Hotel Rural Camino Médulas, quiet and green in Ponferrada
Hotel Rural Camino Médulas is a hotel with a family feel in Ponferrada, with a large garden, a seasonal pool, a bar-restaurant and free parking. It suits anyone who wants a quiet base for Las Médulas and El Bierzo. Families, groups and travellers with a pet will feel at home, although reviews are split on cleaning and upkeep.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Hotel Rural Camino Médulas.
Where Hotel Rural Camino Médulas is and how to get there
Hotel Rural Camino Médulas is on Avenida de Portugal, in Ponferrada (León), in a countryside setting just outside the town. It has plenty of outdoor space, made for those who want to sleep quietly and get around El Bierzo and Las Médulas. For me, its biggest asset is that mix of calm and closeness.
The easiest way to arrive is by car, as the hotel has a large free car park. Reviews don't agree on how close it is to Ponferrada. One guest says it is a few minutes' walk away, another recommends taking a taxi from reception, and another arrived by bicycle, with some effort, up the climb to the upper area of Orellán. The reference airport is León, which is quite a distance away.
What the rooms and facilities are like
The rooms have a rustic style and come with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a desk and a wardrobe. Some include a jacuzzi bath. Opinions on size are mixed: some guests find them very spacious and clean, while others think they are fine but not very large.
The outside is what really stands out at this hotel. There is a garden with huge trees, some with little signs (I am a sequoia, I am an oak), a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace overlooking the pool, a children's play area, a tennis court, a barbecue and a shared lounge. There is also a bar and restaurant, with a buffet breakfast. One review describes it as a park looked after with great care, and I think that image is pretty accurate.
What guests highlight
On Google it has 4.2 out of 5 from 665 reviews, a solid score for a rural hotel. The positive comments keep coming back to a few points.
- The staff. Several guests talk about friendly, attentive staff, and one says they were recommended walking routes, told about the history of Las Médulas and given tips for planning the visit.
- The calm. Many reviews describe it as a very peaceful place, ideal for resting and switching off, with a family feel.
- Pets and parking. Pets are welcome, and one guest who travelled with theirs got every help. The large free car park also comes up again and again.
- The food. Guests mention simple but well-made food and low prices, with a daily set menu, a snacks menu and a guest who had a veal chop with potatoes for dinner.
What to know before booking
With a score like this, it is no surprise there are good reviews, but there are also very harsh criticisms, and they all point to the same thing: maintenance. Several reviews mention a recent change of management. Some say it has given the hotel new life, and others say it still carries some neglect.
| The good | Worth knowing |
|---|---|
| Quiet setting, with garden and seasonal pool | The pool and play area look worn out to some guests |
| Friendly, approachable staff | Two reviews mention poor cleanliness |
| Large free car park, pets welcome | One guest found the breakfast mediocre |
- Cleanliness. One guest found the room dusty, with dirty fittings and hairs on the sheets, and says the sheets were only changed after they complained.
- The state of the facilities. Another review describes a rather dilapidated pool and a very worn children's play area, although they acknowledge the staff are very friendly.
- Large groups. A big group who booked a house and two studios say they did not look like the photos and had to find another place to stay. If you are travelling with a lot of people, confirm exactly which accommodation you will be given.
Who the hotel is for
I would choose it for families, groups of friends and travellers who explore the area at a relaxed pace and value friendly service and natural surroundings more than luxury. If you are travelling with a pet, it is worth considering, and if you like eating without going anywhere, the restaurant saves you the trip.
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for spotless, modern facilities, or to anyone who puts cleanliness above everything else. In that case, contact the hotel first and ask about the specific room.
What to see near Ponferrada
The number one reason to come to this area is Las Médulas, the former Roman mines, and the hotel is a good starting point for visiting them. In Ponferrada you can see the castle, and the Carucedo lake is nearby.
If you want to carry on your journey around El Bierzo, here are two places to compare: Albergue El Castillo in Villafranca del Bierzo and Vivienda Turística Los Sitios in Astorga.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
