Parador de Santillana del Mar

The staff were very welcoming, and the location is hard to beat, right in the car-free historic center. We stayed in a charming old manor house, rustic and authentic. The rooms were comfortable, spacious, well equipped, and full of old-world character. Breakfast was generous, though the coffee was undrinkable, and I'm not fussy about coffee. A very pleasant stop.

Right in the middle of Santillana, this is a classic-style Parador with a very convenient location. Our room was acceptable, but the air conditioning couldn't keep up with the heat outdoors. I've stayed in nearly 20 Paradores, and this was probably one of the less exciting ones. They do maintain a minimum standard, which matters in Spain. I'd recommend it with some reservations, depending on the room rate.

The beds were excellent, the pillows were just right, and the air conditioning worked well. I liked the hotel's spot on the main square, which was quiet despite being central. I was here for one night on the Camino del Norté. I've stayed at a few Paradores, and this one felt more like a small, cozy boutique hotel. The interior was lovely and the bedrooms were big, though my room felt dark with just one window. The receptionist was welcoming, as were the bar staff, when you could find them. Service at both the indoor and outdoor bars could take a while. Breakfast was a small buffet, with the usual Parador option of ordering food from the kitchen.

Stopped by the bar next to the restaurant for a club sandwich snack. The food was good and came without much of a wait. The woman with short dark hair was especially kind, and we appreciated how she helped us and kept checking on our table.