5 Stars - Buen Camino, Gran Hotel!…read more From the moment I stepped into the grand, voluminous lobby after my long journey on El Camino, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela felt like a sanctuary. The welcome was warm, the atmosphere majestic, and every detail of this historic hotel radiated elegance. My room was spacious and serene--just what I needed for rest and reflection. The staff were exceptional, offering impeccable service with kindness and grace. Bravo to everyone at the Parador de los Reis Católicos--what a truly heavenly experience!

12 Years and over 3300 Reviews later, Gayle and I returned to the Parador de Santiago de Compostela…read more(aka Hostal dos Reis Católicos). We were here for our Honeymoon in 2010 and this time, we walked here at the end of the Camino Ingles. One big change since our last visit was that our Superior room was upgraded to a Junior Suite, and with a view of the Cathedral Plaza! As this is one of the best Paradors in the system, everything her remained first class. Our breakfasts were fantastic, the historical walk arounds within the Parador were informative, the architecture was fascinating, the common areas were comfortable and relaxing, and the outdoor patio restaurant was a fun place to hang out. I had one little incident when a waiter accidently spilled sangria on me. I took it all with good humor, especially since the waiter was highly apologetic. Parador staff also offered to have the affected clothes washed, which were back in our room (with another apology and a few treats) within a couple hours. Being treated like royalty (especially when we're not) made our day. Gayle and I are already talking about another Camino, maybe the Portuguese Coastal Way. If we do, we have no doubt where we'll be staying again at the end of our Pilgrimage.

I loved this place. I didn't get the name of the man who worked at the front desk, or maybe owned…read morethe place? But he was incredibly helpful, and friendly. He spoke English, which was nice, and gave me very careful directions to several places! He made sure I had a cab early in the morning to the train station too! The rooms and beds were very clean, the blankets were so comfy, there chargers for each bed, and a closet that locked for each person to store your stuff! There was a nice break room, and you can do your laundry for 6 Euros, including the detergent! I would come back here anytime!

Don't think an Albergue can get any better than this place. Have done 3 caminos and this was…read moreprobably the best because 1. Location Location Location. Just a few blocks from the Cathedral, a block south of a really interesting restaurant that serves a "menu" (same side of the street as the hostal). A block north of a delicious churros/hot chocolate place (Metate), and many other places to eat and drink on the same street. 2. Price. For where it is located it was by far the most inexpensive place around (don't wait until the last minute as it books up quickly) 3. Cleanliness. Pretty good for the number of people going through there. I saw the cleaning person all day/every day 4. Privacy. Only Albergue I stayed in that had privacy doors so you could block off sections of bunkbeds and convert into a private room. Overall...AWESOME!

It is outside of town, but being that Santiago is small, it really doesn't matter. Neat rooms in…read morebright colours, handy kitchen and a garden with lemon trees. Wonderful home away from home!