Where to Stay

Santander has been famous for its spas since the mid-1800s, when taking to the waters became popular and, as a result, suitable infrustructure was created in the El Sardinero area: hotels, holiday rental homes and beaches were all readied for the nascent tourism industry. In the early 20th century, Alfonso XIII and his court chose the Cantabrian coast as the location for their summer residence; this was the crowning glory, turning Santander into one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Iberian Peninsula.

These days, the city boasts a variety of lodgings which can please most pockets. Generally, the hotels found in the beach area are quite modern and offer well-equipped facilities, though their prices are higher. There are also, however, many more accessible alternatives throughout the metropolitan area and, thus, you can find a huge range of possibilities.

Santander is a very elongated city, shaped by the bay on which it lies; this layout forms two distinct and well-defined areas. On the west is the historical center as well as the shopping and business areas; on the east, around El Sardinero, are the beaches and a significant number of hotels. The only five-star hotel is the Real, located in a truly priveleged spot that affords great views of the bay and the city's nicest residential neighbourhood (around Avenida Reina Victoria, one of the most beautiful promenades in the whole of northern Spain). The hotel was recently remodelled and is ideal for those who want to enjoy all the luxury and comfort available, in the peaceful tranquility of a lovely historic building.

In El Sardinero you'll find a series of four-star hotels, many of which were recently built or recently renovated. The Hoyuela (which is next to the Gran Casino), the Palacio del Mar, which offers light and spacious suites, the Rhin (just a few meters from Primera Playa Beach), and the Santemar (which is the largest in all of Santander). Then, just by Segunda Playa Beach, there are two three-star hotels offering great views of the cove: Chiqui and María Isabel. In Plaza de Italia (just a stone's throw away from both Piquío and the Casino) is Sardinero, a Cantabrian classic. Also in this area are apartment-hotels: Don Carlos being one of them.

In the city center Hotel Bahía is certainly worth a visit. This four-star hotel is located next to the cathedral, and is marvellously equipped. Stop in at a hotel on Calle de Castelar next to Puerto Chico and the Palacio de Congresos (convention center), with its unique marine hot springs. You could also check into the Central, beside Plaza Pombo, or NH Ciudad de Santander. Close to the Barrio Pesquero (fishing quarter) you will find four cheaper hotels: Abba Santander Hotel, Piñamar, Alisas and San Glorio II.

For those looking for even more economical lodgings, Santander also has more than thirty pensiones (guest houses) and hostels, which are both one and two-star options, throughout the city center. And, of course, you could also go to a campsite. There is one in the Playa de Mataleñas area, northeast of the city Cabo Mayor), and another in San Román de la Llanilla (Virgen del Mar).

A final option that should not be discarded, albeit unfamiliar to many overseas tourists, is what the Spainish referred to as "rural tourism". In areas close to Santander you will find a series of establishments located in country houses which have been renovated in such a way as to respect the area's architecture and building style and materials. Here you can enjoy an unforgettable stay, combining rural pleasures, peace and quiet, and nearby beaches. Towards the east of the city, in the Ribamontán al Mar area, you will find Casona de las Cinco Calderas, Posada El Solar (both in Galizano) and Posada de Langre (Langre); the latter is close to a spectacular beach.