Sometimes walls speak, drawing us into the captivating history of our country. At La Casa del Presidente, they do so with an eloquence that blends heritage, warmth, and refined taste.
Located in the heart of Ávila’s old town, at the foot of its majestic World Heritage city walls, this five-star boutique hotel is unique not only for its privileged location or for being the only one with a swimming pool within the walled enclosure, but also because it was once the personal retreat of Adolfo Suárez, Spain’s first democratically elected president after Franco’s regime.
Since opening in 2019, this former summer residence from the 1970s has become a space that preserves the spirit of its distinguished resident. Guests can still visit his study, almost untouched, complete with a period library, a secret door, and the lingering energy of decisions that helped shape modern Spain. It’s a journey into the past, enriched by the comforts of the present — a chance to sleep among history and design.
The charming hotel is spread over three floors, the lower of which remains truest to the original layout. There, among wooden beams, a stone entrance hall, and Talavera ceramics, one can easily imagine the Suárez family’s summer days. The rooms are exquisitely decorated, combining pieces of art, 19th-century furniture, and corners steeped in history.
Upstairs, the ten rooms—each with an evocative name like “Dialogue”, “Freedom”, or “Joy”—are an ode to comfort. With king-size beds, luxurious bathtubs and showers, exclusive amenities, and, in some cases, terraces offering privileged views of the city walls, they provide a marvellous retreat for those seeking more than just a night in a hotel.
Yet, if one element truly completes this unique experience, it’s Caleña, the restaurant that opened its doors in November 2024 to pay a heartfelt tribute to Castilian cuisine from a contemporary perspective. This is a kitchen that takes guests on a sensory journey, beginning in memory—those rich stews from grandmother’s kitchen and the freshest vegetables from the garden—reimagined through unexpected ingredients and modern techniques.
Caleña’s seductive menu always starts with the finest seasonal produce, much of it local, and is transformed into dishes that comfort and inspire—like creamy haricot beans with wild mushrooms that taste like home, escarole turned into a refreshing gazpacho, or exquisite grilled vegetables that serve as a masterful ode to simplicity. All this is served in a setting where the crackle of embers blends with the whisper of the ancient walls.
To accompany this tempting culinary offering, the carefully curated wine cellar features selections from Ávila, as well as from across Spain and the world—an ideal pairing to any dish.
And in the morning, à la carte breakfasts are a gesture of care and patience, prepared fresh with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Because at La Casa del Presidente, even coffee follows a slow rhythm—one that guarantees pleasure and lasting memories.
La Casa del Presidente is not just a hotel, and Caleña is far from just another restaurant. It is a soulful escape steeped in history, where one can sleep in the very place where a new Spain was imagined, enjoy an unhurried breakfast, dine with heart, and gaze out at history through the window.
A haven where you can disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what truly matters.
An escape to be lived and savoured—one that always leaves you wanting to return.
La Casa del Presidente
Address: Calle de los Telares 1, 05001 Ávila, Spain
Phone: +34 920 23 69 02
Website: www.lacasadelpresidente.es
