A quirky, boutique-budget guesthouse in the old town of Alicante, with individually decorated rooms featuring antique furniture, stained glass, and plenty of charm.
Hostal Les Monges Palace is an independently owned budget guesthouse in the historic old town of Alicante, Spain, on Calle San Agustín in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood — a tight grid of whitewashed lanes at the foot of the hill below Santa Bárbara Castle. The hostal's location places it in the heart of Alicante's most atmospheric quarter: streets decorated with potted plants and street art, lined with traditional tapas bars and independent boutiques. The Explanada de España seafront promenade and the harbour are a 10-minute walk downhill, and the ascent to Santa Bárbara Castle via the historic stepped paths begins just above the property.
The hostal's defining character lies in its decoration: each room is individually furnished with antique furniture, stained-glass lamps, ornate mirrors, wrought-iron bed frames, and eclectic artworks that reflect the owner's distinctive personal aesthetic. This gives the hostal a personality entirely unlike standardised budget accommodation and appeals strongly to travellers who value atmosphere over uniformity. Room configurations include single, double, and twin options; some rooms have private en-suite bathrooms while others share facilities, making it important to specify preference clearly at the time of booking. The building has multiple storeys accessed by stairs only.
Common areas include a communal kitchen available to all guests, a small sitting room with books and local maps, and a terrace on the upper floor with views toward the castle rock. The hostal is particularly popular with independent travellers, artists, and culture-oriented visitors drawn to the Santa Cruz barrio's bohemian character. It maintains a loyal repeat visitor base and consistently receives strong guest ratings for its atmosphere and value relative to Alicante's more conventional hotel offer.
Location
C/ San Agustín, 4, 03002 Alicante
Highlights
- Unique décor
- Old town location
- Affordable
- Full of character
Tips for visiting
- Specify at booking whether an en-suite room is required — shared-bathroom rooms are significantly cheaper but en-suite availability is limited.
- The Santa Cruz neighbourhood above the hostal rewards slow exploration; the painted stairs and flower-decked lanes are among Alicante's most photographed areas.
- The walk to Santa Bárbara Castle from the street behind the hostal takes about 20 minutes on foot — the free historic ascent path is preferable to the tourist lift for atmosphere.
- Parking in the Santa Cruz area is very limited; the Teatro Principal car park on Calle Mayor is the nearest paid option.
- The morning market on Plaza del Carmen, a 5-minute walk, is a good source of local cheeses, olives, and charcuterie for a self-catering breakfast.
- The Santa Cruz neighbourhood becomes lively on warm evenings; lighter sleepers should request a rear-facing room if available.
Accessibility
Hostal Les Monges Palace does not have a lift and all rooms are accessed via staircases. The property is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests with significant mobility limitations. The surrounding Santa Cruz neighbourhood includes steep lanes and stepped paths.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What makes Hostal Les Monges Palace distinctive from standard budget guesthouses?
Each room is individually decorated with antique furniture, stained glass, and eclectic artworks, giving the hostal a unique personality. It functions more like a curated private guesthouse than a standardised budget property.
Do all rooms have en-suite bathrooms?
No, some rooms share bathroom facilities while others have private en-suite bathrooms. Guests should confirm their preference when booking, as en-suite rooms are limited and tend to book first.
Where is the hostal in relation to Alicante's main attractions?
The hostal is in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, 10 minutes' walk from the Explanada de España and the harbour, and at the base of the hill leading to Santa Bárbara Castle.
Is there a lift in the building?
No, the hostal does not have an elevator. All rooms are accessed via staircases, which may present a challenge for guests with mobility limitations or heavy luggage.
Is the hostal suitable for families?
The hostal can accommodate families in some room configurations, but the shared facilities in certain rooms, staircase access, and intimate atmosphere make it better suited to independent adult travellers.