Hotel Puerta de la Santa

The bed and pillows were great, and there’s a small cafeteria. Plenty of restaurants and bars are an easy walk away, with safe street parking and a closed parking area nearby. The hotel sits just outside the mediaeval wall, close to the old city center, though finding it can be tricky without a good map or GPS. The staff are great, but keep in mind this is budget accommodation: the rooms are small and the showers tiny, so corpulent people may struggle to shower. The bathrooms were clean, but cleaning under the beds and behind doors needs more attention. I found hair in the wardrobe and on the floor. Despite the drawbacks, I’d recommend it.

A secure public car park is less than 50 metres away, though the hotel has no parking of its own. Its best feature is the spot just outside an entrance to the walled city. It’s clean, modern, comfortable and basic, rather like a budget hotel run by the owner of the attached cafe. You can go straight from the hotel into the cafe for a decent continental breakfast.

The host made us feel completely welcome and was ready to help with anything. He even put our motorcycle in his own garage for our stay. Fantastic, and nothing seemed too much trouble.

Juan Carlos was attentive and always available, and gave us great advice. The staff were friendly, the place felt cozy and warm, and the home-made food was tasty and good quality. Best hotel ever in Avila, we’ll go back!