I will be in Santiago de Compostela the first week of March, both of these hotels have quoted me the same price for a single and both are fairly close to the the Cathedral. Given the time of year, availability of central heating and hot water is a factor (the garden not so much...)

Both have been well recommended and it's a real toss-up for me as to which to choose. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Hotel Costa Vella: http://www.costavella.com
Hotel Real: http://www.hotelreal.com

Costa Vella was recommended to me by a friend and I am staying there in July. They have been very pleasant and quick to answer e-mails. This friend is from Santiago and has had other friends stay there. Let me know how it is if you stay there!!

I stayed at the Costa Vella a year ago. It is a very pleasant small hotel, the people there extremely kind and helpful, good comfortable rooms, located in a charming street, delicious chocolate breakfast, beautiful backyard garden. Summarizing, this is the hotel I intend to stay in all my future visits. I strongly recommend it.

It is nice to hear that it was so pleasant. If you have any suggestions or advise about visiting Galicia or Santiago. I would love to hear them. There is a thread titled Trip to Galicia (under favorite places) already started where you could post your thoughts!!