The Ultimate Hotel in Rioja, Spain

Hotel Viura in La Rioja Alavasa, Basque Country, has to be one of the most unique hotels I have ever stayed in. It has incredible charm and a hip character - avant-garde, yet also warm and welcoming.  This boutique hotel is a destination in and of itself with two restaurants, a wine shop, rooftop terrace, wellness center and new thermal cave. My stay at Hotel Viura really elevated my visit to the Rioja wine region of Spain. Here are some of the reasons why I loved it:  

The Design: The design is one of a kind - stylish and contemporary with rustic elements inspired by the region.  Upon approaching the building, you are immediately struck by the stacked cubes, which look more like an artistic sculpture than a hotel.  Rustic materials like concrete and wood mix with stunning pieces of artwork throughout. The designers created an interesting mix of modern and tradition in a village that is centuries old. The design is not just an architectural masterpiece; it thoughtfully includes terraces, balconies and large windows in the rooms that allow for spectacular views of vineyards, mountains and the charming town.

The Location:  Hotel Viura is located in the lovely village of Villabuena de Alava next to the 17th century church, San Andrés.  Wine is the lifeblood of this town, and it is said that every family either owns or works in a winery. Several wineries are within a short stroll of the hotel, including the fabulous Luís Cañas, one of my favorite visits in La Rioja.  You really feel like a local when staying here. Despite being tucked away in your own peaceful retreat, Hotel Viura is a short drive away from famous wineries like Ysios and Marqués de Riscal.

The Rooms: My first impression: light and super spacious. Finding a large hotel room in Europe is not easy, so this was a nice surprise. I absolutely hate dark hotel rooms, so I was thrilled to open the door to warm sunlight streaming in.  With views of the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range and the charming town, I hardly wanted to leave the room. The rooms are definitely more on the modern side, with concrete floors and clean lines, yet still feel comfortable and cozy. I especially loved the window seat, taking in the view of the mountains.

The Gastronomy:  Hotel Viura takes its food seriously, with an exquisite gourmet restaurant as well as a bar and bistro. The restaurant, named Cuisine Restaurant, is in a unique setting in the lower level, almost feeling like you are in a castle. In fact, when building the hotel, a passageway was discovered that had been closed off for decades. With the perfect natural temperature for wine, this passageway became the ultimate setting for the wine cellar. The chef prepares a wonderful seasonal tasting menu as well as a la carte options - and a delicious breakfast is served here as well. The bistro and bar is a great place to meet up with others and grab a quick and delicious meal. I met my group here before dinner for a pre-meal snack - perfect for those of us not used to late dinners!

If you are planning to visit La Rioja in Spain, Hotel Viura is the place to stay if you love hip, boutique hotels.  With an ideal location, spacious rooms and delectable cuisine, Hotel Viura has all the elements for a delightful stay.

Are you thinking of a trip to wine country? Send us a note here for more info!

*Photos were taken by me and from the Hotel Viura website.