Hotel Marques de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego

This hotel was one of two inspirations for our trip to Spain for my 70th birthday. It is everything it is cracked up to be….a beautiful but quirky modern structure in the middle of captivating Rioja country, abutting the walkable and quaint medieval town of Elcolegio. The rooms are spectacular, as are the views, and service was top notch. The restaurant was great too….highly recommend on all counts!

Outstanding 5-star hotel! Spacious, nicely designed and comfortable rooms, huge bathroom, large and nice balcony. Very polite and helpful personnel. Excellent breakfast. SPA area is lovely and the gym is very well equipped. On top of all above is the unique style and design by the genius Frank Gehry! Brilliant and mind-blowing, especially under the sunlight!

I first stayed at the Hotel Marques de Riscal over 7 years ago and could not wait to return. This time i was able to spend more time and every experience with the hotel was spectacular. The individualized experience at the hotel leaves every guest feeling special. The rooms were beautiful with stunning views. Carlos in Concierge Services and Daniel with the Front Desk Team went out of their way for myself and my family to make the vacation and 5 day stay at their hotel wonderful! Each day started with a super friendly breakfast restaurant team who delivered excellent service. Then days spent touring wineries recommended by Carlos and events with delicious recommended restaurants. Each day surpassed each other. The stay included an excellent tour of Marqués de Riscal winery. The stay could not have been better. Highly recommend! Sad to have left.

This hotel was beautiful. We spent a few days here in the beginning of November. It felt deserted except when we went into the wine store, which was mobbed. The room was large, fairly updated and clean. The bathroom area was huge and modern. The staff went out of their way to be helpful and were very polite. The first night we ate in the Michelin starred restaurant. It was a little odd as it’s really just the other side of the main restaurant. We were the only ones in there and it was a bit awkward feeling. The breakfast was good, although service was very slow. The wine bar area was great and had food to match. One night we went to the “library” for a glass of wine. We were the only ones there and again it felt a little odd, but staff was helpful and sweet. There is nothing in the immediate area. We used it as a base for a day trip to Bilbao and to some other wineries. It’s a great spot to relax for a couple of days.

Luxury Collection, indeed. This hotel's 5-star rating is well-earned. The exterior, of course, is spectacular. The interior is interesting at every turn. The staff are cordial and helpful - every one. Rooms are spotlessly clean and very quiet. The restaurants have odd hours compared to US norms, but, hey, it's Spain. The delicious food is worth waiting for. I highly recommend that you take the tour of the adjacent winery.