Parador de León/Hostal San Marcos
One of the most luxurious and desirable hotels in the entire parador group, Hostal San Marcos is situated in the 16th-century former monastery built by Fernando (Isabel’s husband) for the order of knights who looked after pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The building’s Plateresque facade is considered one of the country’s best examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Book early if you have your heart set on spending the night, as the parador is one of the most popular in Spain. For a splurge, reserve the Torreon, or tower room, located in one of the turrets. Most rooms are fairly large and sumptuous with traditional furnishings, and you can’t beat the sense of history. Also within the complex are an archaeological museum, a church with a scallop-shell facade in homage to St. James, a serene cloister, a library, and a restaurant that brings an elegant touch to local cuisine.
One of the most luxurious and desirable hotels in the entire parador group, Hostal San Marcos is situated in the 16th-century former monastery built by Fernando (Isabel’s husband) for the order of knights who looked after pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The building’s Plateresque facade is considered one of the country’s best examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Book early if you have your heart set on spending the night, as the parador is one of the most popular in Spain. For a splurge, reserve the Torreon, or tower room, located in one of the turrets. Most rooms are fairly large and sumptuous with traditional furnishings, and you can’t beat the sense of history. Also within the complex are an archaeological museum, a church with a scallop-shell facade in homage to St. James, a serene cloister, a library, and a restaurant that brings an elegant touch to local cuisine.
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