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Monday, August 1, 2011

Jet Set: Hotel Don Gregorio in Salamanca

My thirtieth birthday trip is shaping up quite nicely and we’ve decided that instead of going to London, we’re heading back to Spain! I love everything about Spain and have loved every city I have ever visited in that lovely country. Fabian visited Spain for the first time when we went to Barcelona for our fifth wedding anniversary last summer and he fell in love with every aspect of the country and culture, just as I predicted he would. This time around, we’ll be heading to Madrid, but we’ll spend a couple of days in the nearby town of Salamanca. Salamanca is a gorgeous, historic city, which I’ve visited once before on my first trip to Spain. It’s a beautiful, magical place. The buildings are all made of limestone from the Castilla y Leon region which makes them appear to glow in the sun or moonlight. It’s just stunning! Madrid has a fast-paced, exciting energy similar to New York while Salamanca is the complete opposite, so I am very much looking forward to experiencing the contrast of these two cities with my husband since he was not there the first time around.

Salamanca is home to one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious universities along with a treasure trove of medieval architecture and what may be the most beautiful plaza in all of Spain. It also has some fabulous shopping and is completely walkable. We’ve decided on a hotel for our stay in Madrid, but I am scoping out a few options in Salamanca. While researching hotels, I came across the beautiful Hotel Don Gregorio which is housed in a former palace from the fifteenth century. Most hotels in Spain, even in the four and five star range, tend to leave a little to be desired in terms of design. Many are extremely traditional, while others are starkly modern so it was nice to come across such a lovely hotel within an historic setting.

{The lobby at Hotel Don Gregorio is warm and lovely, yet the modern furnishings fit perfectly within the historic building.}

{Hotel Don Gregorio Lobby}

{A Tastefully Designed Guestroom}

{This room features a terrace overlooking the beautiful city.}

{The hotel features thoroughly modern and well-appointed bathrooms.}

{Notice the original stone wall on the right along with the beautiful, wide-plank wood floors. I love it when hotel rooms have wood floors rather than carpet. It feels so much cleaner. By the way, whoever designed the hotel chose a fabulous selection of chairs!}

{I believe this room is part of a suite. I love the juxtaposition of the gilded mirror in the bathroom with the modern sink.}

{Lovely Seating Area Featuring Rich Hues of Purple}

{A Lovely Courtyard for Enjoying the Salamanca Sun}

 

Here are a couple of photos from my first trip to Salamanca in June of 2008:

{The University}

{Salamanca’s Beautiful Plaza}

{The “Casa de las Conchas” is named after the conchas, or seashells that adorn its façade. It now serves as Salamanca’s library.}

{Salamanca’s Cathedral- I promise to share lots of photos and details of our trip once we get back in November!}

18 comments:

the modern sybarite ™ said...

You will have so much fun and try eating everything. It's easy to overdose on the meats .. jamon serrano, iberico, etc, etc. but then that is also part of the fun!

Julie Khuu | Haute Khuuture said...

Wow gorgeous photos! Love the history and architecture of the space...The Hotel seems to have a great mix of the old and new...modern fixtures, old world charm...perfect pairing!

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!

Haute Khuuture Blog

claudia b said...

oh how gorgeous - i have not been to Salamanca yet, and hey are we both november birthday girls? no wonder i love your style :D

Shrimp and Glitz said...

Have so much fun!! I LOVE Salamanca. I studied abroad there in 2005, I would love to go back one day!

Tamara, Bella Boho said...

Simply stunning Paloma! I was just talking yesterday about a future trip to Spain. Salamance and Hotel Don Gregorio are now on the list. Can't wait to hear about the trip!

Kristy @ I Design Love said...

How amazing!! I want to go to Spain so bad. I hope you have fun on your trip :)

The enchanted home said...

Incredible. We were invited to a wedding in Spain first weekend of Sept. but so upset we cannot go, we are moving into our new home, which believe me I am NOT complaining about! but I was disappointed that we cannot make it, what is it they say, its feast or famine? All the great things happen at once!! Enjoy,looks like you in for a divine treat!

Female Entrepreneurs said...

Stunning! Will definitely be adding this place to my list.xx

Melanie
www.EntrepreneuressAcademy.com

Lily said...

It looks SO gorgeous !! I would love to go there !

xxLily
goldandgray.com

designstiles said...

Oh my goodness, you are bringing tears of joy to my eyes. Salamanca is where I studied abroad nearly eight years ago. I haven't been back, but it will forever hold the specialist place in my heart. I can't even express how excited I am that you will be going back. (tears)

Brittney said...

What a wonderful place! I'm looking forward to seeing what you post when you get back. Such possibilities!!

Karlita said...

lovely hotel you found!.. I spent my first christmas out of home at Salamanca.. it feels good and nostalgic to see these pictures! beautiful city!

jenchak said...

Isn't Salamanca one of the most beautiful places in the world? I absolutely love Spain...

jenchak said...

Isn't Salamanca one of the most beautiful places in the world? I absolutely love Spain...

m.r.brooks said...

My dream vacation! Looking at these pictures makes me remember studying abroad in Spain. One of my favorite photos of the entire trip is of the university. Beautiful does not even come close to describing this city!

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

That looks incredibly beautiful and relaxing! I hope you have the grandest time!

Diane Stewart said...

Lucky you, I'd love to visit Spain too. Since they won the World Cup I've been sort of obsessed. The food, wine, architecture, fabulous footballers! Love it!

Unknown said...

It's wonderful to hear that so many of you have fond memories of Salamanca. It really is a magical place! I am so excited to go back. Thanks for all the well wishes! :)