Palacio Urgoiti
Spain: Basque Country: Bilbao
Once a 17th century Basque palace, Palacio Urgoiti recently underwent a lengthy and thorough renovation and is now a very elegant 43 room hotel located just outside of Bilbao. All accommodations are very spacious, even standard rooms are well suited for American clients and could be considered Jr. suites in some markets! Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool with large glass walls that open in warm weather months, gym, attractive restaurant serving elaborate traditional Basque cuisine that includes private dining space, and bar where guests can enjoy Rioja wine accompanied by local tapas or "pintxos". Room amenities include complimentary mini-bar with non-alcoholic beverages, WiFi, and flat screen TVs. Each room is uniquely decorated and many of the Jr. suites have very romantic and graceful dcor - honeymooners take note!

The hotel's stately hilltop position overlooking a valley and lush green landscapes is only 4 km from Bilbao International airport making it a great destination to begin an itinerary through Spain's Basque Country. This hotel is also an excellent choice for golf lovers; the hotel's grounds include a 9-hole Pitch & Putt golf course, driving range, a putting green, as well as qualified golf teachers. Worth a visit are the nearby beautiful beaches of Plentzia and Bakio, which will give visitors a feeling of the quaint and typical seaside villages common in the area. Of course, Bilbao's city center, a must for all visitors, boasts one of the most extensive collections of modern art in the famous Guggenheim Museum designed by American architect, Frank O. Gehry. Bilbao also has a restored historic center with pedestrian streets that are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.