Hostal dos Reis Católicos: One Of The Oldest Hotels On Earth

Have you ever been in a building that oozes a history so dense you can almost feel it in the air?

Hostal dos Reis Católicos (or Parador de Santiago)
is one of those places.

Located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain just across Obradoiro Square from the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, this incredible historic structure was first built in 1499 as a hospital and place of rest for pilgrims who had just completed The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

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*Original Photos Above Credit: Parador.es. Photos edited by author.

Building began for the “Royal Hospital” for pilgrims by order of the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Fernando in 1486, taking 13 years to complete the structure, which stood in its original form until the 18th century.

It is now considered one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the world.

Because it was built as a place of service to weary pilgrims, in its early days, pilgrims could present their Compostela as proof of their pilgrimage to rest and recuperate in the Hostal dos Reis Católicos for 3 nights at no cost.

That rule has faded away over time, but in a nod to tradition, Hostal dos Reis Católicos still offers a free meal to the first 10 pilgrims arriving each day with their earned Compostela in hand.

Now a 5-Star hotel and known as one of the finest in Europe, Hostal dos Reis Católicos still retains its old-world charm.

A sense of storied history feels baked into the sturdy stone walls and coffered ceilings.

These walls have watched as countless people, from the humblest of pilgrims of the past to the ultra-wealthy of today, stroll its passageways and find themselves lost among the charming antique tapestries and furniture that fills every corner and corridor.

Since its founding, the location has taken many different forms, including a place of rest for pilgrims completing The Camino, a hospital for the poor, and an orphanage.

For centuries, the building was nearly self-sufficient, with its own staff of priests, medical personnel, accountants, and servants all housed on the grounds. Livestock stables, goods storerooms, a wine cellar, a medicinal garden, and even a jail provided the compound with many of its daily necessities for remaining a well-operated safe haven for those in need.

Upon its most recent transformation from a hospital to a hotel, the building’s entire interior was luxuriously updated.

The hotel is now fitted with classical paintings, portraits of historic figures, ceramic murals, sculpted walnut and chestnut cabinetry, and over 600 works of art created exclusively for the hotel. Every detail is thoughtfully decorated, right down to the crockery on the tables.

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Gathering Spaces

A multitude of gathering spaces with striking period decor are available in varying sizes and types for private dinners and events such as weddings and other celebrations.

*Above Original Photos Credit: Parador.es. Photos edited by author.

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Dining at Hostal dos Reis Católicos

For individually serviced meals, guests of the modern hotel have the choice of three establishments ranging from fine dining to simple Pilgrims’ meals to cozy coffees.

Enxebre, the less formal of Hostal dos Reis Católicos’ dining options, is decorated in a warmly traditional style that serves authentic Galician cuisine such as Pulpo a Feira (octopus and potatoes dressed with olive oil and paprika), rice with mollusks, Empanada Gallega (savory pie), Caldeirada de Pescados (fish stew), and other seafood.

With affordable prices and a relaxed homey atmosphere, it’s a wonderful spot for a relaxed Pilgrim’s Dinner or casual family meal.

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Restaurante Dos Reis, the fine dining option within Hostal dos Reis Católicos is an absolute feast for the mouth and the eyes. Located in the basement of the hotel, the restaurant is housed in what was once the stables for the Royal Hospital.

The dining room’s stone walls and arched barrel-vaulted ceilings juxtapose beautifully with starched white table cloths and fine crockery and cutlery. A notable wine list and daily menu featuring local Galician cuisine with a gourmet flair would please even the most sophisticated of palates. (I tried the sea urchin- DELICIOUS!)

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A small coffee and cocktail bar is also available on the hotel’s ground floor, serving fortifying drinks and small snacks for a midday pick-me-up. Guests have the option to have their items served in the cozy lounge, on the terrace overlooking The Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela or in one of the 4 charming cloisters.

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The Cloisters of Hostal dos Reis Católicos

Hostal dos Reis Católicos’s four cloisters (a semi-outdoor covered walk with an open-sky quadrangle in the center) are a signature characteristic of the establishment.

Each is crowned with a different central feature such as a fountain or small stone gazebo with live greenery, providing wonderful spaces for fresh air or a cup of coffee without leaving the hotel. The cloisters also provide ample daylight and fresh air in the hotel’s window-lined upper corridors that circle each space.

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Guestrooms at Hostal dos Reis Católicos

Hostal dos Reis Católicos’ elegant guest rooms exude old-world Spanish flavor. Tastefully decorated in period style, the hotel features 107 double rooms, 12 individual rooms, 10 ‘superior’ double rooms, 4 junior suites, and 2 luxury suites.

All en-suite bathrooms are gorgeously updated with a coat of sleek marble and luxurious tubs, showers, and fixtures. Each guest room is individually decorated, providing unique charm for each new visitor.

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Eco Efforts at Hostal dos Reis Católicos

Hostal dos Reis Católicos is also committed to removing single-use plastics from the property. All guest rooms feature earth-friendly non-single-use-plastic amenity sets (made from recycled cardboard, soy ink, and wheat straw resins), and any containers for foods or drinks found on the property are made of biodegradable materials or reusable glass. Along with these efforts, the hotel and its parent chain (Paradors) also work with the Oceanogràfic Foundation on the “Towards a sea without plastics” campaign to raise awareness and educate employees on ocean pollution.

We love to see it.

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Looking for a luxuriously timelss stay full of top-notch service and old-world charm in the heart of Santiago de Compostela?

Or maybe you’re just looking for somewhere nice to reward yourself in style after finishing your Camino journey.

Look no further than Hostal dos Reis Católicos.