Avila, SpainOld Town
La Casa del Presidente Small Luxury Hotels
Presidential stone manor
Presidential stone manor
Spain's first democratic prime minister built this private stone residence in the 1970s, backed directly against Ávila's medieval ramparts.
“Boutique hotel La Casa del Presidente, set in what used to be the home of former Spanish president Adolfo Suárez, has since welcomed Caleña, a restaurant”
What it’s good at
Notable
Guests register in Adolfo Suárez's preserved office, beside his original secret escape door.
Listed
Swim in Ávila's only intramuros outdoor pool, bordered directly by ancient medieval ramparts.
Listed
Restaurant Caleña cooks traditional Castilian slow-simmered spoon dishes beside Ávila's medieval stone wall.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The centuries-old stones also surround the hotel’s Castilian restaurant Caleña, as well as the glass-fronted wellness space and the outdoor pool, which sits surrounded by manicured gardens.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Ávila Cathedral and Plaza del Mercado Chico are a short walk away inside the intact Romanesque ramparts.
The rooms
Suites look directly onto the medieval city walls. Each bedroom takes its name from a democratic ideal.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Sun loungers sit beneath dark parasols along the lawn, surrounding a pool with a crescent mosaic.
At the table
Guests dine beneath brass chandeliers in the formal salon, and the underground cellar pours regional wines.
How it began
Secret political negotiations took place within the house during the 1970s, paving the way for the 1978 Spanish Constitution.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.