Salamanca, Burgos, or Pamplona
 

Hello,
Trying to complete out itinerary to Spain in Sept and Oct. We would like to stay in Salamanca, Burgos, and Pamplona. Of the three which one would be worth spending at least two nights. Any suggestions on hotels and restaurants would be appreciated. Thanks.
Nick

Between Burgos and Salamanca, I would choose Salamanca for the extra time. I haven't been to Pamplona.

I agree, Salamanca.

Pamplona has more than enough to keep your interest for several days. It offers history dating back to before the time of the Romans. The kingdom of Navarra is one of the oldest kingdoms in Spain and the home to Spain's royalty. The Cathedral of Royal Saint Mary, with its Neoclassical façade, is one of the best examples of 14th century Gothic architecture around.

Besides being the capital of Navarra and one of the most progressive cities in Spain, if not the EU. It's offers world class Navarran Basque cuisine on a par with San Sebastian, a great old quarter with a very lively night life year around. There is always something going on regardless of the time of year (www.pamplona.net).

As for restaurants, there is Rodero (www.restauranterodero.com), Europa (www.hreuropa.com), Alhambra (www.restaurantealhambra.es), Enekorri (www.enekorri.com), El Embrujo (www.elembrujo.net), La Concina de Alex Múgica (www.alexmugica.com) and the classic Cafe Bar Gaucho (www.cafebargaucho.com), just to name a few of the best in Pamplona.

Remember, September is harvest time and late October is when the wild mushrooms are ready for the table.

There are dozens of excellent hotels 3, 4 and 5-star, to choose from, including the beautiful Palacio Guendulain and the historic GH La Perla, both in the old quarter. For something simpler in the old quarter, you can stay where Arzak stays, the Hotel Europa. There is also the Alma Pamplona and the AC Ciudad de Pamplona, a Marriott partner. There are also a few other good options, should you need more.

Thanks everyone. Thanks Robert for all the information. I appreciate it. This is our first time to Spain. Any information you can give me on Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and San Sebastian would certainly be welcome. We will be driving from Salamanca and evdentually to Barcelona. I am looking at either Jaca or Torla as a stop before leaving the car off in Barcelona. Thanks again.
Nick

You might want to download Maribel's Guides to Madrid, Barcelona, the Rioja and the País Vasco to help with you planning (www.maribelsguides.com).

It's about a 4-hour drive from Torla into Barcelona. Jaca's about 30 minutes shorter since it's closer to Huesca and the main highway. Our favorite stop in that area is the Tramacastilla de Tena, in the Tena Valley, but it's another 30 minutes or so further away from Barcelona.

If you have the time, you might want to head over to La Seu d'Urgell, before heading down to Barcelona. It's quite a beautiful area also.

Robert,
Thanks again for all the information. I fully appreciate it.
Nick

Hi N,

We drove SS-> Bilbao -> Burgos (1 night)-> Salmanca (2 nights)

We very much liked http://www.hotelzaragozaplaza.com/ in SS. It is much better than its 1* rating.

In Bilbao, we stayed at the http://en.hotelcoliseobilbao.com/ . It is new and modern. (Too modern for us, but otherwise very nice)

In Burgos, We very much liked www.hotelmesondelcid.com/.

I can highly recommend the http://www.hotelrua.com/ in Salamanca. It had the best breakfast of the entire visit.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

Ira,
Thanks for your email. I appreciate all the sites and information that you've provided my wife and I.
Nick

ira offers an interesting selection of properties, none of which I would consider because of some much better options at each destination.

I'm from Spain, and I'd choose Salamanca, hands down.

The city has a special magic, walking around the city centre is a pleasure, beautiful buildings show up everywhere. And at night, the place just becomes gorgeous, the illumination makes the city even prettier.

The view at night from the Roman Bridge is one of my favourites from all the places I've been.

I'd definitely go to Salamanca. If you feel that 2 nights there could be too much for you, Burgos is just a 2 hours drive from Salamanca. And Zamora, a little city plagued with examples of Romanic architecture, is just 45 minutes away, so it could make for a good day trip if you feel like that.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I have used many of your ideas. Thanks again.
nick

Rob says,

>... none of which I would consider because of some much better options at each destination.<

I, and I am sure the rest of us, would be very happy to learn from your experience.

Would you mind giving us some names?

((I))

In Donostia, the 3-star Niza, sits just across the street from the Zaragoza Plaza, facing La Concha Beach and is less expensive, depending on the dates. It also has has the bar/restaurant Narru (www.narru.es). The 3-star Hotel Codina, a few steps from Ondarreta Beach, is also a better value on most dates. And there are dozens more to choose from, even though the Zaragoza Plaza isn't bad for a 1-star.

In Bilbao we can start with the 5-star Hotel Carlton and the 5-star Gran Domine Bilbao, both better located and better rates when booked ahead. But then again, there are a few others to choose from.

In Burgos we prefer the AC or NH.

In Salamanca we like the Parador de Salamanca or the 5-star Grand Hotel Don Gregorio, but it's a bit more expensive than the Rua on any given day. The 4-star Rua does get decent reviews, so there shouldn't be a problem.

I've stayed in the Parador in Salamanca and I can confirm that it's an excellent choice, definitely a top hotel in the city.

But:

1) It's not a historic, beautiful building as most of the other Paradores in Spain are. It's more like a modern high standard hotel. The Paradores are always an excellent choice, but some people can be dissapointed if they expect an incredible historic building, something that it's probably the better known thing about Paradores (for example, as we are talking about Salamanca, please google "Parador de Leon" "Parador de Zamora" or "Parador de Benvante", to name three that are in other provinces close to Salamanca. Amazing places)

2) The location could be a problem for some people. The Parador is in the other side of the river, so it's a short walk to the city centre, but it's something that some people could find important. For me, it wasn't a problem, but an advantage: going to the city centre or back to the Parador meant a chance to cross the Roman Bridge and have some fantastic views of the Cathedral and the city (specially at night. It was something to be seen, impressive)

Sorry, where I said "Parador de Benvante" I was trying to type "Parador de Benavente"

Agree with Perasovic..There are other places to stay in Salamaca that far exceed the lovely but somewhat inconvenient Parador..Google historic type hotels for suggestions. I was a house guest in Salamanca so didn't experience hotels. But I say very strongly do not skip Salamanca. Burgos has the Hotel Theatro, where we stayed, with parking, riverview, just outside old town walls, walking distance to everything and quiet. (Watch out however, for the sharp edges on the bed bottoms..OUCH!! Sergovia..Infante Isabella, again parking and on the plaza. But if you can get a deal stay at any of the paradors..Google them for specials. They do exist and the deals are often outstanding! San Seb..Hostal Alamenda..very nice and reasonable.. Santiago..Parador..no question..At least for a glass of cava!! We (2) walked in and got a lovely room with brkst for 115Euros ( t'was Oct)!! Oh how I envy you, am pining to return!!

We stay in Paradors as often as possible for the Amigos points and discounts, free parking and welcoming drink. It's difficult to beat.

how easy to drive into salamanca - to ibis or parador from main highway area

The Parador is located off the N-630 as you head into the city from the south. The Ibis Salamanca is located on the north side of the river at the Parque de los Jesuits.