Hesperia Compostela - Santiago de Compostela, Spain     

This hotel is block-booked by tour operators and groups of middle-class pilgrims who (like us!) take the 'soft option' and walk the Camino with luggage sent ahead. We did not see any independent travellers staying here; there are many other more attractive options in Santiago at this price. First impressions were poor. The threadbare carpet on the steps in the lobby was a real safety hazard. The welcome, however, was warm and courteous - and in good English. Our group experienced rooms of widely varying quality. Ours, on the second floor, had been recently refurbished and was fine, apart from a layer of dust on the bedside cabinet. Others were less fortunate, with small, shabby and even damp rooms. However, the hotel has two important plus points: its excellent location just outside the old town and the buffet breakfast which was plentiful and varied. So if someone books you into here for a night or two, don't panic. But if you are handling your own accommodation, look elsewhere.