JES28

We're planning our honeymoon and would like to spend a couple of nights in the Rioja region of spain for some wine tasting. We're looking for a luxury hotel, inn, b&b or apartment/cottage rental that has vistas of the hills, wineries, etc. and a room with a balcony.
Any great recommendations?

Robert2533

There is only one 5-star luxury property in the Rioja, the Marqués de Riscal, managed by the Starwood Group (www.hotel-marquesderiscal.com).

Our favorite 4-star luxury property is the Hotel Viura (www.hotelviura.com/en/index.html), which we think would be far more personable for someone on a honeymoon.

You might want to take a look at: http://tinyurl.com/kp3n6t4

JES28

Thanks so much. I was hoping to find something less contemporary and more countryside with a view....something like this (but in the Rioja area): http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/pala...tml?aid=360107
But I'm sensing this may not exist there?

kimhe

Real Casona de las Amas might be what you're looking for:
http://www.realcasonadelasamas.com/e...hotel_eng.html
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/real...mas.en-gb.html

Fairly close to the Rioja Alavesa vineyard presented in this great Munchies video (from 8.30 mins): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAoT3fPIACc

JES28

Yes Kimhe, this is the type of place we're looking for - thank you! Can you tell me if its in or near a town with restaurants and bodega's?
I love the video - it's getting me excited to get there!

Robert2533

As nice as Real Casona de las Amas is, it's a bit off the beaten track for touring in the Rioja Alavesa. Briones would have the closest restaurants I could recommend, Los Calaos de Briones. Of course Briones is the home to one of my favorites wineries the Rioja Alta, Miguel Moreno (www.miguelmerino.com).

The Venta Moncalvillo is by far the best one in the immediate area (www.ventamoncalvillo.com), but it's also the most exclusive, but not that expensive. It's about a 20 minute drive from Real Casona de las Amas.

If you stayied at Real Casona de las Amas, you would be within a 30-minute drive of one of the top restaurants in all of the Rioja (Alta or Alaves), Echaurren, in Ezcaray.

kimhe

The fine, little town Nájera is only 3-4 miles from Real Casona de las Amas. http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres...os/najera.html

Interesting place in itself (pop. about 8000), on the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela and plenty of restaurants etc.: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran..._La_Rioja.html

kimhe

... and the Real Casona de las Amas would be some 40 miles from the Remelluri vineyard in the video: http://www.remelluri.com/en/index.html

They arrange tours, but you should book ahead: http://www.remelluri.com/en/visita-g...remelluri.html
Contact details: http://www.remelluri.com/en/contacto.html