room was very dark (small window on ground floor) - staff very slow at the bar - we had requested a twin room and ended up with a double bed - the sauna etc was not heated and I had to wait more than one hour to be able to use it - on top of that, a bad semell in the corridors: not quite the level of Relais & Chateaux !

the worse was the restaurant: supposed to be a one star Michelin but they forget to mention when you book a table that on Sundays evening they serve only ham as appetizer and then a steak as main dish...this is food you get anywhere...and they charge it anyway at a one Michelin star prices...and this was the main reason to select this hotel... a complete disapointment !

Lovely hotel in small Spanish village 20m/30km from Vallalodid airport. Many unique items displayed throughout the hotel give it character and make for an interesting stay (old abbott's habit/smock etc). Hotel food well presented and able to match that of any top restaurant (menu limited but willing to adapt where needed). Surprisingly restaurant very quiet whilst we were there. Breakfast had OK selection of cereals, meats, bread etc.. Staff very attentive. Outdoor pool and small garden area for catching some rays. Also has super spa (may need to pay/may come with first night package) with spa pool, steam and sauna. Room well appointed (only point to note was that sink plug did not work and power shower instalation had damaged tiling). These are minor points and did not affect stay (!) but worth noting that you have to go with the character of the place. Amudia, the village, well worth a morning's tour - church, castle (with visits), museum and lovely main square.

This is a gem. A wonderful experience for those seeking something completely different. The house is amazing - stairs and steps, objects of great curiosity, a tiny chapel, wonderful splashes of colour, restful public rooms, superb restaurant, very well appointed rooms with all the comforts you might need and a very nice staff. The village of Ampudia is wonderful, a very different streetscape which has stood for centuries. The parish Church is a soaring, wonderfully kept building which exhudes a sense of Spirituality of the ages. Teh Casa del Abad fits perfectly into this village and has done for centuries.
Well worth driving to experience rural and wonderful part of Castile y Leon. Truly great.

Push the heavy old plank doors and you're transported into the authenic 17th century Abbot's home. Looks as though he just stepped out. Guest rooms however are modern and almost sleek with minimalist lighting.
More light would be nice. Excellent dining room of the period with modern touches. Wild game and offerings from the local farmers provide the makings for gourmet meals at moderate prices.

The village is QUIET but the Casa del Abad is restful and food good and staff attentive. Mostly young hospitality interns who live in a dorm down the street. Juan Manuel of the dining room will explain everything y ou need to know about every dish you are eating. Julio will build a fire in the Abbot's grand salon for you to read by. Would be a nice layover if traveling from Madrid to Bilbao.

Jack Ellis