Posada Real La Carteria

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


A STAMP OF AUTHENTICITY............

La Puebla de Sanabria, perched on an bluff, is a fortified medieval village in the province of Zamora, just a short distance to the border of Portugal. At its highest points sit the 15th century castle and church that dominate the village, the entire valley and the Tera River below. As with all bastide towns, the streets are steep and cobbled, enhancing the enchanting medieval charm of the village; visiting La Puebla de Sanabria and surrounding villages is like travelling back in time.

Off the town square at the top of the village, the Posada Real La Cartería is a splendid find. This little Hotel, built in 1736, is where the Cistercian Monks of the San Martín de Castañeda Monastery used to collect the taxes of their diocese. Later, it became the village post office – the post box is still on the wall just inside the main entrance!

The overall feel of this charming Hotel is one of intimacy. A friendly greeting awaits in reception, a small salon offers a quiet place to enjoy convivial conversation, and one can always sip a café con leche or a glass of local wine in the bar. Smoking is allowed in this bar. Beautiful stone walls and beamed ceilings are the protagonists of this building´s architecture; add to this the almost minimalist décor and the result is very pleasing to the eye. The cosy public rooms are modest in size, obviously owing to the size of the original building.

La Cartería´s 8 bedrooms, although not huge, are attractive and comfortable. They comprise of 4 Doubles and 4 Suites with sitting area (rather than a separate salon). All of the rooms have full en-suite bathroom, and two of these Suites feature relaxing hydromassage baths. Rooms at the back of the Hotel have fantastic views over the Tera River and surrounding valley, some of which have small closed balconies incorporated into the gallery windows. I loved the rooms on the top floor, with their sloped ceilings and skylights. Some of the Doubles have twin beds and we therefore recommend stating your preference upon booking. Room amenities include TV, free mini-bar (no alcohol), coffee and tea-making facilities and hairdryer. Free Wi-Fi is available in the ground floor salon.

La Cartería´s sister Hotel ¨Posada de las Misas¨ (also one of our featured Hotels) is just up the street, where guests of both Hotels can enjoy a buffet breakfast overlooking the river. La Cartería´s ¨bodega¨, converted into a restaurant, has been carved out of the rock below the Hotel – it is like eating in a cave!! On offer: traditional Sanabrian cuisine. For those staying in the autumn months, you are in for a treat – this area is famous for its wild mushrooms, and autumn is mushroom season!

A simple gym with a few machines is available for health-conscious guests. There is also a small sauna and Turkish bath (which the friendly receptionists will gladly turn on for those wishing to use them, also providing bathrobes and slippers) and a hydromassage shower.

The Sanabria Lake Natural Park, just 8km from the Hotel, is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, which can be observed from the many walking and hiking routes, and even from horse back. Kayaking and rifer rafting can be arranged through the Hotel. The lake is fanstastic for swimming. Daily sightseeing flights (in three-seater planes) from Braganza (Portugal) offer a unique way to see the area.

An ideal Hotel if you are looking for intimate accommodation with friendly service, all wrapped up in a mistifying ambience. Almost untouched by international tourism, this Hotel is an excellent option for discovering the natural beauty of Real Spain.