NH Salamanca Puerta de la Catedral

Guests are greeted in a sleek, contemporary lobby at this mid-range hotel from the NH chain. Neutral cubic armchairs and sofas offer seating on red and orange area rugs, the vivid colors punctuate the dark neutral hues of the space. Old exposed stone walls are a contrast to the modern feel of the decor, and keep it from feeling too chainlike. There's a sleek lobby bar with some seating, as well as a dining space where breakfast is served in the mornings. The hotel draws both leisure tourists and business travelers, most of whom are primarily attracted by its prime central location that makes it a great base for exploring the city on foot. 

The hotel is centrally located in Salamanca's historic old town, making it a convenient base for sightseeing. It's right across the street from the cathedral, and close to dining options, bars, shops, and historic sites, including the Casa de las Conchas, the Convento de San Estéban, Casa Lis, La Clerecía, Museo de Salamanca, and the Palacio de Anaya, which are all within a five-minute walk of the hotel. Plaza Mayor can be reached in eight minutes on foot. Salamanca's main train station is about a 10-minute drive or 15 minutes by bus. The airport is about a 15- to 20-minute drive. Madrid is a two- to two-and-a-half hour drive or three hours by train.

Rooms are clean and contemporary, with a simple and pleasant look. Off-white walls contrast the dark wood floors and black furniture, as do the dark wood headboards that frame beds topped with crisp white linens. Walls are bare save for an abstract print or two; some rooms have exposed stone accent walls that give them a rustic edge. All rooms have desks, as well as flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms add capsule coffee machines and electric kettles. Large windows fill the spaces with natural light, and some rooms have furnished terraces or balconies -- some with cathedral views. Bathrooms come equipped with shower/tub combos, double sinks, magnifying mirrors, heated towel racks, and bidets. NH-brand toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. Note that twin beds are pushed together to make a double bed.

The hotel offers a moderate selection of features and services that add convenience to a stay here -- but lacks a fitness center or full restaurant. Buffet breakfasts are served daily in the hotel's restaurant (for an additional fee) and include pastries, yogurt, fruit, cold cuts, and cheeses, plus there's a live cooking station. Other than breakfast, the hotel's restaurant is only open for private dining for groups of 15 or more, and must be arranged in advance. Besides offering drinks, the lobby bar also serves casual fare like salads, pizza, and hamburgers, plus room service is available. Business travelers are catered to with five meeting rooms for up to 220 people, plus free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. On-site parking is available, but guests note that it's tight and spaces are limited. Other services include late breakfasts and free late check-outs when available on Sundays.