Artful Escapes: Palacio de Godoy
In Cáceres, the 16th-century residence of conquistador Francisco de Godoy is reintroduced as a boutique stay with postcard views of Old Town
With its cobbled lanes and skyline of remarkably preserved bell towers, Cáceres presents its past with striking immediacy. That sentiment finds vivid expression at Palacio de Godoy, Curio Collection by Hilton, a boutique hotel set within the 16th-century residence of conquistador Francisco de Godoy. Built in 1563, the Renaissance palace underwent a restoration by BSV Arquitectos to introduce contemporary elements attuned to the historic building, including granite sourced from the original quarry.
Carefully considered interiors by Polish designer Szymon Keller marry regional heritage with references to Peruvian culture. Bar Virú crowns the building with postcard views over the UNESCO-listed Old Town and surrounding countryside, while its restaurant, Mamay Aldana, channels Cacereño traditions through a menu that draws on regional ingredients such as Iberian pork, Torta del Casar cheese, and seafood from the Bay of Biscay. There’s a skylighted cloister, and gardens by Álvaro de la Rosa pair native flora with species introduced from the Americas, echoing the exchange that followed Spain’s expeditions.
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2026 Summer Issue in the section “Artful Escapes.” Subscribe to the magazine.