Our stay at Casa del Marqués was the highlight of all the places we stayed during our 3-week road trip across northern Spain. The portero, whose name we unfortunately never learned, was gracious and helpful and ever-present, materializing instantly to lend a hand or offer us a gin and tonic from the bar or print out information about the home’s paintings and historical artifacts.
Each morning’s buffet breakfast, eaten out in the garden patio, was a delightful offering of fresh fruit, yogurts, pastries, meats, cheeses, and local baked specialties. We felt pampered by the made-to-order cafe con leche and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
The town of Santillana Del Mar feels like something out of a movie set, but it is truly the real deal. The Casa del Marqués is situated right in the middle of it—so much so that we had trouble finding it initially, but the receptionist was extremely patient and helpful with providing instructions for how to maneuver our car through the narrow medieval streets.
Staying at the Casa del Marqués felt more like spending time at the home of wealthy friends with excellent staff than a hotel stay.
