Hotel Virxe da Cerca

The Virxe da Cerca is a four-star hotel at number 27 Rúa Virxe da Cerca, the street that skirts the east of Santiago's old town, opposite the Abastos Market. The cathedral is about 400 metres away, five or ten minutes' walk entering through the old area. The hotel joins two houses two centuries apart: an 18th-century building and a modern one, with a garden behind. It belongs to Pousadas de Compostela.

Stone in the superiors, classic style in the standards

It has 42 rooms. The superior rooms are in the historic building, with dark wood and exposed stone; the standard ones, in the modern one, with classic decoration. All have their own bathroom with shower or bath, air conditioning and heating, free wifi, flat-screen television, safe, minibar, desk, hairdryer and toiletries. If you care about old stone, book a superior.

The garden at the back

Behind the buildings there is a garden with lawn, sculptures and a terrace, from which you see the old town's towers. In the very centre, it is a quiet place to read or have a drink. Breakfast is a buffet, and during the day a café operates. The restaurant only opens for groups with prior booking, so for lunch and dinner go out: it is a step away.

Services and what it lacks

Reception 24 hours, lift, free left luggage, laundry, computers with a printer for guests, a social lounge with a library and iron loan. Turismo de Galicia notes staff who speak English, French and German, and the hotel has meeting rooms for up to 90 people. What it lacks is its own car park: the hotel refers you to the public car parks nearby. The website does not publish prices or rules on pets.

Eating on the same street

At number 7 on the same street is A Tafona, Lucía Freitas's restaurant, and on Rúa das Ameas, beside the market, the Café de Altamira. The Abastos Market is open opposite Monday to Saturday in the morning. For a sunset stroll, the Alameda and its Herradura walk are on the other side of the old town.