Fodor's Expert Review Hospederia de los Parajes

Situated on the main square of the immaculately preserved medieval village of Laguardia, Hospederia de los Parajes is a 16^th century palace turned sophisticated boutique hotel that makes for an enchanting home base to explore the surrounding Basque wine country. Ancient surroundings meet modern luxury in each of the individually designed rooms, and the hotel manages to pack in two excellent restaurants, a bar, wine cellars, and a spa into its limited space.

The hotel offers a number of packages that allow guests to combine their stay with other activities and amenities, ranging from a couple’s package all the way to a gold & wine program. The staff is also happy to work with you to create a personal package for your visit before you arrive.

room

Sleek and spacious rooms are designed with a regal elegance and feature antique furnishings, exposed stone, timber beams running across the ceiling, and wood floors that feel nice against the feet. All of the hotel’s 18 rooms are uniquely designed but our personal favorites are the superior rooms that come with their own inviting jacuzzis. All rooms come equipped with modern amenities including adjustable AC, plasma TV, free Wi-Fi, and minibar.

Children under 8 stay free.

bathroom

The handsome bathrooms are airy and easy on the eyes with clean lines, polished stone, and rich marble. Rainforest showerheads and a pair of bathrobes come with every room, while some upgraded rooms also offer jacuzzi baths.

lobby

An eye-catching modern interior has been carved out of the ancient stone edifice, creating a sensational fusion of classic and contemporary. The reception area is cozy but beyond it is an atrium rising the entirety of the building with a lovely lounge area at its base with a stately atmosphere reminiscent of a museum exhibit with leather furniture to sink into.

spa

Hidden within this unassuming hotel exterior is an exotic full service spa housed in the hotel cellars and surrounded by the original stone foundations. The cool electric lighting effectively juxtaposes the old-world surroundings to create a unique relaxation experience.

dining

There are two restaurants in the hotel: Los Parajes and Las Duelas. The former is a fine dining establishment while the latter is a more traditional Rioja restaurant. They are both fantastic, with settings befitting of each of their atmospheres. If you like creative modern cuisine, Los Parajes is for you. Personally, we’re suckers for snacking and drinking out on the terrace, right on Mayor Plaza, an enchanting square that’s perfect for people watching and letting the mind wander.

drinking

Known as the caves, the basement of the 16^th century palace is a captivating system of underground passageways that once acted as shelter during armed conflicts but later became the perfect environment to store the ever-growing collection of wines. Today, we get to reap the benefits of the caves; sharing a bottle of local winemaking perfection paired with a plate of local cheeses down here is a unique experience well worth the little bit of cold.

The hotel also houses a surprisingly sleek little bar adjacent to the reception area and surrounded by the regal décor that makes for the perfect cocktail setting later in the evening.