This hotel is a point of strong cultural interest with roots in the 16th century; it was originally meant to house a military order under King Ferdinand the Catholic and went on to serve as a hospital for pilgrims. The exterior façade is an important example of Spanish Renaissance architecture; the lobby is replete with oil paintings, carved stone, and heavy wood doors. The property is also a popular destination for weddings. Pilgrims often stop here before or after walking a part of Saint James' Way.

The Parador Hostal San Marcos de Leon is situated on the Plaza San Marcos, near the center of town and within easy walking distance of a number of other historic monuments, including the magnificent Leon Cathedral. The hotel is walking distance from the local train station and about about two city blocks from a number of bus stations.

The standard rooms here are eclectic in style, with hanging wall tapestries, handsome dark wood bedframes, and contemporary easy chairs in jewel tones. Larger rooms are considerably more grandiose and historically faithful with late medieval style four poster beds, glass chandeliers, and velvet settees. Bathrooms are outfitted in marble floors and walls and typically have a full tub and custom toiletries.

This hotel has extensive, peaceful gardens and a beautiful courtyard that is ideal for people watching. There are two dining rooms (the less formal is said to have more approachable service). A cloister, museum (with a collection of artifacts surveying human activity in Leon from the Paleolithic to the present), and a shrubbery maze are all found throughout the grounds.