The San Roman de Escalante, could best be described as different! Set in its own grounds near the Spanish coast, the hotel boasts an enormous collection of artistic pieces. The grounds are beautiful and around every corner you spot a different sculpture. However, this did not extend to the pool area - which was drab and uninviting. Rooms at the hotel are traditional dark wood and are quite a good size. The hotel lacked a certain something! It was a little like staying in an upmarket market motel - where you were very much left to your own devises - we always had to go in search of a member of staff for any form of drinks or food service. Like a previous reviewer we too thought an additional charge for garden service was unnecessary. The restaurant boasts a Michelin star and we looked forward to a good meal - on our first night we were not disappointed - the menu of the house complete with wine was delicious. The lobster and suckling pig were particularly good. On our last night we decided to relive the experience - what a disappointment - obviously a different chef - in many courses ingedients were missing or the course was poorly executed. A real let down!
The San Roman has a lot to offer but just didn't quite make the mark!

This hotel is in the countryside about 30 minutes drive from Santander. A great ambience of calm, seclusion and luxury envelops you as soon as you drive through the gates. We were shown to our two rooms, which were beautifully decorated and very large. In retrospect, I can't believe they were standard rooms, but that was the rate we were charged. The hotel has a great pool and sun-bathing area, and even it's own forest for walking and jogging. Given how good the restaurant is, working up an appetite is definitely a good idea. We went for the 45 euro set meal - this was about 6 courses and included wine and mineral water. It was absolutely delicious.

Any niggles? Well the 2 euro supplement for breakfast on the terrace struck a jarring note. I'm not talking about room service, just serving the food in the garden outside the restaurant. And if you're reasonably tall, you may find the showers a challenge to use. The make-up mirror was also fixed about 15" south of my face and I'm no 6ft+ super-model.

These were very minor issues though and our overwhelming impression of the place was extremely positive.

This is a unique small hotel in a rural setting in Northern Spain. It is tranquil with excellent inconspicuous service. Our standard room was magnificent, huge, with very comfortable four poster canopied bed, and large marble bathroom. Best of all though was the Relais et Chateaux restaurant which was exceptionally good. Many lovely ocean beaches close by, and day trips possible to the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Santillano del Mar, and the awesome Picos mountains.

We loved this charming hotel. It is a very unique property with all of the artwork (modern and antique). We did not necessarily love all of the art in our room, but it was interesting and very comfortable. Bathrooms were large and very nice. Service was friendly and the meals we had were wonderful. The tasting menu was incredible! We would highly reccomend this hotel.