Hotel Marques de Riscal
HECG1, Elciego, North Spain
Impressive 5 star modern hotel, stands out for its architecture, set amongs the vines in Rioja
Frank O. Gehry's architectural fantasy in titanium and steel set among the vines in the Rioja Alavesa is all the more striking for the stark contrast of the building with its surroundings. Unlike Bilbao's Guggenheim, his most famous Spanish creation, which sits so comfortably in its urban landscape, the Marqu?s de Riscal 'wine city' is defiantly incongruous with its medieval, rural neighbours.
Inside the hotel the architect's talent and attention to details are reflected in every aspect of the d?cor with flowing maple-wood walls, leather furniture, and wonderful views from every window framed by the building's unique structure.
The hotel has two gastronomic restaurants, one Michelin-starred, the other more traditional as well as a Vinoteca wine bar & bistro. It is also renowned for its luxury spa facilities offering all manner of wine-based treatments.
Elciego is a charming little village and well placed to discover the charms of the Rioja Alavesa and La Rioja itself with both Logro?o and Haro within easy reach. Laguardia, a real medieval gem, is just 10 minutes' drive away and lovers of modern architecture will find much to marvel at in the so called 'Templos de Vino' including Calatrava's Ysios and the Riscal itself.
Guests can also enjoy a complimentary scheduled guided tour of the Marques de Riscal winery.
Accommodation
43 rooms including deluxe rooms, premium rooms and several suites.
24 rooms are housed in the main Gehry building whilst a further 29 rooms are located in the Spa building which is reached by a covered glass walkway.
All rooms are spacious and have been designed by Frank O. Gehry including some of the unique furnishings.
A refreshment centre (fees apply) is stocked for your convenience alongside complimentary bottled water and a bottle of Marques de Riscal wine.
One king-size or two twin Luxury Collection beds are dressed with feather down duvets and plump feather or hypoallergenic pillows (upon request). Retreat to a spacious mirrored and Italian marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, a separate bathtub, dual washbasins, and a private telephone. Upscale amenities include plush bathrobes and slippers, a makeup and shaving mirror, a salon-style hairdryer, and Caudalie products.
Daily housekeeping service, a nightly turn-down service, a private in-room safe, and a newspaper delivered to your door.
Suites and superior rooms are larger and offer additional facilities such as a lounge area or terraces.
Hotel Features
World-class, architect designed hotel amongst the vineyards
Parking on-site
Wine Bar Bistro
Roof terraces and library
Pool and Spa
Steam room/hammam
Fitness centre
Restaurant
An extensive breakfast buffet can be enjoyed in the restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
The hotel's main restaurant has links to the famous Echaurren one of La Rioja's flagship restaurants and boasts a Michelin star.
For something more traditional (or on Sundays and Mondays when the main restaurant is closed) the 1860 restaurant offers local specialties with a twist.
Both restaurants offer an extensive wine list.
There's also a 'Vinoteca' wine bar / bistro next to the main lobby which serves drinks and snacks all day.
Hotel Facilities
24 Hour ReceptionWiFi all areas
Lift
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Laundry Service
Air Conditioning
Sports and Wellbeing
Swimming pool (indoor)Gym
Spa
Room facilities (all rooms)
En-suite bathroomHeating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Fridge / Minibar
Walk-in shower
Shower over bathtub
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Safe deposit box
Desk
Dining
Restaurant, open to the publicBar, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks
Accessibility
Facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobilityRoom(s) adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Parking space adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Parking
On-site parking (free)Electric vehicle charging station
Pets
No pets allowedElciego, North Spain
Elciego, 40 minutes from Vitoria-Gasteiz and 20 minutes from Logroño, is an attractive little town in La Rioja Alavesa, founded in 1067 and admired today for its architecture of handsome stone buildings, the palacios bearing their coats of arms.
A modern addition is the Bodega of Marques de Riscal, designed by the architect of the amazing Bilbao Guggenheim, Frank O. Ghery. The town has three bars, a restaurant, a municipal swimming pool (open 16th June – 16th September), and is ideally located for exploring the wineries of La Rioja, or for following the “Route of the Monasteries”. Nearby Laguardia, a beautiful medieval walled town, is a must.
NB_There are fiestas in the village on the first weekend in July, the 14th, 15th, 16th August, and the 6th – 12th September – fun, but very noisy. The grape harvest, La Vendimia, usually coincides with the fiesta of El Pilar, 7th – 12th October.
- Winery tours and tastings in over 500 renowned vineyards.
- Logroño's charming old town and lively tapas bars of Calle Laurel
- The historic Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada on the Camino de Santiago
- Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park for hiking and nature.
- Monasteries of Yuso and Suso in San Millán de la Cogolla.
- Haro Wine Festival (Batalla del Vino) in late June.
- Dinastia Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture – not to be missed
- Dinosaurs Museum in Enciso showcasing the region's paleontological heritage.
- Visit the medieval villages of Laguardia, Labastida, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Cuzcurrita del Rio Tirón and many more…
- Explore the vineyards and countryside, with scenic views of rolling hills and vine-covered landscapes.
- Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry – one of several ‘Catedrales de Vino’ in the area designed by famous architects.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards for a unique perspective.