Hotel Palacio del Carmen, Autograph Collection — Hotel in Santiago de Compostela

I recently stayed at the NH Collection Palacio del Carmen in Santiago de Compostela, and it was far from the 5-star experience I was expecting. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this hotel is not living up to its claims.

Upon check-in, the reception was cold and unfriendly. The staff member at the desk seemed to be angry with the world, which set a negative tone for our stay. We struggled with our luggage as we arrived at the same time as a tour bus, and with only one porter on duty, there was no one available to assist us. Not a single person acknowledged our efforts as we pushed our luggage up the ramp to the front entrance.

Despite booking a room six months in advance to secure a higher-floor accommodation, we were placed on the lowest floor, overlooking concrete walls and maintenance areas. This was not the pleasant garden view promised on Booking.com.

To make matters worse, the room acoustics were the worst I’ve encountered in any 5-star hotel. We could hear every footstep from the room above us, day and night. This lack of soundproofing was incredibly disruptive and unacceptable.

Another letdown was the absence of basic amenities. Booking.com listed a Nespresso machine in the room, but instead, there was even no hot water pot or any form of coffee or tea available. How can a hotel of this caliber not provide such basics? Furthermore, the amenities were cheap; there was only a tissue packet containing 3-4 tissues instead of a proper tissue box.

The TV in the room looked like it was from the mid-2000s—small, slow, and outdated. And if you’re traveling with a group, be prepared to fight over the single 1-liter bottle of water provided for three people.

Lastly, I was surprised by the lack of English-speaking staff in what is marketed as an American hotel chain. I expected better communication and service in this regard.

Overall, this hotel feels more like a 3-star than a 5-star establishment. I truly don’t understand how Marriott can categorize it as part of their Autograph Collection. The service, rooms, and amenities at this hotel do not hold a candle to the better experiences I’ve had at 4-star hotels in smaller towns. Save your money and look elsewhere—this was by far the worst 5-star hotel experience...

We stayed here at the tail end of a tour across the north of Spain. We were quite spent from driving an electric vehicle (and the additional charging stops it requires) so we were really looking forward to a relaxing stay.

Hotel Palacio del Carmen did not disappoint.

From the moment we checked in, we were greeted by impeccable service and beautiful grounds. The hotel is deceivingly large and extends into beautiful gardens and patios. From the entrance, it is hard to see quite how expansive it is, but once inside, you’re instantly wowed by the high ceilings and classic decor.

In the afternoon, we took a dip in the indoor salt water pool (open 24 hours without reservations) and later enjoyed a lovely dinner at the restaurant. The Albariño wine was crisp and light while the Galician meat was perfectly seasoned.

That night we slept like the worn-down travelers we were in our immense room, large bed, and choice of pillows.

The next morning we enjoyed the buffet breakfast where we tried the regional tarta tradicional de almendra and found new meaning to life. It was sweet, tender, lightly dusted with sugar, and absolutely decadent.

My final reason for absolutely loving this hotel came when we needed to unplug our electric vehicle from the on site charging station. The charging point had shut down overnight leaving our cable stuck in the machine. We attempted to call Endesa but there was not as much as a ring on the other end, let alone any help. The employees at Hotel Palacio, however, came to a quick and decisive rescue. They called their in house electrician and reset the breaker setting our cable, and our hearts, free.

In a northern journey with many ups and downs (geographical and electrical), Hotel Palacio reminded us why Santiago is the destination for many pilgrim’s Camino.

Thank you for making our brief, yet wonderful stay so memorable. We...

After a grueling three-week journey on the Camino de Santiago, my stay at Hotel Palacio del Carmen was nothing short of a heavenly retreat. Located just a short walk from the bustling main square and commercial area of Santiago de Compostela, this hotel offers a quiet and serene environment that serves as a perfect counterpoint to the lively city center.

The property itself exudes a peaceful elegance, with beautifully maintained grounds that invite relaxation and contemplation. One of the highlights of my stay was undoubtedly the indoor pool, which provided a tranquil space to unwind and reflect on the journey I had just completed. The ability to swim in such a calm, inviting setting was a true luxury that rejuvenated both body and mind.

The rooms at Hotel Palacio del Carmen are particularly impressive, radiating warmth and charm with their intricate wooden details. Every aspect of the room design has been thoughtfully curated to ensure comfort and aesthetic pleasure, making it a delightful space to rest after the rigors of the Camino.

Service at the hotel was exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate every need. Their attentive and caring approach made me feel truly valued as a guest, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to my stay.

Overall, Hotel Palacio del Carmen offers a fantastic experience for anyone visiting Santiago de Compostela, especially for pilgrims coming off the Camino looking for a place to recover and pamper themselves. The combination of superb facilities, exquisite rooms, and outstanding service earns this hotel a well-deserved four out of five stars. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat in close proximity to the heart...