Iriarte Jauregia

During my recent trip to the Basque region of Spain, my stay at the Iriarte Jauregia hotel was an absolute highlight. Despite only staying for one night, this 17th-century palace left a lasting impression and quickly became my favorite place from the entire trip. From the moment I arrived, I was enchanted by the stunning architecture and the meticulously designed decor that perfectly blends historic charm with modern elegance. My room was incredible, offering a serene retreat with breathtaking views of the countryside. The sound of cows grazing with bells around their necks added a peaceful, Alpine-like ambiance that made my stay even more special. The culinary experience at Iriarte Jauregia was exceptional. With two on-site restaurants, I enjoyed some of the finest food and wine of my trip. Dinner was a gourmet delight, featuring creative dishes that highlighted local flavors. Breakfast was equally impressive, providing a wide array of delicious options that set a perfect tone for the day. The staff at Iriarte Jauregia were welcoming and attentive, ensuring that my every need was met with genuine warmth and hospitality. Their dedication to providing top-notch service made my stay all the more enjoyable. In summary, Iriarte Jauregia is a true gem in the Basque countryside. The magnificent palace, the remarkable decor, the incredible food and wine, and the unparalleled service all contribute to an unforgettable experience. I can't wait to return to this magical place and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a luxurious and unique stay in Spain.

Ate in the bistro food was lovely and staff very attentive

Beautiful location. 17th century convent sensitively converted into a hotel with all the required modern facilities yet maintaining the integrity of the original. Exceptionally helpful and friendly staff who went the extra mile (or kilometre) to help one. Fabulous breakfast. Everything homemade and fresh. Very comfortable, good-sized bedroom. Easy parking. It is expensive but worth it for the experience.

It is clear this is a hotel at the highest level - both the outside and inside are of top quality. The entry to the hotel is also sufficiently grand, with a tastefully organized garden and an awe-inspiring stone structure greeting you at entry. The hotel is located at a small village, with bigger cities relatively close by (approx 30 min to 1 h drive to San Sebastian, Vitoria or Bilbao) and easily accessible by car. If the plan is to explore the Basque country, car is a must. If you just want to relax in the nature, no car is needed, you're all good at the hotel. The staff is very friendly and always keen to help with whatever issue you might encounter - either with just some advice on what to do on a rainy day or flexibility with regards to your stay. The breakfast is always fresh and very tasty. The Bistro serves great elevated Basque dishes at reasonable prices. Bailara restaurant serves a degustation menu, which is tasteful, however the dish pacing is a bit quick for my liking. The hotel receives my top recommendations for everyone looking for a romantic retreat at the beautiful Basque countryside, with everything that entails (food, beautiful nature, kind people, etc).

The remote location is an advantage, for the quietness and the views, but also an inconveneince as you would have to drive probably 20 miles to find another good restaurant, and the roads have a lot of curves, as can be expected in the mountains. The hotel grounds, building, decoration of common areas and bedroom are superb. The food was delicious and the staff very nice and efficient. The degustation menu at Bailara should not be skipped at 85$