Parador de Santillana de Gil Blas

A really beautiful hotel in a gorgeous location. But something has gone badly wrong with the management. The staff were sour faced and unhelpful, and the food was literally inedible. I'm not fussy about food and will eat almost anything but I've never had anything quite so awful. I was offered a refund on my father's room and half board as he couldn't make it due to illness, but have been unable to obtain the refund through *********** as it requires written confirmation that the refund was offered. Despite several phone calls and emails requesting that confirmation the hotel hasn't sent it (despite several verbal promises that they would), meaning *********** gets to keep my money and I get no refund. Not a good experience all round.

Lovely large room with a magnificient old wooden floor.Good bed and bathroom.Parking easy to use and not expensive,Breakfast and dinner were good and bar service to the garden excellent.The town itself is very attractive to walk around Ideal stopover on the way to Santander

We have been staying at this Parador regularly for the last 32 years and are never disappointed. The building is delightful and the small town is very historic and easy to explore. Each time we drive to and from our home in the Algarve we stop several nights in Paradors. This is one of the most expensive but we ar happy to pay the high price..

If ever one wished to experience aslice of real Spain I cannot priase this establishment enough from its wonderful location to its incedibly helpful staff. Imagine, if one will, a film set, where the three feet thick walls cocoon you in Baroque spendour. A sweeping staircase and grand landing leading to one's room. Shutters to be opened revealing a majestic village to equal anything on offer in the British Cotswolds at a fraction of the price. The staff at reception could not enough for its guests with a smile at every request. My only regret being that I couldn't stay longer. The village holds plenty for the visitor including the museum of torture. Don't miss out on this fabulous hotel. Richard Sinclair, Birmingham, England

We use this beautiful parador as a stop over before catching the ferry from Santander. We were disappointed last year but thought we’d try again…. The Good , the hotel is absolutely stunning ,beautiful clean hugh room in a fabolous location . The bad, £14 a night to park a motorcycle ,£5 supplements for HB dinner guests. & finally the reason for no return.. dinner was very disappointing we were served by some very unhappy overworked staff & breakfast was terrible … very bad vibes again ,staff not friendly . Really sad to submit this review but the cost of the stay it would of been nice to leave happy

The rooms are large and comfortable with great views. However we were disappointed by our dinner. I left 1/4 of the steak on the edge of the plate as it was just gristle. My wife’s meal was bland. Our greatest disappointment was with the staff. At breakfast we received no welcome other than a request for a room number. We were unaware until we were leaving that brewed coffee and tea were available or that a cooked breakfast existed. On checking out, the man on reception spoke on his phone headset throughout the process. And put a kettle and cups in the room…sometimes all we want to do is have a quick cup of tea. Less than good experience.

The Parador is set in the narrow twisting streets of Santillana del Mar but has its own car park. The furnishings are all antiques in beautiful condition and so luxurious. Our room was on the second floor. It was spacious with a well appointed bathroom and lovely views across the town. The restaurant is expensive but there are many restaurants nearby if one chooses to eat elsewhere. The only complaint was that my wife ordered turbot but was served skate which is a much cheaper fish dish.

A quick stop over on the way from the Santander ferry. The hotel is very central with parking and the staff were friendly and helpful. The evening meal was excellent! I love Paradors! I enjoy their individual nature.

This place is a wonderful parador, the rooms are beautiful, the staff very kind and the location exceptional. Great atmosphere and ambiance but the parador is not run very generously : no water bottle on arrival in room despite the heat, no free parking, poor choice at breakfast, dessert not included in half board formula, bread and oil service charge compulsory... it feels a bit tight and lack in generosity !