Hotels in Salamanca
Feb 19th, 2004 | 04:26 PM
#3
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cruiseluv,
Both choices are excellent. The NH Palacio de Castellanos, as bob says, is closer to the Plaza Mayor. From the Rector, the University quarter is a good, cardiovascular workout, a steep climb. But the Rector is more "intimate", more private, more like an elegant B&B of charm.
Bob has given you a nice money saving option in the Salamanca Plaza, absolutely dead center, as it was recommended to me by a friend who runs a travel co. in Spain as a new, solid budget option and nicer alternative to the Don Juan.
All 3 hotels are very popular, and Salamanca on a summer wkd. is tough to book (lots of weddings, so lots of wedding parties staying in the nicest hotels), so I'd book asap.
There's also the new 5 star Palacio de San Esteban that belongs to the hip AC chain, for a backup-a snazzy reconverted monastery, below and a short walk from 2 cathedrals.
www.ac-hoteles.com
It has only 50 rooms and is a member of the AC "Selección" group, their best properties.
Both choices are excellent. The NH Palacio de Castellanos, as bob says, is closer to the Plaza Mayor. From the Rector, the University quarter is a good, cardiovascular workout, a steep climb. But the Rector is more "intimate", more private, more like an elegant B&B of charm.
Bob has given you a nice money saving option in the Salamanca Plaza, absolutely dead center, as it was recommended to me by a friend who runs a travel co. in Spain as a new, solid budget option and nicer alternative to the Don Juan.
All 3 hotels are very popular, and Salamanca on a summer wkd. is tough to book (lots of weddings, so lots of wedding parties staying in the nicest hotels), so I'd book asap.
There's also the new 5 star Palacio de San Esteban that belongs to the hip AC chain, for a backup-a snazzy reconverted monastery, below and a short walk from 2 cathedrals.
www.ac-hoteles.com
It has only 50 rooms and is a member of the AC "Selección" group, their best properties.
Feb 19th, 2004 | 05:56 PM
#4
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Thanks. Here I'm thinking I have all the time in the world! I better start looking into it.
Have you heard comments from anybody that has stayed at San Esteban? Location wise, is it as good as Palacio de Castellanos?
Have you heard comments from anybody that has stayed at San Esteban? Location wise, is it as good as Palacio de Castellanos?
Feb 19th, 2004 | 06:02 PM
#5
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cruiseluv,
The opera singer Montserrat Caballe stayed there when it opened in '02, when she was performing at the new performing arts center. (no, she's not a personal friend!!, I just read a press release).
The location is roughly the same. I'd aim for the NH Palacio de Castellanos and use the Ac Palacio de San Esteban as a back up if the NH and Rector are full.
The opera singer Montserrat Caballe stayed there when it opened in '02, when she was performing at the new performing arts center. (no, she's not a personal friend!!, I just read a press release).
The location is roughly the same. I'd aim for the NH Palacio de Castellanos and use the Ac Palacio de San Esteban as a back up if the NH and Rector are full.
Feb 20th, 2004 | 02:47 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
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cruiseluv,
Yes, both AC and NH hotels are decorated in a very contemporary style. Even the ones in historic buildings have a modern, kind of minimalist decor in the guest rooms. They both do their rooms in clean, modern lines-no antiques-but good bedside lighting, and the baths are super, with great water pressure, plenty of bath goodies, and the AC Gran Clase rooms have free mini bars plus early morning coffee in the lobby, free newspapers. A poster said here that her AC room in Granada reminded her of a bedroom picture in a Chambers catalogue. Some NH rooms have VCRs with a small collection of videos to take out. You can compare the 2 chain's room styles on their web pages. The creator of AC, Antonio Catalán, is the former head of NH. When he created his new chain, he took some of the NH properties (such as the luxury Santo Mauro in Madrid) with him.
www.nh-hoteles.com
Yes, both AC and NH hotels are decorated in a very contemporary style. Even the ones in historic buildings have a modern, kind of minimalist decor in the guest rooms. They both do their rooms in clean, modern lines-no antiques-but good bedside lighting, and the baths are super, with great water pressure, plenty of bath goodies, and the AC Gran Clase rooms have free mini bars plus early morning coffee in the lobby, free newspapers. A poster said here that her AC room in Granada reminded her of a bedroom picture in a Chambers catalogue. Some NH rooms have VCRs with a small collection of videos to take out. You can compare the 2 chain's room styles on their web pages. The creator of AC, Antonio Catalán, is the former head of NH. When he created his new chain, he took some of the NH properties (such as the luxury Santo Mauro in Madrid) with him.
www.nh-hoteles.com
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Feb 20th, 2004 | 04:50 AM
#8
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Gracias Maribel. I just received confirmation from NH Palacios for my dates. They're quoting me 95 Euros + 7%IVA for a double. Not that I'm complaining but it seems so low, I hope they're not giving me a broom closet!
Feb 20th, 2004 | 01:28 PM
#9
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cruiseluv,
That's great! Actually the NH Palacio de Castellanos has always been very reasonably priced. Just write them back and request their largest double (the interior ones are usually larger), and I'm sure they won't give you a broom closet!
Have fun with the rest of your planning!
That's great! Actually the NH Palacio de Castellanos has always been very reasonably priced. Just write them back and request their largest double (the interior ones are usually larger), and I'm sure they won't give you a broom closet!
Have fun with the rest of your planning!
