Hotel Real Colegiata San Isidoro

Am still staying here, so maybe a bit premature, but I doubt my observations will change. On the upside: beautiful building and courtyard, receptionists friendly, one with very good English and helpful the other almost none but still tried to help, so muchos gracias. Excellent location, close to the centre but a little more quiet. Now the bad news. The aircon doesn't work. At all. And they gave up fixing it. They don't seem to understand a double room. We had 2 small double beds, each not big enough for two, but occupying almost all the room space, nowhere to relax. And we were supposedly in the superior room. No coffee, no tea. Do they do room service? I very much doubt it. It's a place that echoes a fair bit so can be noisy inside. Worst part is we came back from dinner elsewhere to have dessert here, with a glass of dessert wine, to enjoy in their lovely courtyard. First problem, no dessert wine. Seriously, in Spain? This was easily fixed by a trip to the bar 50m away who were OK with us taking glasses back. Next problem, unbelievably, we were told we were not allowed to sit in the courtyard. Apparently because it might encourage other people to want to do likewise on this beautiful May evening! Mmm, can't be having people doing what they want to do, can we, in a hotel..? And that was all after waiting way too long for someone to even bother to come to take our order. This place has to be government owned. They wouldn't understand hospitality if it bit them on the nose. It is run for their convenience, not yours, even if a few of the staff try. Maybe this will align with you, and you will enjoy it. For me, I can't stand this sort of non customer friendly attitude, when Spain and Portugal especially is full of places that do the exact opposite.

This hotel was once a convent and is behind the Basillica in the old town. We booked a larger room which we found is in the renovated part of the hotel and furthest from the reception. When we checked in they said there was a dinner tonight in the courtyard accompanied by a singer, which we booked. Our room was very large, spacious and looked very new. However no fridge, no tea or coffee facility and 1 small bottle of water (our booking did say 2 guests). After walking around this cute town we wanted a shower. No hot water. Rang reception and we understood had to wait 15 minutes. After running the water for close to 30 minutes still only cold water. Rang reception- no answer. So I had a cold shower and popped down to reception. They came to our room, ran the water for another 15 minutes and in Spanish said it takes 10-15 minutes for the hot water to get to the room. (Given we’d been running it much longer, not true). Had a very nice dinner with wine in the courtyard, thoroughly enjoyed it. However if you weren’t attending and had a courtyard facing room you would have been disturbed. Next morning, instant hot water!

The hotel has been converted from an old convent adjacent to the basilica and set around a courtyard with a fountain. It is an extremely attractive setting and one can park in the hotel’s adjacent area. However there I’m afraid the praise stops. At €212 per night b&b this is twice the average which we have paid for the last six hotels all of which had better equipped bedrooms. Our ‘superior’ double room was equipped with two paper mugs and no glasses. We asked for glasses at reception (correct but frosty) and were told that all rooms were like this as it was easier to clean! The bathroom had no shelves or storage. Bathrobes – forget it! No electric socket at the level of the desk. A single armchair when there was plenty of room for two. Breakfast adequate, but charmless staff. At €112 for b&b this would have been fine but at €212 the place is living off its location rather than hospitality.

Lovely view over the courtyard. The hotel has a great calm feeling with lots of old character. Great breakfast and great waiters nothing was a problem. 5/10 walk from old town and bars. Comfy bed and great shower. Wonderful city to walk. There was free private parking at side of hotel.

The location of the hotel and its free parking is perfect. we got a room that was modern and with two very decently sized beds. the women at reception were welcoming, and when we had to move our reservation one day they were amazing, replied on the spot and made no fuzz or tried to charge fees for it. breakfast was normal, nothing to brag about, but good enough and included in the room rate. You are basically in a building full of history, take advantage of the discount you get to go to the museum next door. It is an amazing museum/guided tour, totally worth it.

The hotel is attached to the basilica in the old square and is arranged with a central garden. We had a great room, Novembre, which had a good size bathroom and the most comfortable bed in our stay. There was a conference being hosted at the hotel but this didn’t bother us, we heard nothing, others in our group were disturbed a little. Breakfast was very good with the usual hot/cold selections, including fizz! Parking is outside and not secure but the city feels very safe. We love Leon.

A place of great a**osphere and a nice place to stay at a very fine location for the pilgrim willing to spend more than the average payment for one nights stay. Great breakfast and ok local cuisine. The only disappointing thing was the service of the waiters. Clearly, these were not knowledgeable neither about the wine or the food, but trying their best to offer the service of an educated water.

We were lucky enough to be upgraded. The hotel is steeped in history, wonderful location just a short walk from everywhere and beautifully decorated with comfort in mind. Our room M, Noviembre was large overlooking the courtyard and extremely well appointed. I’d definitely come again There is also a large hotel car park.