Best Luxury Hotels in Salamanca

Welcoming guests for a quarter of a century, this hotel is housed in a Renaissance palace. The vibe is discrete and classy, rather than glitzy, with excellent, unobtrusive service. It’s small and intimate; there are 13 classically decorated bedrooms (replete with Bulgari toiletries and coffee makers), plus there’s a private lounge, but no restaurant. But as the Rector is right in the heart of the city, there’s a wealth of culinary options on the doorstep and staff will gladly provide recommendations to suit your preferences. The lounge is the place to relax post-sightseeing, drink in hand — its stained glass window and oriental rugs are stunning.

Rooms at Hospes Palacio De San Esteban come with hardwood floors and sleek furnishings accented by mid-century and antique pieces. The five-star amenities include minibars, pillow menus, robes and slippers. Dine on Castillian sharing dishes at El Monje restaurant, which features a roaring fire, an indoor tree and stunning high ceilings with dramatic original stone arches. Or eat alfresco, at the contemporary styled El Patio de Los Olivos. Enjoy a drink beside the vintage fountain, or recline on a poolside lawn lounger. Once the San Esteban Salesian Convent, the hotel’s modern ethos is to ‘find, feel and belong’.