Las Tercias

First, I must preface my review by confessing that I did not stay at Las Tercias even though I did have a reservation for two nights. My reason for writing this review is to inform other travellers about the family that runs Las Tercias, who are the epitome of kindness, caring, and chivalry. The hostal, which was recommended by a friend in Madrid, is centrally located in the center of this beautiful medieval village. I did see the room that I would have had, and it was spotlessly clean and well appointed, but I chose not to stay in Las Tercias of my own volition. Unaware of the terrain surrounding Simancas, I opted to take a local bus from the closest major town, Valladolid, about 7km away. Unfortunately for me, the local bus dropped me off on the outskirts of town, and I had no option but to walk to the hostal. The village of Simancas covers a hill that dominates its countryside. It is an ideal setting for a medieval fortress, the village that supported it, and 21st century tourists; it is a nightmare for an "older traveller" who has arrived with luggage on the hottest day of the season. With no option (there is no taxi in Simancas), I trudged one hour and fifteen minutes uphill to the hostal. The locals along the way were kind, offering directions as I slogged along. I finally arrived at the hostal, but it was shuttered tightly since I also had the misfortune to arrive on a regional holiday. Two local gentlemen banged on the shutters, and a young man came out to help me get into my room. What happened next is the reason why I chose to write this review. The young man knew of my reservation and was gracious and concerned that I had to trudge uphill for such a long time. He helped me into my room (as mentioned, spotless) and since it was so hot, he went to get me a fan. I then asked about internet service, and he told me that there was service in the common areas but because it was a holiday, the common areas (i.e. the restaurant and bar) were closed. He must have read the look on my face, because he was immediately apologetic, and he then suggested that I might be more comfortable at another hotel. After wavering a bit, I decided that moving would be my best option, so the young man went downstairs and called the hotel (Pago de Oliva, which is also outstanding) to see if they had a room. They did, and he came back upstairs to let me know that I would be able to move to the other hotel and there would be no charge for cancelling my reservation. As he helped me with my bags down the stairs, his father appeared, and he, "just by coincidence, was going into town," and he would be happy to give me a ride to the other hotel. I accepted with gratitude, even while I doubted that his timing to go into town was a coincidence at all. My purpose in writing this review is to let other travellers know about the kindness and concern of these two gentlemen, father and son, whose names I never learned, but whose generosity and caring was and is much appreciated. They did not have to cancel my reservation, much less suggest that I move to another hotel and help me get there. Once I arrived, the father escorted me inside, explained my situation to the young woman at the desk, and exhorted her to take care of me. This kind of old fashioned chivalry is rarely seen anymore, but it is totally appropriate in this delightful little village that should be on every traveller's "must-see" list.