45 Best Hotels in The Basque Country, Navarra, and La Rioja, Spain

Named for the three kings of Navarra, Aragón, and Castile—who, it was said, could meet at La Mesa de los Tres Reyes, in the Pyrenees, without stepping out of their respective realms—this modern glass-and-stone refuge operates on the same principle: come to Pamplona without leaving the comforts of home. Most rooms have a great view of the city.

The sharp angles and bright colors of this architecturally avant-garde luxury hotel cut a striking contrast to the vernacular architecture surrounding it. The location—12 km (7 miles) west of Laguardia in the sleepy village of Villabuena de Álava—makes it a good base for exploring La Rioja Alavesa and neighboring Rioja Alta. On the grounds are an upscale restaurant, wine cellar, and rooftop bar and gym.

Inspired by the work of Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, this blocky high-rise hotel was built over what was once the nerve center of Bilbao's shipbuilding industry—which explains the collection of Spanish ship models. Rooms are high, wide, and handsome, with glass, steel, stone, and wood trimmings. The views from upper floors are superb. 

The Bilbao outpost of this trusted chain is a good value and offers choice extras—morning newspapers at your door, tasty breakfast, comfortable rooms, and professional service—all in a central location within walking distance of all the main attractions. The adjacent Doña Casilda park becomes part of your day as you set out for sightseeing. 

This four-star near the old quarter has contemporary rooms, a well-trained staff, and a businesslike calm about it. The decor is dated and a bit hodgepodge in spots, but the efficiency—including complimentary valet parking upon request—makes up for any aesthetic shortcomings. The restaurant, Brasserie Zarcillo, with a grill for cooking over coals, has a good wine list.

Locals call this four-star newcomer a "hotel within a museum" because of its location inside the Tabakalera cultural center, a hotbed of art and innovation inaugurated in 2015 that's located 12 minutes on foot from the Parte Vieja. Expect eclectic modern decor, thought-provoking photography, and sculptural light fixtures in the guest rooms, which range from conventional doubles to airy, designer-appointed suites.

This 18th-century palace in the center of town has been restored to its original grandeur with wooden ceilings, Victorian furniture, and a grand staircase. Even the collection of carriages of the counts of Guendulain—who continue to live in the building—is on display and many of the sumptuous rooms have antique chairs and detailing. The property also has two suites.

In a renovated convent, this contemporary hotel steps from the cathedral offers a great value. The dependable restaurant in the converted chapel and simple, modern rooms make the property a practical base. (Note: prices quadruple during San Fermín.)

This 17th-century palace has panoramic views over the Álava plains and feels like a time warp with its long stone hallways decorated with bulky, opulent antiques. It's said that Napoleon's forces rested here before attacking Vitoria. Rooms have polished wood floors, and some have glass-enclosed sitting areas or hot tubs. The wood-beam dining room on the third floor makes each meal feel like a baronial feast.

Across from the Teatro Arriaga in the Casco Viejo, this boutique hotel blends old and new design touches such as centenary limestone blocks, exposed brickwork, hand-hewn beams, and spiral staircases. The standard rooms and the showers are a tight fit, and the street below can be noisy on weekends, but amenities such as a generous buffet breakfast and free bicycle rentals make up for any shortcomings. 

An idyllic beach escape with panoramic views over the Bay of Biscay, this renovated 15th-century house on Getaria's uppermost street has cozily decorated rooms. Those facing the street have heavy stone walls and carved wooden furniture, while those on the seaside are more minimal with spectacular views.

Surrender to the slow pace of country life at this family-run hotel perched on a hilltop amid rolling vineyards. The guest rooms may be on the basic side (laminate floors, nothing-special mattresses, astroturfed balconies), but what the property lacks in traditional luxury it makes up for with pin-drop silence, sweeping ocean views, and personalized attention. 

At the foot of Mount Urgull sits this airy newcomer with streamlined modern furnishings and stunning views out over La Concha and the old harbor. With three rooms per floor and flawless soundproofing, the hotel feels a world away from the boisterous street life of the Parte Vieja, which is right around the corner.

The soaring atrium, expansive lobby, and turreted corner rooms lend this dependable seven-floor hotel a grand, conservative air. A recent renovation ripped out all the wall-to-wall carpeting and added chairs and furniture with clean lines, but the bones of the building—gold bannisters, glass elevators, natural-wood door frames—still scream ’90s. 

Set in the renovated Astoria Cinema, this film-themed hotel has a spacious lobby adorned with autographed photos of the many movie stars who have attended the famous San Sebastián Film Festival over the years. Each of the contemporary rooms is named for a different star, from Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor to Robert De Niro, and adorned with their respective photographs and memorabilia.