Stay In A Work Of Art At Hotel Marqués de Riscal In Basque Country, Spain

Hotel Marqués de Riscal makes a strong architectural statement as it stands over the traditional Basque town of Elciego. Meanwhile, Frank O. Gehry designed this weird and wonderful building, and was dubbed by Vanity Fair as “the most important architect of our age.” Looking at the architect’s work online quickly reveals why. Gehry is a Canadian-American Pritzker Prize-winning architect, based in Los Angeles. He has performed some truly stunning work, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, as well as other award-winning work around the world.

Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, Spain

Located in the Basque Country of Spain, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal stands in the historic heart of the Medieval town of Elciego. It stands tall over ancient stone buildings and vineyards and brightens the view with its curves and colorful lines. It almost looks like a gift, topped by beautiful ribbons.

Meanwhile, Gehry’s stunning work isn’t just on the curvy exterior of the hotel. Once inside, the hotel features cathedral-like high ceilings, tilted walls and a zigzag effect on its windows. All combined, this makes the hotel not only luxurious accommodations but is throughout a work of art.

Offering 43 luxurious rooms and suites, Hotel Marqués de Riscal features two restaurants. One is the Michelin-starred Marqués de Riscal Restaurant, and the other the chic Bistró 1860 restaurant. Both offer diners a deluxe gourmet experience.

Room with a panoramic view

For guests looking for a spectacular view of the surrounding area, the guest lounge on the hotel’s top floor is the place to be. Here, guests can relax in comfortable leather sofas and a cozy fireplace for the winter months, along with plenty of reading material.

Meanwhile, guests can step out onto the terrace, revealing views across the vineyards and the mountains. It also overlooks the quaint and traditional medieval village of Elciego.

Hotel Marqués de Riscal offers an exclusive spa

Meanwhile, Hotel Marqués de Riscal also offers a relaxing spa experience and health and beauty treatments related to grapes. Dubbed the Vinotherapie® Spa by Caudalie, it offers a hydrotherapeutic Barrel Bath, where guests soak in an exfoliating grape marc. Moreover, the Winemaker’s Massage offered here will improve muscle tone and increase blood circulation.

The international award-winning spa is the perfect place to soak away the stresses of everyday life. Moreover, a well-equipped fitness center helps guests keep fit during their stay at the hotel.

Activities in the surrounding area

Outside of the hotel, guests can explore the expansive vineyard, which dates back to 1858. This makes the Marqués de Riscal the oldest winery in the region. Guests at the hotel can enjoy tours of the area, including wine-tasting events and information on wine-making.

For those wishing to explore the area at their own pace, complimentary bicycles are available at the hotel. Cycling in the countryside and around the narrow winding streets of Elciego is a real treat. Make sure to ask the hotel to make you a picnic, including a bottle of Marqués de Riscal wine, to enjoy while exploring the area.