Top 12 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Santiago de Compostela

With its 13 suites, 6 luxury yurts, and trailblazing restaurant, Casa Beatnik embodies a true countryside dream.

Set in Galicia’s Rías Baixas wine region, the hotel blends history and modernity, bringing seekers of uncharted experiences to one of Spain’s most unspoiled regions.

From the pastoral surroundings of mountains and rugged coastlines, to the serene culinary treasures, this really is a treat for the senses.

The diverse greenery filling every visual frame left a lasting impression on my heart, and the cocktail bar and restaurant is a pleasant space to embrace a quiet chat with like-minded adventurists.

On-site you can also indulge in a specialist spa experience, as well as communal yoga sessions.

This converted 1792 paper factory is one of Santiago’s most luxurious boutique hotels. Its tranquil riverside setting, blissful spa, and contemporary Galician restaurant beckon visitors from near and far to feel a world away from the buzz of the city.

This luxe countryside abode is bordered by oak woodlands, and many trails take you from the property into the heart of nature.

The ivy-clad building is teeming with country-glam décor on the inside, enhanced with a sprinkle of French flair. The glass-roofed adults-only spa offers a sauna, a Turkish bath, and experience showers, among many more cutting-edge facilities.

This eclectic hotel stands beyond the northern edge of the old town, and is bordered by luxuriant greenery.

It is the most idyllic choice for anyone looking for a supremely comfortable base in Galicia’s capital. The bold, grey-hued U-shaped building is incredibly eye-catching upon entrance, and the low-lit corridors brim with glossy elements and peace-inducing bamboo pots.

I absolutely loved the artistic assemblage of natural objects in the lobby, which is filled with low-slung chairs and opens onto a central terrace.

Across the 6 sprawling floors you can choose from one of 150 rooms, all of which are dressed in a smart, muted palette of greys, whites, blacks and browns, and boast state-of-the-art amenities.

This 18th-century Franciscan monastery has been beautifully transformed into a smooth-lined, modern abode, while still honouring its majestic historical setting with Gothic arches and traditional decor.

Inside, the moody lit hallways lead you to the spacious guestrooms, the centuries-old cloisters, and a graceful indoor pool.

The building is attached to the neoclassical San Francisco church and is still partly a working monastery, so you’ll probably see some resident monks wandering around. I loved the abundance of green space here, with acres of gardens and orchards to stroll around.

The hotel’s restaurant is tucked beneath arched ceilings in an antiques-laden space, and offers a menu that focuses on hearty, traditional recipes.

Parados was originally the place where pilgrims would congregate after walking across Spain. It is one of the world’s oldest lodgings, yet has become a gracefully luxurious resort in recent years.

The property forms one side of the majestic Obradoiro Square in the heart of the city, so a quick walk will take you to all of the main attractions.

My jaw dropped upon entrance, courtesy of the vast elaborate façade and the grand entrance, which invites you into a world of glamour and sophistication. The sumptuous Reis Restaurant, with its vaulted ceilings and Galician specialties, is a superb spot to soak up the charm of the city.

Carefully crafted decorations, a personalized service, and a quiet environment are the hallmarks of this urban boutique.

Capitol was born from the idea of providing a special, unique corner to Santiago, inviting guests to soak up peace, tranquillity, and opulence.

Its privileged location just 450 metres from the Cathedral makes it an ideal basecamp for enjoying visits to nearby landmarks, and surrounds you with bustling nightlife options.

We absolutely loved our guestroom, which embodied the hotel’s quaint character perfectly, yet with the added touch of luxury materials and plush bedding. It came with a private terrace and a cosy chill-out area, which made our evenings ever more majestic.

Hostal Pension Artilleiro caters perfectly to history buffs, and those seeking a quiet place of refuge from the bustling city.

Bringing you to within a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral, this residential guesthouse offers a quaint, historic atmosphere, where everywhere you look lies a relic of times gone by.

Within the walls of each communal space, a story from Galicia’s illustrious past is told, through the thoughtful furnishings and the gracious artwork.

There are seven different room types, each with its own theme and character. For me, dining here was a stand-out memory, and I was given the opportunity to sample some exquisite local dishes I had never heard of, in an opulent yet trendy atmosphere.

Japanese inspiration, sleek design, and typical Galician architecture combine to fuel a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience at Hotel Altaïr.

Conveniently positioned on the edge of Santiago’s historic core, the surrounding area plays host to many urban attractions, while inside, a homely feel reigns supreme.

The traditional charm is embellished with fresh contemporary touches, and subtle tones gracefully contrast the exposed-stone walls and oak-beamed ceilings, resulting in a true sense of ‘old-meets-new’.

As I arrived at the artsy and elegant lobby, the 20th-century Spanish art, velvet chairs, and colored ceramics made me feel at ease instantly.

The 11 rooms are graced by cascading cream curtains and honey-toned woods, and offer breath-taking views across the city.

This 16th-century townhouse is the most idyllic accommodation for those looking to immerse in the splendor of old Santiago.

Hotel Montenegro was once a Manor House belonging to an important family from the area, but has been completely restored to combine the old stone aesthetic with a modern finish.

The spectacular Cathedral views, the proximity to downtown, and the abundance of open space make this a comfortable urban sanctuary to rest your head after an action-packed day.

I loved hanging out on the wooden deck and catching some sun in the afternoon, before heading out in the charming surroundings and grabbing some delicious local food.

This futuristic design-led hotel is concealed behind a traditional Galician façade. Inside, an eye-catching juxtaposition between vivid colors, 19th-century walls, and glassed-in galerías creates a quirky feel.

Moure is tucked into a quiet street on the northern fringes of the historic center, yet with the city’s fabled Cathedral only a 10-minute walk away, you truly get the best of both worlds here.

Inside, the bold industrial-chic décor of sharp whites, lime-greens, and wooden elements add a sprinkle of modernity, and there’s plenty of space to kick back and relax. I would totally recommend booking a room which overlooks the city!

This bucolic boutique is set within a stunning natural environment, surrounded by forests and green meadows.

It is a rural farmhouse from the 17th century, that has preserved its traditional Galician architecture immaculately. If you’re here on a romantic couples’ retreat, or a family getaway, you will leave totally replenished by the historic ambiance and the sense of quietude.

The stone walls and large chestnut beams are beautifully offset by modern furniture, and each unit is crafted to perfection.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking peaceful pre-dinner strolls around the property and soaking up the serene country atmosphere. There’s also a garden and a terrace on-site where you can hang-out, read, drink, and chat.

Here we have a spectacular stone house set in the heart of nature, surrounded by lush gardens. Having completed the pilgrimage, this was the perfect spot to replenish the soul and surrender to the rhythms of country life.

The outdoor lawn boasts a shimmering pool dotted by cozy sun loungers, and the interiors exude traditional intimacy in every nook and cranny.

The historic feel, set by country-style furnishings and wooden beamed ceilings does not cloud the high level of comfort inside, with plush linens, high-end amenities, and cosy seating areas inviting you to relax. For dining, there are several restaurants within a short stroll of the house.