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Where to stay in Santander
Santander is a city full of charm. Its bay is often ranked among the most beautiful in the world. The beaches in Santander are perfect for a casual stroll and its historic center invites you to explore the past, and its people create a truly special atmosphere.
When it comes to choosing a place to stay, it’s important to think about the kind of trip you’re planning. That way, you can find the option that suits you best, whether you’re drawn to the lively vibe of the city center, the calm of the coast, or a mix of both. The great thing about Santander is that it caters to all tastes, so finding the right spot is easy.
To make things even simpler, we’ve put together a selection of the best areas and hotels in Santander. Hopefully, it will help you organize your trip, whether you’re visiting for a few days or using the city as your base to explore the rest of Cantabria.
If it’s the latter, I’d also suggest checking out other great areas to stay in Cantabria. And don’t miss this curated list of unique and special hotels across the region, you’re likely to find something that fits your style.
1. Santander city center
The center of Santander is one of the best places to stay if you want the city right at your doorstep. Everything’s within walking distance, so there’s no need for public transport to see the main sights.
You’ll be close to some of Santander’s most iconic spots—like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Plaza Porticada, the charming Paseo de Pereda, and the contemporary Botín Center, home to innovative exhibitions and stunning views over the bay. Just around the corner, the Mercado del Este is a great place to browse local goods and get a taste of the city’s daily life.
Foodies will feel right at home here. The area is packed with bars and restaurants where you can try regional favorites like rabas (crispy fried squid) or quesada pasiega, a sweet, creamy dessert with roots in the Cantabrian mountains. There’s also no shortage of shops and boutiques if you’re in the mood to browse or bring something special home.
And if you’re craving some beach time, El Sardinero is just a short bus ride—or a scenic walk—away. The route will even take you past the Palacio de la Magdalena, one of the city’s most emblematic landmarks.
Within the center, you can choose from several areas to stay, like the historic old town, the lively Puertochico district, or the refined Paseo de Pereda. Each one has its own atmosphere, so no matter your travel style, you’ll find a spot that suits you.
Recommended hotels in the center of Santander
Here are some hotel options you should consider:
- Bahía Hotel. It is one of the most iconic hotels in Santander. It is a 4-star hotel with a privileged location in the center. It stands out for its spacious rooms, decorated in an elegant and modern way. The hotel also offers private parking (perfect if you go by car), a restaurant and bar with an excellent gastronomic offer, and breakfast described as “fabulous.”
- Soho Boutique Palacio de Pombo. This elegant and charismatic 4-star hotel, located in the square of the same name, is an iconic place in the city. Its rooms are tastefully decorated, mixing elegance, modernity, and comfort. The hotel allows pets and has a restaurant for lunch and dinner at the hotel. Breakfast is very good.
- Sol Boutique Hotel. We finish our selection of hotels in the center of Santander with this 4-star hotel located 900 meters from the center and just over a kilometer from the beach. It stands out for its design and decoration with attention to detail. It offers a very quiet atmosphere with double and double deluxe rooms, free wifi, parking, a bar, and a great breakfast.
2. El Sardinero, a great area to stay in Santander
El Sardinero is one of the mythical areas of Santander and one of the best areas to stay, especially for those who like the sea and the beach. It has a great history as a summer gateway spot for the Spanish aristocracy that is still reflected in its elegant buildings and promenade.
However, what really makes this area interesting is undoubtedly its beaches. The first beach of the Sardinero and the second beach are separated by the Piquío Gardens, which are a marvel and are perfect for relaxing.
In addition, in the area of El Sardinero, there are very interesting places to visit, such as the Gran Casino del Sardinero (1916) or the Plaza Italia. You can also stroll to the impressive Magdalena Palace, where the Spanish royal family used to spend their summers. Staying here, you will also be closer to Mataleñas Beach and the Cabo Mayor Lighthouse.
Recommended hotels in El Sardinero
Let’s now discover several hotels located in El Sardinero, great to sleep in Santander:
- Le Petit Boutique Hotel. This hotel, in which the elegance of its decoration stands out, is located 200 meters from the beach of El Sardinero, so it is really fantastic, especially in spring and summer. Its rooms are quite well equipped and adequately sized. It is an “adults only” hotel, so tranquility is guaranteed… And the buffet breakfast is very good.
- Hotel Chiqui. The 3 stars of this hotel in Santander are not enough for this nice establishment located in a privileged place at the end of El Sardinero beach. Its rooms are great and overlook the sea; its infinity pool is a gift for the hot months; the panoramic restaurant offers a unique dining experience; and also, you have at your disposal parking and a very good breakfast. It really is a great choice.
- Hotel Santemar. Just 150 meters from El Sardinero and the Gran Casino, this hotel is a combination of tradition and modernity in a very elegant setting. It is a classic refurbished with great taste and very good intentions. The rooms are perfectly equipped, and the hotel offers a Japanese garden, cafeteria, restaurant, and parking, as well as a very good breakfast.
3. Somo, on the other side of the Santander Bay
If you are looking for peace and nature, Somo is one of the best areas outside the city of Santander but not too far away.
This small coastal town with less than 2,000 inhabitants is located on the other side of the bay and stands out for its huge beach of 4 kilometers long. In fact, it is one of the favorite beaches for surfers to catch waves throughout the year but also as a place of rest and relaxation.
If you choose it as an area to stay on your visit to Santander, from its shore you can enjoy stunning views of the city, especially at sunset. Be sure to visit the Mirador De Los Tranquilos and, a little further east, you will find the incredible Playa de Langre.
To get to Santander from Somo, you can go by car (it takes about 25 minutes) or take a boat from Los Reginas.
Recommended hotels in Somo
These are the options you can consider in Somo:
- Hotel Torres de Somo. The beach and a surfing atmosphere are not incompatible with elegance, and for proof, this 4-star hotel in Somo. It is located in a lush pine forest that separates it from the beach, just 300 meters from the sand. It is decorated with a warm and comfortable atmosphere, really nice. The rooms are quite large and offer a great stay. What stands out most about the hotel is the natural light in all its spaces. For the summer months, it offers an outdoor swimming pool and also a restaurant with a terrace. There is also private parking, restaurants, a bar, and a delicious homemade breakfast.
- Posada La Merced. This beautiful inn is located in the nearby town of Loredo. It is a rustic lodging that combines very well the rural charm with all the necessary comforts for your stay. The rooms are well equipped; there is free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and free parking. The garden is great for strolling, and the homemade breakfast is very tasty. It has a very familiar atmosphere and personalized attention that guarantees a great stay in nature.
Affordable hotels in Santander
In addition to these hotel options by area, we have thought of including 3 more under the label of cheap hotels in Santander, and we want all budgets to be able to make a getaway to this wonderful city:
- Hostel Villa Miguela. Located in the center of Santander, it is quite an experience. It combines very well the common life of a hostel with the privacy and tranquility of individual bunk beds. In addition to the shared rooms, they have private rooms with shared and/or private bathrooms for families. Prices for the upcoming dates start at 23€ per night.
- Cabo Mayor Hostel. In the heart of the city, we find this other hostel also very interesting. It is just a few steps away from the main points of interest in Santander. It is modern, complete, and has private rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Prices for the next dates start at €40 per night.
- Hospedaje Magallanes. We finish with this establishment that is also in the center and is very good value for money as a guesthouse. It offers private rooms, perfect for resting. It is a very good option to stay in Santander if your budget is low and has private parking.
Map of hotels and areas to stay in Santander
Now we have options for all tastes and types of travel. To get a better perspective of where to stay in Santander, we have created this map with all the areas and hotels reviewed.
We hope this post has helped you choose where to stay in Santander has been very useful to find the perfect hotel for you. See you next time!
