Saiaz Getaria Hotel
Roke Deuna 25, Getaria, Basque Country 20808, SpainWhy We Like It
Getaria is as authentic of a fishing village as they get, its picturesque profile still unspoiled and teeming with history. Saiaz Getaria Hotel is a comfortable and scenic opportunity for travelers, couples, and families alike to be in the heart of it. We love that the staff works with guests to uniquely curate each stay towards what they are after, giving the option to choose between contemporary oceanfront and classic old-town experience, and is even dog-friendly. And of course, there are few things sweeter than falling asleep to the gentle lullaby of rolling waves breaking into the cove below.
Fodor's Expert Review
Located in the historic seaside village of Getaria and overlooking Gaztetape cove below, Saiaz Getaria is a unique hotel in a 15th century gothic tower that offers dramatic ocean views and old-world charm. The hotel is perched high along Getaria’s uppermost street with steep cliffs behind it that drop down to the rocky shores and the blue Bay of Biscay beyond. The hotel is half contemporary and half classic; seaside rooms are modern with out-of-this-world views while those on the street-side are elegantly decorated with the regal aura of its medieval foundations.
Tip The staff here speaks very good English and knows everything there is to know about Getaria.
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Room
The hotel’s 18 rooms are split between seaside and street-side. Seaside rooms are spacious and intentionally minimalist (maybe too much so) in order to put the attention on the true décor of the room: the floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto the stunning coastline beyond.
Street-side rooms make up for their lack of view with exceptionally romantic interiors that are true to the building’s medieval façade. Those who love historic elegance will enjoy the gothic interiors, exposed stone walls, rich antique décor, and big arched windows from the original foundations.
All the rooms have flat screen TVs, free Wifi, minibars, and AC.
Tip Two street-side rooms on the top floor (one with a balcony) actually have their own unique views of the sea, in the distance beyond the descending red-shingled roofs of the village, that make you feel like you are staring out at a quintessential landscape painting.
Bathroom
Seaside bathrooms are clean and airy with marble counters and pleasing tile walls. Street-side rooms are similarly spacious but with more exposed stone and classic tones. All the showers have relaxation-inducing rainforest showerheads.
Lobby
The ancient portal, with its thick wooden doors and ancient stonework, leads into a palatial reception area with high ceilings, a beautiful wrought-iron chandelier, and a spectacular fireplace and mantle piece. But the place to spend your time is on the second floor, where a handsome living room with huge windows looks out to the ocean and an outdoor terrace with comfortable seating and a glass balcony separates you from the cliff’s edge.
Dining
The intimate breakfast room is a spectacular place to start the day, drenched in white with giant windows from wall to wall that overlook the rugged coast. There are no lunch or dinner options within the hotel but who needs it when there are a plethora of great restaurants right outside your door.
Drinking
In the breakfast room is also a small bar where guests can take beer, wine, or simple cocktails.
Tip If the weather is nice, we suggest having your drinks out on the second floor terrace with a glass balcony that faces the sea.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Parking is tough in this old hillside village but the hotel does offer parking spots to guests in an offsite garage just a minute’s walk away. Walking is the easy option within town, and a car will give guests access to all of the attractions of the surrounding area. Those without a car will be pleased to know there is a frequent bus that runs from both San Sebastián and the neighboring town of Zarautz to Getaria and back.
Restaurants
At the top of the village is Elkano(2-minute walk), a Michelin-stared restaurant focusing on creative seafood dishes that has put this town on the map as a culinary destination within the Basque Country. Restaurante Kaia-Kaipe (2-minute walk) is a local favorite, with views of the port and an outdoor grill that cooks up locally caught fish and other dishes fresh as can be.