Pensión Las Palmeras

The rooms are simple, the service is friendly, and the place is easy to find.

A friendly place in Lalin, and the best one around.

I arrived in Lalín, the capital of cocido, without knowing anyone or anything, and was looking for somewhere to eat and sleep. By chance I found Pensión Las Palmeras, a modest, unassuming place. Óscar greeted me, and right away he felt like a brother, friendly, polished, hardworking, and helpful. They treated me like family. Dinner was incredible: the most spectacular hamburger I've ever had, tiramisu better than anything in Italy, and a complimentary shot of liquor too. I'd definitely come back.

I expected another trendy burger place with overpriced bread and fussy tongs, so I was completely wrong. The burgers are absurdly good, messy enough to leave you feeling undignified, but so blissfully delicious. The real highlight, though, is the service, especially Óscar. He's not just a waiter, he's a beacon of light in an apron. Maybe he can read minds: he serves with a grace fit for royalty and sorts out your problems almost before you can ask for ketchup. He works so hard and well that just watching him wore me out. Five stars because Google won't let me rent an apartment for Óscar or legally adopt him. I'll be back, if only to see whether he has any flaws and whether the burger is just as good on a rainy Tuesday.