Santiago de Compostela Hotel/ Hostel Recommendations

If you can afford it, the Parador.
My favorite though, is San Martin Pinero, but it can often be fully booked. Rooms are quiet, when Santiago is partying all night, which it frequently is. Breakfast buffet is included and they also offer a pilgrim menu at lunch and at dinner. The building itself is gorgeous and I love walking down the halls. (Yes, I have stayed her 3 different times, most recently at the end of May.

Santiago can be seen in an average of 3 days. Depends on how many museums and churches you want to visit. Do the tour of the rooftop of the Dom. Twice, I have also taken the day long bus tour to Muxxia and Finesterra which was well worth the time and money. I think it is 49€?

For me, to adequately seen the town you need two full days. If you wanted to take a day trip over to Muxia on the coast then add another day. While there, take the couple mile walk over to Monte de Gozo to see the Pilgrim Statue. If you’re walking the Camino, you’ll pass it on the way into town.

The most impressive hotel is the Parador de Santiago right beside the cathedral. Depending on the time of year of you visit it can be pricey. Off season, rates are more reasonable. We spent two nights there in 2017. It has its own parking garage if you plan on driving there. After we walked a portion of the Camino in 2019 we spent one night at Hotel Lux Santiago. The room was smaller than some hotels but perfectly fine. The hotel is more modern, outside the historic center, but closer to the train station. It had a very good breakfast buffet. From it to the cathedral took about 15 minutes walking. On that trip, our second night in town was at Hotel Rua Villar since we couldn’t get the Lux for an additional night. We really liked it. The hotel has a lot of charm, is a minute or so walk from the cathedral, and in the heart of the historic center. From it to the train station is a one mile downhill walk.

If the parador is out of your price range, consider Capitol Boutique Hotel or Hotel Universal. I have stayed at both and been happy. They are both well located, across the street from the old city, They are both good if you will have a car, Capitol Boutique has its own garage and Hotel Universal is across the street from a public garage.

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions!

I stayed several nights at Hotel Altair, a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral, after walking the Camino in 2015. After a month+ of mostly very “basic” accommodations on the Camino (my choice), I very much enjoyed the Altair. Beautiful, quiet, calm, and wonderful breakfasts!

The Parador, booked it almost a year ahead to get a reservation. Being on the Plaza where the pilgrims arrive was a special experience. I would recommend a minimum of two nights there.