Boutique-style, independent hotel
HCUR1, Curiel, Madrid and Inland Spain
Castle hotel at the heart of the Ribera de Duero
Perched upon its little mountain overlooking the village of Curiel this pocket-sized fairy tale castle is now a stylish and comfortable hotel and a perfect base from which to discover the Ribera de Duero wine region.
Once part of Eleanor of Aquitaine's estate, the castle played a key role in the Islamic wars of the 11th century, later becoming a nobleman's prison before falling into ruin after the Christian re-population of the area and the building of the larger castle at nearby Peñafiel.
The current owners have restored the castle walls to their former appearance and inside have built a charming hotel and restaurant making good use of the architectural features.
The rooms are surprisingly light and airy and there are fantastic views from the rooftop terrace to the vineyards and hills beyond.
The owners have their own bodega in Curiel which they are happy to show to guests and of course they can help you to organise visits to any of the myriad other bodegas in the area.
Accommodation
5 Suite & 19 standard double rooms.
All rooms are quite individual and are named after historical figures associated with the castle – a short history is presented to guests with the keys.
Complementary bottle of their own wine 'Viejo Coso'.
All but 1 room are exterior and enjoy lovely views to vineyards & hills. All rooms are en-suite and have air conditioning, heating, Wifi, TV, Telephone, Minibar.
Superior rooms are larger and include a desk and a sitting area.
Hotel Features
Rooftop swimming pool and sun terrace
Parking within the grounds
Own wine production – Viejo Coso – traditional style bodega in village below castle
Mountain bikes for clients use – these are thoughtfully kept at the bottom of the hill!
Helpful reception staff can arrange bodega visits or other activities in the local area
Restaurant
The hotel has two dining rooms, a smaller one where breakfast is served and which is open mid-week for lunch and evening meals and when there are functions in the larger restaurant, which is generally used more at the weekend.
Breakfast is served to table and includes fresh coffee and juice as well as home baked & locally sourced produce.
The restaurant is open to the public and serves local Castillan style food as well as more modern dishes and has a fine selection of wines.
Hotel Facilities
24 Hour ReceptionWiFi all areas
Lift
Garden/Patio/Terrace
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage
Laundry Service
Air Conditioning
Sports and Wellbeing
Swimming Pool (outdoor, all year)Bicycle hire
Room facilities (all rooms)
En-suite bathroomHeating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Fridge / Minibar
Walk-in shower
Shower over bathtub
Hairdryer
Safe deposit box
Dining
Restaurant, open to the publicBars / restaurants within walking distance of the hotel
Bar for clients only serving drinks and light snacks
Accessibility
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobilityParking
On-site parking (free)On-street parking
Curiel de Duero, Madrid and Inland Spain
Curiel de Duero, just 2km outside of Peñafiel, is a tiny village but perhaps one of the prettiest in the region and has played an important role in the wars of conquista and reconquista around the turn of the first millenium, testament to which the castle (now a hotel)
At the very heart o the Ribera de Duero wine region Curiel is surrounded by some of Spain's most prestigious bodegas and makes the perfect base to discover the area.
But it's not all about the wine. Peñafiel itself occupyies a strategic position on the Duero river and has an impressive 15th century castle which and dominates the town from its vantage point up on the ridge
The castle now houses the official wine museum of the Ribera de Duero and offers fine views out over Peñafiel and the Duero valley.
The town has some fine medieval convents and churches and an unusual square 'El Viejo Coso', with unique wood-faced houses, where bullfights used to be held.
Local specialties are roast suckling lamb (lechazo) and Flor de Esgueva – a local cheese made from sheep's milk.
West of Peñafiel the road to Valladolid is know as the 'Golden Mile' with Protos, Vega Sicilia, Pago de Carrovejas, Hacienda Abascal, Arzuaga, and Abadia Retuerta which is now a 5 star hotel and top-level gastronomic restaurant. Whilst nearer to Curiel are the bodegas of Pesquera and Emilio Moro, in very high demand in recent years
- Peñafiel castle & wine museum
- Walking tour of Peñafiel (tourist office in main square)
- Cycle through the vineyards
- The 'Golden Mile' – legendary wine trail with Vega Sicilia and many more.
- Peñafiel's magnificent castle cum wine museum and unique square 'el Viejo Coso'.
- Richard Rogers' modernista bodega at Protos
- Valladolid at the hub of five wine regions. Lovely Old-town with great tapas!
- Fine Roman remains at Clunia, vestiges of Moorish struggles in Peñafiel
- Cycle or stroll along the banks of the Duero river