Hotel in Santillana del Mar?
Jun 13th, 2008, 09:24 PM
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Hotel in Santillana del Mar?
We were going to spend one night at La Casono del Revolgo in Santillana del Mar. We found it at InnsofSpain.com, but I haven't seen reference to it anywhere else. Anyone know of it?
Do you have any favorite hotels in Santillana? I'm hoping to make that a two night stay and wondering if we've made a good choice of hotel.
Do you have any favorite hotels in Santillana? I'm hoping to make that a two night stay and wondering if we've made a good choice of hotel.
Jun 14th, 2008, 06:44 AM
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Barbara,
I've stayed at the Parador Gil Blas and the Parador Santillana (it used to be the annex of the Gil Blas, now just called the Parador Santillana), but I imagine that they are both booked solid for your dates. Santillana gets extremely crowded during July/Aug. There are literally dozens of places to stay from casonas to self-catering. Since Santillana is so small, it doesn't matter that much where you stay, as all the lodgings in the town will be central. You won't be allowed to park inside the medieval town, only to take your car in briefly to unload. You must leave it in the town car park if you stay within the medieval city.
I would definitely avoid the aging Altamira, which did not impress us in the least, and I think, personally, that the Casa del Marquúes is just overpriced.
If you can add another night and the 2 Paradors are full (which I expect they are), I would opt for the Casona del Revolgo for 2 reasons: it's new and not overpriced. It hadn't opened yet on our visit last summer.
You might want to consider the beautiful beach area of El Sardinero in Santander, because of the Fiesta del Carmen and because Santillana has become extremely touristy. And if staying at El Sardinero, you can avoid some of the congestion of downtown (but let
www.viamichelin.com do a routing map to get you there).
We honestly avoid staying in Santillana now in the summer because of the crowds. For our rural stays we chose other villages or we do a beach stay in Santander at the Hotel Santemar (but they may not have rooms at this late date). But first time visitors to Spain want to stay in medieval Santillana. Now we may visit for a half day, but overnight elsewhere.
If you plan to visit the Museum of Altamira and the neo-caves (replicas of the original which are now closed to the public), please get your tickets online, as summer crowds mean that if you wait until arriving at the box office, you may not get in that day. Lines can be extremely long.
http://museodealtamira.mcu.es
VERY important note: with your locator number and c.c. you used for the purchase, do NOT stand in the line in front of the outside ticket booth to pick up your tickets. Go straight into the museum and pick them up at the information counter inside. Your ticket will be timed-you'll be alloted a specific entrance time to view the neo-caves, then you can visit the museum section at your leisure.
Hope this helps.
I've stayed at the Parador Gil Blas and the Parador Santillana (it used to be the annex of the Gil Blas, now just called the Parador Santillana), but I imagine that they are both booked solid for your dates. Santillana gets extremely crowded during July/Aug. There are literally dozens of places to stay from casonas to self-catering. Since Santillana is so small, it doesn't matter that much where you stay, as all the lodgings in the town will be central. You won't be allowed to park inside the medieval town, only to take your car in briefly to unload. You must leave it in the town car park if you stay within the medieval city.
I would definitely avoid the aging Altamira, which did not impress us in the least, and I think, personally, that the Casa del Marquúes is just overpriced.
If you can add another night and the 2 Paradors are full (which I expect they are), I would opt for the Casona del Revolgo for 2 reasons: it's new and not overpriced. It hadn't opened yet on our visit last summer.
You might want to consider the beautiful beach area of El Sardinero in Santander, because of the Fiesta del Carmen and because Santillana has become extremely touristy. And if staying at El Sardinero, you can avoid some of the congestion of downtown (but let
www.viamichelin.com do a routing map to get you there).
We honestly avoid staying in Santillana now in the summer because of the crowds. For our rural stays we chose other villages or we do a beach stay in Santander at the Hotel Santemar (but they may not have rooms at this late date). But first time visitors to Spain want to stay in medieval Santillana. Now we may visit for a half day, but overnight elsewhere.
If you plan to visit the Museum of Altamira and the neo-caves (replicas of the original which are now closed to the public), please get your tickets online, as summer crowds mean that if you wait until arriving at the box office, you may not get in that day. Lines can be extremely long.
http://museodealtamira.mcu.es
VERY important note: with your locator number and c.c. you used for the purchase, do NOT stand in the line in front of the outside ticket booth to pick up your tickets. Go straight into the museum and pick them up at the information counter inside. Your ticket will be timed-you'll be alloted a specific entrance time to view the neo-caves, then you can visit the museum section at your leisure.
Hope this helps.
Jun 14th, 2008, 09:43 AM
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I'm disappointed to hear Santillana is so crowded and touristy, not what we were hoping for. A quick check shows we can stay at Hotel Santemar, and perhaps the Parador Santillana. But a day trip there may be just enough.
I had read somewhere that Santander is touristy and so had steered away from it. Sounds like I should reconsider. What is your opinion of Suances? Or any smaller town along the coast? We're adding a day in that area, but details are very open.
I had read somewhere that Santander is touristy and so had steered away from it. Sounds like I should reconsider. What is your opinion of Suances? Or any smaller town along the coast? We're adding a day in that area, but details are very open.
Jun 14th, 2008, 10:22 AM
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Barbara,
While I wouldn't go as far as saying that Santillana has become another Carcassone, it has, however, become overgrown with tourists in the last few years and with the accompanying souvenir shops and tour buses. I used to rave about it here on the forum as my favorite medieval village, but I just no longer feel the same way having experienced the crowds and what crowds have done to change the nature of the town lately.
Our friends, 1st time visitors, who were with us on our last overnight at the Parador felt the same way.
While I mentioned Suances because of the Fiesta del Carmen and proximity to Santillana, I certainly wouldn't stay there because of lack of charming lodging. Mostly unattractive beach apartment blocks.
I don't find the city of Santander to be "touristy", and we were just there in Nov. (granted, not during high season, but the city's own peak season starts after July 15). It does get more non-Spanish tourists now with the Ryanair flights, but the city is large enough not to feel "touristy".
The Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP) is a magnet for students (young and not-so-young) with its prestigious summer programs but I don't notice the large summer student population as obviously here as in Salamanca, for example.
I would love for cruiseluv to weigh in on this question, as she has also stayed in Santander recently in the summer. The Puerto Chico area is loaded with great restaurants (see them at
www.calidadcantabria.com) and tapas bars (Diluvio, Mesón Rampalay, Cañadío, Bodega Cigaleña).
One can take a ferry from there across the bay to Pedreña (home of golfer Seve Ballesteros) and Somo.
www.losreginas.com
And strolling around (or taking the little train) Magalenda penninsula is a delight. We're not big beach people but I do love walking the beaches at El Sardinero and gawking at the beautiful mansions on the hill, plus having afternoon tea or a pre-dinner drink on the terrace of the wedding cake, Belle Epoque Hotel Real.
We have stayed happily at the Santemar, and it gets solid reviews on Trip Advisor. We checked it out again last Nov. It's a block or so in from the beach, so it seems more residential.
We'll stay for 7 nights in a Casona, member of Club de Calidad de Cantabria, next week, just east of the city in another medieval town as pretty but far less known than Santillana. There are lots of beautiful properties, manor homes, in Ribamontán al Mar and Trasmiera that are members of the Club de Calidad but in summer many do require a 4 or 7 night stay (we learned this several summers ago so our reservations here are always made far, far in advance).
Do a search here for Santillana and read what Fodorites have thought about an overnight there (escrunchy, Marija and others). My husband and I just prefer it as a day trip.
Hope this helps you to decide.
p.s. I am glad you've added another night to Cantabria, as the scenery is truly lovely.
While I wouldn't go as far as saying that Santillana has become another Carcassone, it has, however, become overgrown with tourists in the last few years and with the accompanying souvenir shops and tour buses. I used to rave about it here on the forum as my favorite medieval village, but I just no longer feel the same way having experienced the crowds and what crowds have done to change the nature of the town lately.
Our friends, 1st time visitors, who were with us on our last overnight at the Parador felt the same way.
While I mentioned Suances because of the Fiesta del Carmen and proximity to Santillana, I certainly wouldn't stay there because of lack of charming lodging. Mostly unattractive beach apartment blocks.
I don't find the city of Santander to be "touristy", and we were just there in Nov. (granted, not during high season, but the city's own peak season starts after July 15). It does get more non-Spanish tourists now with the Ryanair flights, but the city is large enough not to feel "touristy".
The Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP) is a magnet for students (young and not-so-young) with its prestigious summer programs but I don't notice the large summer student population as obviously here as in Salamanca, for example.
I would love for cruiseluv to weigh in on this question, as she has also stayed in Santander recently in the summer. The Puerto Chico area is loaded with great restaurants (see them at
www.calidadcantabria.com) and tapas bars (Diluvio, Mesón Rampalay, Cañadío, Bodega Cigaleña).
One can take a ferry from there across the bay to Pedreña (home of golfer Seve Ballesteros) and Somo.
www.losreginas.com
And strolling around (or taking the little train) Magalenda penninsula is a delight. We're not big beach people but I do love walking the beaches at El Sardinero and gawking at the beautiful mansions on the hill, plus having afternoon tea or a pre-dinner drink on the terrace of the wedding cake, Belle Epoque Hotel Real.
We have stayed happily at the Santemar, and it gets solid reviews on Trip Advisor. We checked it out again last Nov. It's a block or so in from the beach, so it seems more residential.
We'll stay for 7 nights in a Casona, member of Club de Calidad de Cantabria, next week, just east of the city in another medieval town as pretty but far less known than Santillana. There are lots of beautiful properties, manor homes, in Ribamontán al Mar and Trasmiera that are members of the Club de Calidad but in summer many do require a 4 or 7 night stay (we learned this several summers ago so our reservations here are always made far, far in advance).
Do a search here for Santillana and read what Fodorites have thought about an overnight there (escrunchy, Marija and others). My husband and I just prefer it as a day trip.
Hope this helps you to decide.
p.s. I am glad you've added another night to Cantabria, as the scenery is truly lovely.
Jun 14th, 2008, 12:23 PM
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Hi,
Like Maribel said I have been in Santander during the summer, actually 3 times.
The first time I stayed at Hotel Hoyuela in Sardinero. Although I love the beach there (it's gorgeous!), I felt a bit out of place at night time . The area and restaurants was filled with Spanish families and regulars vacationing. Maybe it was because I was by myself, but I felt like I was crashing somebody's party!
The next 2 times I stayed at Hotel Bahia, and for my purposes I liked the hotel and the area better, for a couple of reasons. First, it was just a few blocks from the family where my son was staying for the summer. I also liked very much the restaurants in the area, especially those around Plaza Cañadío( some of the ones Maribel mentions). Another bonus, if you are planning to do any day trips by bus or train is that the station is just a couple of blocks away.
I still would walk (approx20-25 mins) or take the bus to go to Sardinero and spend time at the beach.
I love to use Santander as a base. From there I did day trips to Santillana, Picos de Europa (Fuente Dé and Potes), we did the ferry to Somo. Although I visited Bilbao separately, you could also do that as a day trip, it's around 1.5 hrs by bus.
Like Maribel said I have been in Santander during the summer, actually 3 times.
The first time I stayed at Hotel Hoyuela in Sardinero. Although I love the beach there (it's gorgeous!), I felt a bit out of place at night time . The area and restaurants was filled with Spanish families and regulars vacationing. Maybe it was because I was by myself, but I felt like I was crashing somebody's party!
The next 2 times I stayed at Hotel Bahia, and for my purposes I liked the hotel and the area better, for a couple of reasons. First, it was just a few blocks from the family where my son was staying for the summer. I also liked very much the restaurants in the area, especially those around Plaza Cañadío( some of the ones Maribel mentions). Another bonus, if you are planning to do any day trips by bus or train is that the station is just a couple of blocks away.
I still would walk (approx20-25 mins) or take the bus to go to Sardinero and spend time at the beach.
I love to use Santander as a base. From there I did day trips to Santillana, Picos de Europa (Fuente Dé and Potes), we did the ferry to Somo. Although I visited Bilbao separately, you could also do that as a day trip, it's around 1.5 hrs by bus.
Jun 14th, 2008, 01:24 PM
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Maybe I'm making this more complicated than I need to. We can stay at Hotel del Oso Jul 16-19. Is that a reasonable day trip for the fiesta? I don't have a sense of travel times by car.
Option 1--one night in Santillana, then four nights at Hotel del Oso, with day trip back north.
Option 2--two nights at Hotel Santemar, then three at Hotel del Oso.
I hope I'm not becoming a pest. I so appreciate your advice. I'm so very close to having this all settled....You're great!
Option 1--one night in Santillana, then four nights at Hotel del Oso, with day trip back north.
Option 2--two nights at Hotel Santemar, then three at Hotel del Oso.
I hope I'm not becoming a pest. I so appreciate your advice. I'm so very close to having this all settled....You're great!
Jun 14th, 2008, 03:18 PM
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Hi Barbara,
No-from Cosgaya, below Potes, it isn't a reasonable (or desirable) drive up to the coast for the Fiesta del Carmen, even if you just go to San Vicente de la Barquera. That I need to tell you. You don't want to be driving the narrow, dark, sinuous gorge, Desfiladero de la Hermida, at night or go back and forth to Cosgaya on it. It just takes far too long to boot and would waste your valuable touring time.
Rule of thumb about the Potes to Fuente Dé area of the Liébana valley: once you're deep in the valley, you should stay there and explore it without driving back and forth through the tedious gorge.
I vote for Option 2, whether you choose the Santemar in El Sardinero or the Bahía in the Puerto Chico for the reasons that cruiseluv enjoys it.
The bus runs regularly between the two, or you can walk. You'll enjoy either. Santander is just great! (right, cruiseluv?)
No-from Cosgaya, below Potes, it isn't a reasonable (or desirable) drive up to the coast for the Fiesta del Carmen, even if you just go to San Vicente de la Barquera. That I need to tell you. You don't want to be driving the narrow, dark, sinuous gorge, Desfiladero de la Hermida, at night or go back and forth to Cosgaya on it. It just takes far too long to boot and would waste your valuable touring time.
Rule of thumb about the Potes to Fuente Dé area of the Liébana valley: once you're deep in the valley, you should stay there and explore it without driving back and forth through the tedious gorge.
I vote for Option 2, whether you choose the Santemar in El Sardinero or the Bahía in the Puerto Chico for the reasons that cruiseluv enjoys it.
The bus runs regularly between the two, or you can walk. You'll enjoy either. Santander is just great! (right, cruiseluv?)
Jun 14th, 2008, 04:03 PM
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Oh yes, I agree with Maribel! Eventhough I didn't drive myself between Potes and Santander (I went by bus), I can't imagine going back and forth at night!
I also like option 2 the best.
Yes, Santander is great! I was so spoiled going there 3 summers in a row. I miss it! Maybe my daughter will go to the Spanish language program next year and I can have an excuse to visit!
Barbara,
What does the rest of your itinerary looks like?
I also like option 2 the best.
Yes, Santander is great! I was so spoiled going there 3 summers in a row. I miss it! Maybe my daughter will go to the Spanish language program next year and I can have an excuse to visit!
Barbara,
What does the rest of your itinerary looks like?
Jun 14th, 2008, 09:25 PM
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Maribel and cruiseluv (and NED and ana maria and the others), what a nice community you have created online. You've motivated me to visit forums for my area and see if I might answer some questions.
Cruiseluv, this is the itinerary--
July 11-13 Salamanca (any favorite hotels there?)
July 14 Leon (really just passing through, but we want to see the cathedral at night)
July 15-16 Santander/Santillana, (to be finalized)
July 17-19 Cosgaya at Hotel del Oso
July 20-22 Segovia
July 24 Madrid, then a 6 am flight home.
A few more decisions, and some great walking shoes, and we'll be set to go. Can't wait!
Cruiseluv, this is the itinerary--
July 11-13 Salamanca (any favorite hotels there?)
July 14 Leon (really just passing through, but we want to see the cathedral at night)
July 15-16 Santander/Santillana, (to be finalized)
July 17-19 Cosgaya at Hotel del Oso
July 20-22 Segovia
July 24 Madrid, then a 6 am flight home.
A few more decisions, and some great walking shoes, and we'll be set to go. Can't wait!
Jun 15th, 2008, 07:55 AM
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Hi Barbara,
My favorite hotels in Salamanca:
boutique Hotel Rector
AC Palacio de San Esteban
NH Puerta de la Catedral or its "older sister", NH Palacio de Castellanos
Are you staying at the Parador in León?
My favorite hotels in Salamanca:
boutique Hotel Rector
AC Palacio de San Esteban
NH Puerta de la Catedral or its "older sister", NH Palacio de Castellanos
Are you staying at the Parador in León?
Jun 15th, 2008, 09:04 AM
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I stayed in the NH Palacio de Castellanos and really liked it. Don't know what prices they have this days, but back then it was very reasonable (less than 100 Euros!).
Barbara, seems like a great itinerary. Just one comment.... Have you been in Madrid before? if not, it seems a shame you will barely be there. I have been to Segovia twice, never stayed there overnight, which I'm sure would be delightful. But is there enough to see around there for 3 days?
Barbara, seems like a great itinerary. Just one comment.... Have you been in Madrid before? if not, it seems a shame you will barely be there. I have been to Segovia twice, never stayed there overnight, which I'm sure would be delightful. But is there enough to see around there for 3 days?
Jun 15th, 2008, 10:03 AM
#14
hi barbara-
may i butt in?
w stayed at the parador in Leon over 20 years ago and I stil remember the cool beauty of the cloisters and the joy of slipping between those real linen sheets. it was £100 a night [a real fortune then, and not so dusty now] but worth every penny.
we ate there too and that was also great and quite reasonable.
the only other things I recall are the cathedral [OK as cathedrals go] and the huge number of bathroom shops.
if you can get into the parador, it's worth the trip!
regards, ann
may i butt in?
w stayed at the parador in Leon over 20 years ago and I stil remember the cool beauty of the cloisters and the joy of slipping between those real linen sheets. it was £100 a night [a real fortune then, and not so dusty now] but worth every penny.
we ate there too and that was also great and quite reasonable.
the only other things I recall are the cathedral [OK as cathedrals go] and the huge number of bathroom shops.
if you can get into the parador, it's worth the trip!
regards, ann
Jun 15th, 2008, 10:21 AM
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Hi ladies,
I can't find that great rate for July 11-13. All I can find is a rate of 174 at the P de Castellanos, no availability at the NH Puerta de la Catedral and a 180 rate at the AC Palacio. And a rate of 140/170 at the Rector. Since it's a summer weekend, sometimes the top hotels get filled with wedding parties. On our last Sunday in Salamanca we kept running it to the wedding parties, all over the old quarter.
We took friends to the stay at the Parador de León and they absolutely loved it too. And dining there was a special treat-very elegant. It makes my top 10 list.
I can't find that great rate for July 11-13. All I can find is a rate of 174 at the P de Castellanos, no availability at the NH Puerta de la Catedral and a 180 rate at the AC Palacio. And a rate of 140/170 at the Rector. Since it's a summer weekend, sometimes the top hotels get filled with wedding parties. On our last Sunday in Salamanca we kept running it to the wedding parties, all over the old quarter.
We took friends to the stay at the Parador de León and they absolutely loved it too. And dining there was a special treat-very elegant. It makes my top 10 list.
Jun 15th, 2008, 10:22 PM
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Thanks for all the hotel info and checking. You're the best. Is anyone familiar with Hotel Alameda Palace in Salamanca? or Hotel Salamanca Plaza Mercado, which appears to have changed name to "Room Mate Vega"?
