The Spanish Royals built their new vacation palace in Santander in 1912, and the city has evolved as one of Spain's most popular resort spots for wealthy or noble Madrileos. Supposedly, Queen Isabel II first came down in the 1860's in hope that the sea air would improve her health. In 1941, a fire destroyed a large portion of the city center, dividing it in two. Subsequently, the area has been rebuilt retaining the original architectural style that continues to impress visitors.
Santander owes much of its initial fashionable success to Alfonso XIII. The monarch and his wife, Victoria Eugenia, came to Santander for many vacations, which greatly contributed to the city's reputation as a vacation town. In honor of their visits, the city built Magdalena Palace and offered it as a gift to the royal couple. Today, the palace and its grounds are home to the Menendez y Pelayo International University.
Santander has a sort of split personality. One side of the city is more a rough, working town. On the other side, you'll find a vacationer's dream retreat, with beaches and a wealth of attractions. El Sardinero Beach in Santander proudly boasts a flag that declares it as one of the eight cleanest beaches in the world. Its cleanliness does come with a price, as it's a popular spot and is often very crowded.
You'll find some of the best Santander apartments and vacation homes for rent here. Santander hotels also offer a great choice in lodging and amenities.
There are many 3-star Santander hotels to start with. The NH Ciudad de Santander hotel is situated in a privileged location in the commercial district close to the popular Puertochico and a few minutes walk from the Sardinero beach. The hotel has 62 rooms, restaurant "Airen" and five comfortable meeting rooms with capacity for up to 220 guests. NH Ciudad de Santander can provide all the technological capabilities necessary to make your event a success.
NH Express Santander Hotel is well located in the city's shopping district and the Nueva Montana Business Park. The hotel is just 3 km from Santander's historic centre and a few minutes from the El Corte Ingles shopping centre. All the 103 air conditioned rooms are equipped with modern amenities. The Express Santander Hotel provides facilities like business centre and also safe deposit box as well as parking.
Occidental Sardinero Hotel is situated in centre of Santander city, and is close to numerous tourist attractions. The hotel is just few steps away from El Sardinero Beach. All the 108 rooms here are well furnished, each with a private bathroom. Meeting rooms and party halls are also available here.
If you're interested in 4-star Santander hotels, there's an array of choices for you. Check out Vincci Puerto Chico Hotel. Lying right on Puerto Chico the hotel Vincci is just next to the docks and in a privileged setting at the edge of the Santander bay, which is in the middle of the historic centre and steps away from the beaches. The hotel's comfortable and charmingly decorated 42 rooms allow for an unforgettable stay.
There are also 5-star Santander hotels, offering a royal experience for the visitors of Santander.
Take your pick and enjoy!