Hotel SantanderEditor's Pick

Reviewed by EuroCheapo.com Editors email this page

Since 1925, this two-star hotel has ushered in guests attracted by its grandeur and Old World reputation. Old World, in Santander's case, means Old School. So forget the Internet. It doesn't exist here.

Hotel Santander is located on Calle Echegaray, where tapas bars, restaurants, and cafés are a dime a dozen. Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Sol are just a five-minute walk away.

Each of the hotel's 36 rooms is classically decorated for a Renaissance-Gothic appeal. In the hallway, a deep-red runner reminds us of terrifying scenes in The Shining. Faux candelabras hang over the bed. Looming over the windows is scarlet-red swaging drapery.

If a light, bright room is your objective, reserve elsewhere. Rooms here are dark and do not have balconies. While gilded mirrors brighten walls, matching antique curved-wood furniture darkens the feel of the rooms. Small Oriental rugs sit on newly replaced floors. Bathrooms have recently been remodeled, though the oversized tubs remain the same.

About three-fourths of the hotel rooms are exterior. For an additional €10, it's possible to book a suite. Suites are much bigger and have balconies overlooking a quiet street.

» Elizabeth Gorman

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.