Posada Dos Orillas

Reviewed by Laura Dibben


EXPLORING TRUJILLO.........

Within the old city walls of the picturesque town of Trujillo, ancient stone buildings and medieval cobbled streets offer a stunning historical setting to its visitors. Originally owned by Alvaro Calderón (one of the most noble families in the village), this charming 16th Century home later became Trujillo´s first silk factory. Señor Calderón´s wife, Doña Evangélica, opened up shop after loosing patience with her husband´s lavish spending that ultimately led the family to financial ruin. After opening its doors as a Hotel in 2001, the Posada Dos Orillas now pays hommage to Trujillo´s famous explorers, who, on discovering a new country on their Carribean and Latin American travels, always named a city or town Trujillo. “Orilla” means “shore”, and the name of the Hotel commemorates these expeditions between the shores of Europe and the New World.

Upon entering the Hotel I released a sigh of awe. The spacious reception area is welcoming and the decor is classically elegant. Fanned brick archways and beamed ceilings keep the eye in motion stirring up an appreciation for such beautiful architectural details. Antique furnishings dot the premises fitting in perfectly with period features.

The Hotel´s 13 bedrooms, arranged over the ground and first floors, take the names of countries wherin a “Trujillo” is found: Cuba, Nicaragua, Mexico and Extremadura (the Superior Doubles); Peru, Venezuela, Columbia and Argentina and the Dominican Republic (the Standard Doubles); Puerto Rico, Honduras, Costa Rica and Guatemala (the Junior Doubles). The charming rooms are simply yet tastefully decorated in classical style. All are equipped with Satellite television, telephone, internet access, heating and air-con, hair dryer and mini-bar. Many feature original stone walls, and all offer views either over the patio, the quiet alleyway, or the fascinating stone buildings of Trujillo´s historical quarter. For the noise sensitive, I recommend requesting a room on the 1st floor as the main level rooms do receive some noise from the reception area

Breakfast may be taken in the lovely restaurant, or in the warmer months on a beautiful split-level exterior stone patio. The awning is drawn to provide shade for lunches, and romantic dinners are also served on this patio in the summer. Regional cuisine, including a variety of fresh fish and Iberian produce are on offer.

Trujuillo is in a priviledged location for exploring the surrounding area. The Monfragüe natural park, one of the principal European nature reserves for flora and fauna, is just 15 minutes by car from the Hotel. Walking routes abound, and birdwatchers be sure to bring your binoculars. Also within easy driving distance (45km) are the Unesco World Heritage Site of Cáceres, the fabulous ancient Roman ruins of Merida (at 90km) and one of Spain´s most important historical monasteries at Guadalupe (80km) – these are all fabulous day trips. The Hotel can arrange quad bike adventures, guided walks and horse riding, fauna obeservation journeys and canoe trips on the Tiétar River.

Parking can be a bit tricky, but you may drive up to the Hotel and unload your luggage, where the receptionists will happily advise on parking.

An ideal hotel if you are looking for excellent value in a wonderful historical setting, either as a base for exploring the region or as part of a cultural tour through Extremadura.