. Secure your room early, especially during pilgrimage season. Reddit :ticket:

Embrace the History

It's more than a hotel; it's a former royal hospital. Explore the cloisters and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit :classical_building:

reddit.com

Sleeping at Padrón and Santiago

reddit.com

Where should I stay in Santiago?

Valet Parking Convenience

Valet parking is available for a fee, a great convenience in the historic old town. Reddit :car:

Cathedral Views

Request a room with cathedral views for a truly unforgettable wake-up call. Reddit :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

What do I do when I reach Santiago?

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead!

This historic gem is popular. Secure your room early, especially during pilgrimage season. Reddit :ticket:

Embrace the History

It's more than a hotel; it's a former royal hospital. Explore the cloisters and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit :classical_building:

Valet Parking Convenience

Valet parking is available for a fee, a great convenience in the historic old town. Reddit :car:

Cathedral Views

Request a room with cathedral views for a truly unforgettable wake-up call. Reddit :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests consistently praise the Hostal dos Reis Católicos for its magnificent historic building, unbeatable location on Obradoiro Square, and exceptional service. Many highlight the serene cloisters and the unforgettable cathedral views as major draws. While the luxury and historical ambiance are highly lauded, a few guests have noted minor issues with hot water in showers.

"a stunning building - like no other hotel I've ever stayed in. The service was exceptionally attentive and the breakfast was delicious. Nothing was too much trouble. The only quibble was the hot water innthe shower - or lack of! But still a solid five stars."

Roisin Dubh

"This parador is justifiably acclaimed as one of the best hotels in Spain. Having stayed here several times, I can confirm it's reputation. To start with, the building itself is magnificent and a joy to explore. The location (right on Plaza de Obradoiro) is perfect. Add to this the usual high standard of rooms (generally very historic) and excellent service that define the paradors and this makes for a memorable stay. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also occasions to be savoured in the two restaurants plus separate breakfast room. However, what probably is most impressive is the fact that, despite the high status and 5 star rating, the staff remain very pleasant and extremely helpful, with none of the snootiness that often goes with comparable establishments. Highly recommended - we'll be back."

Dan O'Sullivan

"The Paradors in Spain have a well with deserved reputation. Of the ones that we have visited this one is definitely up to standards. Well worth the stay.If it's within your budget."

Tony Brown

What People Like

Magnificent historic building
Unbeatable location
Exceptional service

What People Dislike

Inconsistent hot water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hostal dos Reis Católicos is located directly on Obradoiro Square, right next to the Santiago Cathedral. If arriving by car, valet parking is available for guests, which is highly convenient in the old town. Reddit Public transport options to the city center are also readily available.

Absolutely! Its location is unbeatable for exploring Santiago de Compostela on foot. You're steps away from the Cathedral and all the main attractions in the historic center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the Hostal dos Reis Católicos is generally limited to guests. This helps maintain its peaceful atmosphere, even when Obradoiro Square is bustling with tourists. Reddit

As a hotel, it is open 24/7 for guests. Common areas like the cloisters can be explored by guests throughout their stay. Reddit

It's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage season or major holidays, as this historic parador is very popular. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the magnificent historic architecture, wander through the serene cloisters, and enjoy the stunning views of the Santiago Cathedral from select rooms and common areas. Reddit

Rooms are generally historic, reflecting the building's origins as a 15th-century royal hospital. They are well-appointed and offer a unique, atmospheric stay. Reddit

Yes, it's an exceptional choice for history enthusiasts. Staying here means immersing yourself in a building with centuries of history, originally built as a hospital for pilgrims. Reddit

Guests are welcome to take photos to capture the beauty and history of the building. Some rooms offer incredible photo opportunities of the cathedral. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The parador offers upscale dining in its restaurants, including a dedicated breakfast room. Breakfast is described as sumptuous and generous with many options. Reddit

Breakfast is typically included for guests and is noted as a generous offering with a wide variety of choices. Reddit

Yes, being located on Obradoiro Square means you are surrounded by numerous local cafes and restaurants offering traditional Spanish breakfasts and other local fare. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The cloisters offer beautiful architectural shots. Rooms with cathedral views provide iconic backdrops. The exterior on Obradoiro Square is also a prime photo location. TikTokReddit

Yes, some rooms and common areas offer direct views of the cathedral towers, making for stunning photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Hostal dos Reis Católicos is a luxury historic hotel, families can appreciate its unique setting. The spacious cloisters offer a safe and interesting area for children to explore and burn off energy. The sheer historical grandeur of the building can spark imagination, making it feel like a castle stay. TikTok Consider requesting a room with a view that might captivate younger eyes, though be mindful of the historical room sizes which can be smaller. The convenient location means easy access to the cathedral and surrounding squares for family outings.

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers

This is your ultimate destination. The Hostal dos Reis Católicos is a living museum, a 15th-century royal hospital that has been meticulously preserved. You'll be staying within walls that have sheltered pilgrims for over five centuries. Explore the intricate architecture, the peaceful cloisters, and imagine the lives of those who passed through. Reddit The unbeatable location on Obradoiro Square puts you at the epicenter of Santiago's rich history and culture, with the cathedral as your immediate neighbor.

🚶 Pilgrims & Camino Completers

For those completing the Camino de Santiago, staying at the Hostal dos Reis Católicos is the ultimate reward. It's a place of rest and reflection, located at the very end of your journey, right by the cathedral. Reddit Experience the historic hospitality that has been offered to pilgrims for centuries. The serene atmosphere and stunning surroundings provide a perfect place to decompress and celebrate your achievement.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Living Piece of History

The Hostal dos Reis Católicos is far more than just a luxury hotel; it's a meticulously preserved 15th-century royal hospital founded by the Catholic Monarchs. Its construction began in 1499, making it one of the oldest functioning hospitality establishments in the world. Staying here is an immersive experience into centuries of history, originally built to house and care for pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago. TikTokReddit

The building itself is a masterpiece of Plateresque architecture, characterized by its intricate stone carvings and grand courtyards. Guests have the unique privilege of exploring its serene cloisters, which offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city outside. Every hallway and room seems to hold a story, providing a palpable sense of the past that is rarely found in modern accommodations. Reddit

This historical significance is a major draw for visitors, offering a chance to sleep within walls that have witnessed countless journeys and provided solace to pilgrims for over 500 years. It’s an opportunity to connect with the enduring spirit of Santiago de Compostela and the Camino. Reddit

Unbeatable Location and Views

The location of Hostal dos Reis Católicos is arguably its most significant asset. Situated directly on the iconic Obradoiro Square, it places you at the very heart of Santiago de Compostela, mere steps from the magnificent Santiago Cathedral. This prime spot means you can easily access all the city's main attractions, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the square, and witness the pilgrims' arrival firsthand. Reddit

For many guests, the highlight is waking up to breathtaking views of the cathedral towers from their rooms or common areas. This unforgettable vista transforms a simple stay into a truly memorable experience, offering a constant reminder of the spiritual and historical significance of the city. Reddit The proximity to the cathedral also means you can easily attend the Pilgrim's Mass or simply admire its grandeur at any time of day.

While the central location is a huge advantage for exploration, it also means the area can be busy. However, the hotel itself acts as an oasis of calm, with its internal courtyards and limited guest access providing a peaceful retreat from the external buzz. Reddit

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