Palacio Arriluce About The Hotel
If you’re looking for typical Old-World charm, Palacio Arriluce does not disappoint. Located on a glamorous, tree-lined, residential street in the quiet town of Gexto, the hotel allows guests to follow in the footsteps of the area’s notable families. And, it’s only a short car ride from the Guggenheim Museum and pintxo hopping in Bilbao.
The original 1912 Neo-Gothic style mansion, once home to a Spanish Marquis, was meticulously converted from family abode to 49-room Leading Hotels of the World, making its debut in 2023. Historic homes re-imagined as boutique hotels offer familiarity with creature comforts – here it’s a stained-glass chapel-turned-hideaway-champagne lounge, impeccable service and the near-private Neguri Spa & Wellness, where we were able to have the sauna, steam room and pool to ourselves.
Palacio Arriluce Design
The well-designed hotel, with cohesive sage green, white and navy-blue colour palette, features a seamless marriage of old and new – the original hand carved wooden staircase sits beside a modern glass elevator; Kupka Cocktail Bar is tucked inside of the old library (complete with hidden doors); the croquet lawn leading down to a sleek pool terrace, where we loved relaxing while watching the sun set over the Bay of Biscay.
Palacio Arriluce Dining
Delaunay restaurant offers an exclusive menu designed by award-winning Basque chef Beñat Ormaetxea. We loved the whole fish, carved tableside with accompanying pil-pil, and twists on classic dishes like the reinvented paella, served as crisp soccarat with delicate prawn veil. Plus, who doesn’t want a pan con tomate with slice of Basque cheesecake at breakfast?
Within a few minutes walking distance of Ereaga beach, and just 15 minutes by car to the airport, it’s the Belle Epoque touches, stellar Sonia Delaunay artwork, fine cuisine and ample service details (like the underground wine cellar where guests can choose their own bottle for dinner) that make this a truly standout retreat.
Atxekolandeta Kalea, 15, 48992 Algorta, Bizkaia, Spain; palacioarrilucehotel.com
This original article first appeared in the SPRING 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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