A Hidden Gem of Refined Tranquility in the Basque Countryside We spent three nights at Iriarte Jauregia and left feeling deeply rested and thoroughly impressed. This beautifully restored 17th-century stone palace is nestled in the heart of the Basque countryside — a tranquil, elegant haven for those seeking to slow down and savour the finer things. Though the location is relatively isolated, that’s part of its charm. Our deluxe double room looked out across green paddocks dotted with cows and their new spring calves — a peaceful, grounding view that set the tone for each day. The interiors are exquisitely curated, with every detail carefully thought through. You can feel the love and intention behind the design — refined yet welcoming. The service was exceptional. Staff were warm and genuinely helpful, and we especially appreciated seeing the owner at breakfast each morning — his quiet pride in what he’s created is well deserved. Breakfast itself was excellent — fresh, generous, and homemade. We dined in the hotel’s bistro one night, and while the meal was pleasant, we felt it could have been a little more generous but may well have been what we ordered. That said, we are fairly discerning diners, and we still appreciated the wonderful service. For those looking to indulge further, the hotel also offers a small degustation restaurant on-site which we perhaps should have chosen instead. Iriarte Jauregia is an ideal spot for couples, design lovers, or foodies looking for a restorative escape. It’s also within easy driving distance of San Sebastián and Bilbao, making it a perfect base to explore the region while returning to the calm and comfort of the countryside. A truly special place — we loved every moment and one of our favourites during our five week holiday.

The suite that we stayed in was extremely nice, very comfortable, lots of space and relaxing The Restaurant and the Bistro were both excellent, as was breakfast, and the waiting staff in both were very good indeed

Unfortunately the weather was very poor during our stay and this hotel is very limited In such inclement weather with nothing to do on site and no inviting areas to sit and read a book or relax with a drink, there is also nothing on offer nearby. As a consequence we spent most of our time in our room catching up with paperwork. I’m sure its rural location would have been lovely had the weather been kinder. Restaurant staff were great but other staff members made no effort at all throughout the stay to be proactive or engaging in ensuring that your stay was as good as it could be.

Breakfast, as well as the overall dining experience, was outstanding. We also enjoyed dinner at the Bistro, where the quality and variety of dishes were impressive, as was the wine selection. The location is beautiful and peaceful, nestled in the heart of the countryside and surrounded by farms. The owners and staff were exceptionally polite and helpful. The owners did an incredible job renovating the space, carefully preserving the building's original character.

A spa could enhance the overall experience. However, the winding road leading up to the hotel is a little bit discouraging at night time. Other than that everything else was perfect.

During my recent trip to the Basque region of Spain, my stay at the Iriarte Jauregia hotel was an absolute highlight. Despite only staying for one night, this 17th-century palace left a lasting impression and quickly became my favorite place from the entire trip. From the moment I arrived, I was enchanted by the stunning architecture and the meticulously designed decor that perfectly blends historic charm with modern elegance. My room was incredible, offering a serene retreat with breathtaking views of the countryside. The sound of cows grazing with bells around their necks added a peaceful, Alpine-like ambiance that made my stay even more special. The culinary experience at Iriarte Jauregia was exceptional. With two on-site restaurants, I enjoyed some of the finest food and wine of my trip. Dinner was a gourmet delight, featuring creative dishes that highlighted local flavors. Breakfast was equally impressive, providing a wide array of delicious options that set a perfect tone for the day. The staff at Iriarte Jauregia were welcoming and attentive, ensuring that my every need was met with genuine warmth and hospitality. Their dedication to providing top-notch service made my stay all the more enjoyable. In summary, Iriarte Jauregia is a true gem in the Basque countryside. The magnificent palace, the remarkable decor, the incredible food and wine, and the unparalleled service all contribute to an unforgettable experience. I can't wait to return to this magical place and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a luxurious and unique stay in Spain.

The only thing I din't liked is that my stay was only for 1 night, but soon I will visit this hotel again.

The whole place is a gem in a fairy tale like setting. The staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome (I was exhausted and was able to leave my motorcycle next to the entrance of the hotel). The bistro restaurant was a wonderful option for dinner with great variety of choices.The following morning I clumsily misplaced my IPhone and the staff was extra nice in helping me with the search.

The only thing I can think of was the AC split which was rather old and somewhat noisy, but then again it made for some great white noise during a great night of sleep.

Lovely location and beautiful building. Everything in the way of amenities one would expect from a hotel of this type

The decor if very modern designer (pale grey/beige with dark wood and iron or steel) which despite the excellent older furniture and pieces on display renders it a little soulless. I mentioned to the staff on leaving the minor issues of the inability of our wardrobe to accommodate a dress (only half height hanging space) and as a “non drinking, low sugar” person a choice of Coke Zero or sparkling water was pretty poor, particularly considering there is a highly rated restaurant on site

Ate in the bistro food was lovely and staff very attentive

There were 2 little dogs staying at the hotel which were quite aggressive and barked a lot. I’m not sure why dogs are allowed in the beautiful hotel

Beautiful location. 17th century convent sensitively converted into a hotel with all the required modern facilities yet maintaining the integrity of the original. Exceptionally helpful and friendly staff who went the extra mile (or kilometre) to help one. Fabulous breakfast. Everything homemade and fresh. Very comfortable, good-sized bedroom. Easy parking. It is expensive but worth it for the experience.

The vegetarian choices in the bistro were very limited and the prices of the starters are particularly high.

Its was just what we were after for our holiday. Beautiful hotel, nicely decorated, very comfortable large bedroom with an accompanying large bathroom. Decorated exquisitely. The staff are all so friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable. The breakfast is of a good size and is of good quality and their bistro and main restaurant are of a very high level.

It is clear this is a hotel at the highest level - both the outside and inside are of top quality. The entry to the hotel is also sufficiently grand, with a tastefully organized garden and an awe-inspiring stone structure greeting you at entry. The hotel is located at a small village, with bigger cities relatively close by (approx 30 min to 1 h drive to San Sebastian, Vitoria or Bilbao) and easily accessible by car. If the plan is to explore the Basque country, car is a must. If you just want to relax in the nature, no car is needed, you're all good at the hotel. The staff is very friendly and always keen to help with whatever issue you might encounter - either with just some advice on what to do on a rainy day or flexibility with regards to your stay. The breakfast is always fresh and very tasty. The Bistro serves great elevated Basque dishes at reasonable prices. Bailara restaurant serves a degustation menu, which is tasteful, however the dish pacing is a bit quick for my liking. The hotel receives my top recommendations for everyone looking for a romantic retreat at the beautiful Basque countryside, with everything that entails (food, beautiful nature, kind people, etc).

We were looking for a quiet retreat to celebrate our honeymoon in the Basque countryside. The hotel totally delivered. However if your looking for a place with easily accessible metropolitan areas and public transport, this will not be for you. Knowlwdge of English language of certain staff (e.g. at the restaurant) could be better.