Hostería San Millan

Monasterio de Yuso, San Millán de la Cogolla, La Rioja 26326, Spain
https://www.facebook.com/hosteria.sanmillan/

Why We Like It

The opportunity to stay within the walls of such a historic destination is hard to pass up, especially given its easy access from the nearby cities of Haro and Logroño. Some travelers may find an overnight stay here too quiet (or pious), but those who enjoy an escape into the natural and the monastic while still being blessed with the luxuries of a modern hotel will find all they need at Hostería San Millan.

Fodor's Expert Review

Hostería San Millán gives travelers the chance to sleep in the remarkable, thousand-year old Monastery de Yuso, a UNESCO world heritage site that is the supposed birthplace of the Castilian language. The ancient fortifications hide a surprisingly modern four-star hotel that takes up a wing of the monastery. The 25 rooms are elegant and, though due for a refurbishment, are clean, comfortable, and generously spacious. A tasteful restaurant, charming bar, and breathtaking location within a mountainside valley in La Rioja make the Hostería an attractive lodging for history-buffs, tourists, and seekers of transcendental solitude alike.

Tip The Monastary rests along the original pilgrims' trail to Santiago de Compostela, and many trekkers still make the detour here. Consider it a worthwhile stopover if you are making the pilgrimage yourself.

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Room

Rooms could be called either charming or austere depending on your taste but are pleasantly airy nonetheless and all feature the modern amenities of a contemporary hotel, flat screens, safes, and minibars included. The antique décor, tapestries, and small balconies between the arched stonework evoke the atmosphere of the monastery in which the hotel resides, and a couple of suites with separate living rooms are great for families in need of extra space or couples who want that extra dimension to their experience.

Bathroom

Though the tubs are due for a refurbishment, the bathrooms of the hotel are enormous in even the standard rooms, with gorgeous marble floors and walls creating a classic feel.

Lobby

Descending into the grand courtyard of the monastery where the hotel entrance resides, guests are greeted to an ornate reception hall with high stone ceilings, wines of the local monastery vineyard on display, and an enchanting chandelier made out of intricate metalwork to resemble a blossoming tangle of grapevines.

In a wide hall around the corner from reception is a quiet lounge area plus an outdoor terrace where guests can bring snacks and drinks from the café to enjoy outside amongst the surrounding natural elements.

Dining

In Vino Veritas is the excellent fine dining room housed on the ground floor of the hotel and offers a seasonal menu of local cuisine fused with modern, creative gastronomy. The food and service are both good enough that we will forgive the on-the-nose choice of name for a monastery restaurant in wine country.

Tip A café at the other end of the wing provides more casual Spanish food and drink options throughout the day and, weather permitting, can be taken in the outdoor terrace.

Drinking

The café of the hotel, located in the former kitchen of the monastery, feels like the holiest bar in the land. Gorgeous wooden wraparound bar and stained glass cross above the liquor shelves, and a friendly bartender is happy to help choose between the plentiful wine options from local vineyards and knows how stir a proper cocktail as well.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

A car is needed to get to this outpost tucked away in the San Millán Valley, except for those making the pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, in which case, you will be used to long walks or bike rides by now. The monastery has an ample parking lot that is complimentary for guests.

Restaurants

Just across the street is the Asador San Millán (2-minute walk), a restaurant and grill with white tablecloth dining and an outdoor seating area that boasts views of the snowcapped peaks up the valley. Aside the restaurant is a more casual café, Bar Asador (2-minute walk), which serves up some hefty portions as well as ginormous bocadillos along with coffee, local wines, and beer.

Bars

A few blocks away in the tiny village of San Millán is Bar Angel (5-minute walk), a cash-only bar that serves drinks and tapas in a local environment. If it is a nice day outside, head across the street to La Posada De San Millán (2-minute walk), an idyllic little café/bar with outdoor seating in its garden and wonderful views of the surroundings.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 941-373277