Maribel |
Feb 18th, 2002 05:16 PM |
Catalina,<BR>I stayed for 10 (!) nights last July at the Hotel Avenida while working in a tour-related job during the San Fermin festival and will be returning to the Avenida this year during San Fermin. The rooms there aren't fancy, it's just a 3 star, but it's comfortable, some rooms have balconies overlooking the square, and the location is perfect. No breakfast buffet (at least not during San Fermin), just a la carte. It's within easy walking distance of the Plaza Castillo and all the major sights, and all the staff is very sweet and accomodating, particularly the front desk staff, and Jose Ignacio, the general manager. It's become a home away from home for us during the festival. The hotel's restaurant, the Leyre, serves very fine regional cuisine, and the downstairs bar is always lively-a local hangout. <BR> <BR>But because it is a part of my job, I've inspected all the Pamplona hotels, from 4 star to no star, and the very *best* in terms of creature comforts, amenities and style is the hip, classy, recently renovated AC Ciudad de Pamplona, which has terrfic weekend rates (but not during San Fermin!). But it's further afield, in the Iturrama district (but only a 15 min walk from Plaza Castillo). After the festival, while the Avenida was being spruced up, we stayed at the AC for a weekend in late July, and the rooms, although on the small side, are very snazzy, recently renovated in a stylish, "W" way and have great marble baths with lots of goodies. Across the street you'll find a fabulous tapas bar/restaurant called "El Recreo" with a dynamite Basque owner-chef who is one to watch. <BR>But if you stay at the Avenida, just up the street there's an equally great tapas bar/restaurant, "Casa Luis", that is only known to locals-no tourists-a real find, and a well regarded restaurant just a block away on the other side, serving fine Navarran cuisine called "Enekorri" (Tudela #14) with a very noteworthy wine list and a lively tapas bar, again frequented by locals and not known to tourists.<BR>I'd say take the one that offers you the best rate for your dates. I've enjoyed them both.
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