Hotel Real (*****)
Pérez Galdós 28, Santander Tel. :942 272 550 Fax: 942 274 573

A splendid hotel, inaugurated in 1917 in response to the demands of the Spanish court when the Spanish royals started to have regular Summer holidays in Santander. The hotel has a wonderful view over the bay of Santander and is a lovely building with elegant salons inside, lovely bedrooms and five-star service. Modern facilities, hydromasage, hydrotherapy, seawater swimming pool etc. Is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. 123 rooms, 5 suites and 4 junio suites. Santander's most expensive and exclusive hotel - ideal if you want to feel pampered.

Belongs to the Sardinero Group, a group of three hotels in Santander, all guaranteeing quality (the other two are Sardinero and Hoyuelo). A modern hotel, ideal for short business trips, with comfortable rooms overlooking the port and bay. Just a 5-minute walk from the commercial center. 161 rooms, 21 junior suites. Its large salons make it a popular choice for both conventions and weddings. When we stayed here, there was one of each.

Just next to the Casino and the Sardinero Beach, on the other side of Santander, in the hotel district. Lovely views, modern instalations (including free broad-band Internet access in all rooms) and business center.

Also in the hotel district, next to the Casino with lovely views of the Sardinero Beach and the Cantabrian Sea. All rooms have been recently renovated, giving the hotel a new feeling. Its restaurant, Restaurante La Cúpula del Rhin, is one of Santander's finest, with sea views and a combination of creative and traditional dishes. 84 rooms, 5 junior suites.

Renovated just last year (2004), this hotel claims to offer "a different atmosphere for every occasion". Very spacious rooms (good for families needing extra beds), pool and gym, the hotel is just 200 from the Sardinero beach.

Book a room here now

Ideal choice for a cheap one-nighter if you are going to catch a train or the ferry from Santander to Plymouth. Just a five-minute walk from the train and bus stations, and another five-minute walk (in the other direction) to the ferry port. No luxuries here, but it is clean, practical, good breakfast, ideal for children and very good value for money (especially compared to normal Santander hotel prices which tend to be high).

Photos of the ferry Santander-Plymouth