I stayed at the Hotel Rua Villar after finishing the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Needless to say, I was exhausted and fed up with sleeping bags, rocky bunk beds and snoring. I initailly wanted to stay at the Parador next to the Cathedral, but walked into the cozy Rua Villar hotel on my way to the Praza do Obradoiro and couldn't resist its charm. Eventually, I spent two wonderful, relaxing nights there.

The hotel is located in a narrow street a stone's throw away from the Praza do Obradoiro and the Cathedral. The area is bustling with life: tourists, pilgrims, pigeons, souvenir shops and restaurants are plentiful there. It is not the quietest spot during the day but the noice is not unplesant - it is somehow appropriate and even romantic in a way. The nights, however, are mostly quiet.

My room on the last floor was wonderful: clean, homey, fairly roomy, stylish and practically laid out. I could see the bell tower of the Cathedral from my ceiling window. And hear the bells, too, which, as a pilgrim, I enjoyed very much.

The service was nice. The staff at reception always had a warm welcome and smiles for the guests.

In general, I would say that the Rua do Villar hotel provides great value for money. More importantly, though, it has this special feel to it that one comes to Santiago de Compostela to experience: inside the hotel you feel part of the old town, part of history and part of a beautiful tradition. I thoroughly recommend it.

We stayed for three nights at the Rua Villar hotel. It's location is ideal - very close to the cathedral, restaurants and shopping.
Our room was a deluxe category room with a large bathroom,sleeping area, and balcony sitting area. The queen size bed was a bit low for my 6'5" husband, but tolerable. The room faced a pedestrian street which only allowed limited traffic (the occasional taxi and delivery vehicles) and there were heavy wooden shutters to close at night which shut out any possible noise. However, on Thursday nights the university students are partying until early morning and singing could be heard even with the shutters closed tight.
The reception personnel were friendly and spoke English.
Breakfast was plentiful with hot and cold food and was included in the room price. This was the only food available in the hotel.

This small hotel is located on a pedestrian street just 1min walk from Santiago Cathedral. I stayed there after walking the Camino de Santiago - it's right opposite the Pilgrims' Office. The decor is very warm, mixing modern with old - lots of exposed stone walls, wooden surfaces, modern paintings on the walls, coloured glass roof... There is a small lift. Reception is on the first floor, as is the open plan breakfast area. Service was very friendly and welcoming, and there was a lot of choices at breakfast.

My double room was right at the top, under the eaves, so there wasn't much head room but it was fine for me. Very quiet, refined place. I am walking the Camino again this year and hope to return to this hotel afterwards.

After arriving in Santiago following 11 days of walking, we were delighted to happen upon the Hotel Rua Villar, having called in on spec.
The hotel is very centrally located, and is very well maintained. The breakfast buffet was more than fine; staff were helpful and pleasant; and the rooms have feature stone walls.
We enjoyed our stay very much.