Grand Hotel Don Gregorio

History and luxury in Salamanca

TEXT: HANNAH JANE THOMPSON | PHOTOS © GRAND HOTEL DON GREGORIO

This luxurious 15th-century palace hotel mixes old and new in the heart of Salamanca to provide a masterclass in chic

As the location of one of Spain’s oldest universities, Salamanca is steeped in history – and it therefore comes as no surprise that the Grand Hotel Don Gregorio evokes this deep sense of culture too.

Set in the city centre, within a 15th-century palace built with the region’s signature honey-coloured sandstone, the hotel prides itself on offering a luxurious retreat within the busy town. Evident throughout is the original architecture of the site acquired by the eponymous Gregorio Diego Curto in the 18th century – from the detailed tiling underfoot to the authentic tapestries on the walls.

From the moment guests walk into the double-height inner courtyard, there’s an unmistakable sense of class and style. “We want our guests to escape from the outside world and enjoy the unforgettable ‘magic’ of the hotel,” explains Beatriz Bernal, hotel manager and director.

Indeed, each of the 17 bedrooms – all named after members of the original owner family – has been restored with this contrast in mind: how to maintain the original character without forgoing modern comforts. With this in mind, the rooms combine fabrics and furniture in golden hues, reminiscent of the sun-kissed brickwork outside, with contemporary services including free WiFi, a Nespresso coffee machine and high-end toiletries in spacious bathrooms.

Guests weary from a day on the cobblestones can even book a massage service at the in-house spa. The hotel is also happy to accommodate larger groups. It offers conference and event rooms, and can even open the intimate in-house restaurant for banquets of up to 150 people. The menu is simple, and uses fresh ingredients to create traditional dishes from Castile and Leon, such as the classic staples: ‘jamoniberico’, Morucha (the local beef breed speciality) tenderloin, or the classic confit suckling pig.

Proud of its past, Hotel Don Gregorio fits seamlessly into this classic university town, and offers a real education in hospitality, luxury and chic.

hoteldongregorio.com