Hotel San Telmo

Hotel San Telmo

, C/ San Telmo 5, Santa Cruz de la Palma, La Palma.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is a quaint little town, filled with colonial architecture, and Hotel San Telmo is an integral part. There's impeccable style, personal attention from the owners and a lovely breakfast in this 17th century house that has become a boutique hotel.

At the heart of Hotel San Telmo is the floral central patio and the rooftop terrace, blending old and new in charming harmony. The terrace gives a view over the old town rooftops and the sea. The combined reception, breakfast room and bar is a cosy spot to enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine.

Breakfast is a tasty selection of local meats and cheeses accompanied by tropical fruits, yogurts, jams, cereal and good coffee. Next door there is a restaurant with a contemporary creative take on traditional Spanish tapas. There are lots of other restaurants and café-bars within walking distance and owners Richard and Bernard enthusiastically offer recommendations.

The Classic Double Rooms in the old house retain many original features, having traditional wooden ceilings and either a balcony or direct access to the patio. Other more contemporary rooms have either a patio view or a sea view. Finally, there is the studio apartment with a spacious living room and accommodation for three.

Santa Cruz is a delight to stroll around and there's a readily accessible beach of black volcanic sand right nearby, Behind Santa Cruz the land rises steeply to the highest part of the island and the famous Caldera de Taburiente. Winding roads full of hairpin bends will carry you to many of the most spectacular features, while walkers can press on to see others that are denied to the car-bound. (Nervous drivers need not worry as the roads are adequately wide and well protected.)