Best-known as the final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail (also referred to as the ‘Original Way’), Santiago de Compostela is a historic city that has been witness to milleniums-worth of inspiring journeys. Since the 9th century, thousands of pilgrims have journeyed 311km’s from Oviedo in North-Eastern Spain to Santiago, finally reaching the capital of Galicia and entering the iconic stone cathedral – the rumoured burial place of the relics of James the Apostle.
Today, many of these stories live on in the cities cobblestone streets and eye-catching stone architecture. It has become a hotspot for tourists wanting to delve into the rich history and culture and experience the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Old Town centre. In turn, a plethora of luxury hotels have popped up along the city’s streets. In this guide, we’ll reveal our pick of the best luxury hotels in Santiago de Compostela in 2024.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to the prettiest cities to visit in Spain.
Best Luxury Santiago de Compostela Hotels
Relais & Chateaux
Housed within a converted 18th-century paper factory, dating back to 1792, this family-owned luxury hotel in Santiago de Compostela boasts a serene riverside spot, just two miles southwest of the old town. This peaceful countryside setting feels worlds away from the buzz of central Santiago, surrounded by oak woodlands, while still being close enough to hop in a taxi. After being abandoned in the 1960s, it was lovingly restored between 2003 and 2007 with the help of architect/owner María Luisa. Many original features of the former factory remain, though, including the mill’s canals.
The interior of this luxury Santiago de Compostela hotel blend classic country with glamorous French flair; think antique furniture and rich fabrics complimented by colourful artwork on the walls for a contemporary touch. The 59 rooms continue this country-chic vibe, being reminiscent of something you’d find in a cosy Cotswolds pub, with some featuring open-stone walls or sloping wood-beamed ceilings. All are pleasingly spacious and come equipped with desks, minibars, hairdryers, and complimentary Ayurvedic Sundari toiletries. There’s also a luxury spa and a delightful Galician restaurant.

Parador de Santiago
Dating back to 1499, Parador is certainly one of the most unique places to stay in Santiago de Compostela. Also known as the Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, this luxury Santiago hotel was originally where pilgrims would rest after walking across Spain from Oviedo, making it one of the oldest lodgings in the world. While it still welcomes pilgrims today, they have stepped up their game in terms of hospitality, being much more luxurious now than it once was.
The hotel itself maintains most of its original features, with the large granite complex being set around four courtyards and a chapel at the heart of the property. Inside, you’ll be mesmerised by the opulent facade, dotted with antiques and artistic treasures everywhere. The rooms are huge and come complete with four-poster beds, antique furniture, and marble bathrooms. Some come with views of the main square, while others overlook the courtyards.

Casa Beatnik Hotel
Named after the non-conformists of the 1950s and ’60s, Casa Beatnik Hotel in Santiago de Compostela is today a celebration of their spirit and artistic legacy. Inspired by Yves Saint Laurent, a pioneering genius and beatnik of kinds that transformed fashion within his era, this luxury Santiago de Compostela hotel combines aspects of Italian maximalism with Moroccan bohème, ultimately landing somewhere in between the two. Set against a pastoral backdrop of vineyards in a hot-pink palazzo, the medley of colours and patterns continues inside where you’ll find Murano-glass chandeliers hung from the ceilings and colorful tiles and shag rugs on the floor.
This luxury hotel in Santiago de Compostela features 13 bespoke suites, along with a handful of luxury yurts. The suites range from small (20m sq.) to large (45m sq,) and all feature soaking bath tubs. For us, the stand-out suite is The Chapel; set away from the main resort, this accommodation is particularly perfect for anyone wanting a bit more privacy during their stay. It features a domed roof bedroom, a stone-walled annex, and underfloor heating. Meanwhile, for something more unique, opt for one of the hotel’s yurts, equipped with king size beds, fireplaces and woven esparto rugs.

Hotel Palacio del Carmen
Set within a former tannery dating back to the 18th century, Hotel Palacio del Carmen is steeped in history and religion. Later, the building was turned into a convent for the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer, who were dedicated to helping young, troubled girls. Next, it was left as a ruin in 1983 when the nuns decided to moved on. Finally, the property was purchased, sensitively restored, and transformed into one of the best hotels in Santiago de Compostela. Today, many of the original convent features, such as wrought iron balconies and exposed rustic stone walls, have been restored and blended with contemporary finishes to create a luxury modern Santiago hotel.
Rooms are decorated in minimalist style, with wooden floors, large windows, and white furnishings. Each room also comes complete with minibar, soundproofing, climate control, and work desk. Guests can choose from accommodations ranging from the Deluxe Queen through to the Cathedral View Suite. In their spare time, visitors can stroll through the beautiful gardens, sweat it out in the gym, or unwind in the Turkish bath. There’s also an on-site restaurant, El Camelio, where you can savour traditional regional recipes with a modern twist or sip a drink on the outdoor terrace on warmer evenings.

A Casa da Torre Branca
Housed in a 17th-century farmhouse, A Casa da Torre Branca is a luxury hotel in Santiago de Compostela that allows guests to get away from the chaos of the city and stay at a peaceful retreat in the stunning countryside. Despite boasting a private location and being one of the best places to stay in Santiago de Compostela for those seeing some peace and quiet, this hotel is only a short walk away from the centre of the city and just 5km from the Cathedral.
Offering 9 bedrooms, each uniquely styled in rustic decor, the accommodations at this Santiago de Compostela hotel provides cosy and homely bases from which to explore the area. The original structure of the farmhouse has been preserved and incorporated into the design of the guest rooms, featuring exposed wooden beams, stone walls, and wooden or tiled floors. Each room also comes equipped with private bathroom, sitting room, and spacious dining room with fireplace.

Now you’ve discovered the best luxury hotels in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, be sure to check out some of our other Spain guides for more inspiration:
- Best hotels in Cordoba
- Best boutique hotels in Formentera
- best hotels in Alicante
- Best hotels in La Laguna, Tenerife
- Where to stay in Tenerife for hiking
- Best beach clubs in Tenerife
