Hospes Palacio de San Esteban, a Member of Design Hotels

Housed in a grand old convent built by Franciscan friars in the 16th century, Hospes Palacio de San Esteban is an emblem of Salamanca’s golden age. This luxury hotel sits right on one of the central plazas of the UNESCO-honored old city, its thick stone walls and dramatically curving archways framing cavernous, beautifully restored interiors that feel especially romantic by the glow of candlelight. Guest rooms have exposed wood-beamed ceilings, mosaic-tiled bathrooms, and charming shuttered windows opening over the building’s leafy courtyards, where an al fresco breakfast is served when weather permits. There’s an excellent Spanish restaurant located in the convent’s original kitchen and wine cellar. An expansive terrace is ideal for relaxing with coffee or a glass of Rioja while planning sightseeing excursions into the surrounding neighborhood, and carefully landscaped gardens, complete with a seasonal outdoor pool, face views of the city’s famous cathedrals.