HLAG3, Laguardia, North Spain
Country style hotel with pool and spa atthe heart of La Rioja wine region
Just down the hill from the delightful, historic town of Laguardia – one of our favourite spots in La Rioja – this traditional 4-star country hotel is an excellent base from which to enjoy the Rioja wine region.
In warmer months the large outdoor pool set in well-kept gardens and the hotel’s sheltered terrace are perfect for making the most of the micro-climate which blesses the local vineyards which grow all around the hotel providing some of Spain’s finest wines.
The excellent Bodegas Campillo is just behind the hotel and there are several others, including El Fabulista and Cosme Palacio and Solar de Samaniego, within a 10-minute walk whilst Haro, Logroño and all the famous wineries in between are all within a half hour’s drive.
Rooms are traditional with a country-style décor but offer all the modern conveniences. Upgraded rooms add 4-poster beds and seating areas whilst suites provide separate living rooms.
There's a fine-dining restaurant, wine bar, coffee shop and terrace as well as a gym, and a spa with indoor pool.
Accommodation
The hotel’s 84 rooms are quite simple but charmingly rustic with white walls, wooden floors and either white linen or country-style prints. Rooms are generally quite spacious and superior rooms add 4-poster beds and seating areas whilst suites provide separate living rooms and some have small balconies.
Hotel Features
Outdoor pool and gardens
Gym, and spa with indoor pool
Bike rentals
Complementary on-site parking
Restaurant
Breakfast is an extensive buffet with hot and cold produce and can be taken indoors or on the terrace.
The hotel boasts two dining options. El Medoc Alavés specialises in à la carte dining, featuring classic Riojan fare whilst the Bistro offers less formal dining – and the hotel’s terrace provides a lovely setting for enjoying wine and tapas.
Just next door, and with the same owners, the Restaurante Villa Lucía offers excellent grilled meats paired with an extensive selection of local wines.
There are many other options in Laguardia just 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Hotel Facilities
24 Hour ReceptionTour Booking Service
WiFi all areas
Spacious Grounds
Lift
Garden/Patio/Terrace
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage
Laundry Service
Sports and Wellbeing
Swimming Pool (outdoor, seasonal)Swimming pool (indoor)
Gym
Spa
Bicycle hire
Room facilities (all rooms)
En-suite bathroomHeating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Fridge / Minibar
Hairdryer
Safe deposit box
Desk
Dining
Restaurant, open to the publicBars / restaurants within walking distance of the hotel
Bar with terrace, 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)Pets
Pets allowed by prior arrangement - please consult
Laguardia, North Spain
The historic walled town of Laguardia, strategically placed upon a small hill looking out over the plains of the Rioja Alavesa, is the perfect base from which to explore the region. Populated since Neolithic times, the town became particularly important in the middle ages when the kings of Navarra built an important palace / fortress there to defend against the Moorish and Castillian invaders. Later, at the end of the 12th century, the whole town was fortified with a wall, which still stands in part today.
In the 15th century Lagaurdia passed into Castillian hands and was incorporated into Alava. This began a period of peace for the town and the 16th century saw the development of the wine industry, with the construction of bodegas or caves beneath the streets and houses. Today Laguardia is a pedestrian town, as vehicles cannot enter the town walls due to the risk of these cellars caving in!
The town itself is perfectly preserved and a joy to wander around; the visitor can visit among other things several bodegas, fortifications and the amazingly well preserved polychromatic archway in the church of Santa Maria. There is a good selection of bars and restaurants and interesting shopping, especially for those with an interest in wine.
Nearby there is plenty to explore with several dolmens and a Bronze Age settlement within a short drive. There are, of course, a wide selection of vineyards nearby, some of which have employed the world’s best architects (such as Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame or Santiago Calatrava) to remodel their bodegas into veritable temples. There are two wine museums, the nearby Villa Lucia and the new Dynastia Vivanco at Briones, a must for any visitor to this region (it is advisable book well before you go to avoid disappointment +34 941-322323 or email infomuseo@dinastiavivanco.es).
For walkers there are plenty of trails through the vines or for the more adventurous there are the nearby Cantabrian Mountains and the Natural Park of Izki with mountains in excess of 1000m. There is a golf course open to the public in Izki and horse riding can be arranged nearby.
Vitoria is less than an hour away and Pamplona (1hr 45), San Sebastian (2hr30) and Bilbao (1hr 30) all make for interesting excursions, while the local small towns in Rioja Alavesa are fascinating to wander in.
- Winery tours and tastings in over 500 renowned vineyards.
- Visit the stunning Church of Santa María de los Reyes with it's polychromatic portico.
- 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.
