La Posada del Rey

The house where Charles I slept

La Posada del Rey is at number 11 calle Mayor, the shopping street of the historic centre of Llanes. The name goes back to 1517: Charles I, on his way to his coronation, landed at Tazones, worked his way down the coast and on 26 September entered Llanes, where he spent two nights in the house of Juan Pariente. According to the hotel, that house is today number 11; of the original only the round-arched doorway remains, and there is a plaque on the façade recalling it. From 1830 it was an independent house and, as far as the family knows, always the town's tailor's shop. It was restored in 2000, respecting the stone and the wood.

Today it is a two-star family hotel with just six rooms. The street is part of the Camino de Santiago.

Six rooms on three floors

The rooms are spread over three floors with a lift, and those on the top floor have slightly sloping ceilings. There is a twin double, a double with a double bed, a double for single use and a double with the option of an extra bed or a cot. They are rustic in style, with stone, wood and warm colours. All have a private bathroom, heating, hairdryer, toiletries, safe, television and free wifi, and a small kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave and basic utensils.

Breakfast comes up in a box

There is no breakfast room: the house prepares a box with a continental breakfast, which you can customise, and brings it up to your room at the time you say. You order it when you book or at reception the day before. For a special occasion they also prepare a brunch in a corner of the house. When booking, ask whether your rate includes the box.

The car stays at El Sablón

The old town is largely pedestrianised and there is nowhere to leave the car at the door. The hotel itself says the best area to park is the El Sablón beach area, about 200 metres away, with a white zone and a free municipal car park; the blue zone only operates in high season. If you come by train or bus, the station is about five minutes on foot, and from here El Sablón beach, the San Pedro walk and the harbour with the Memory Cubes are a stroll away. For a meal, Sidrería El Antoju is on the same calle Mayor. La Boriza golf course is two kilometres away.

Booking and cancelling

You book on its website, by phone on 985 401 332, on the mobile 621 152 486 or by WhatsApp. Cancellation is free up to 15 days before arrival; between 15 days and 48 hours before, the first night is charged, and with less than 48 hours' notice, if you do not show up or if you leave early, the full amount. The same management runs Apartamentos Santana, in the Cotiello district, for anyone who needs a full kitchen.