Marques de Riscal Hotel; Courtesy of Marques de Riscal Hotel

In Elciego (Northern Spain), stay at an unusual hotel designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. The avant-garde luxury hotel opened in 2006 and stands out from the backdrop of the historic medieval town in the Rioja wine region. For more info about its design, see below.

The 5-star hotel offers mountain views, and stunning architecture featuring Gehry’s signature style, which can also be spotted in the form of light fixtures and furniture throughout its forty three rooms and suites. A complimentary bottle of wine comes with each hotel room or suite, along with a large-screen high-definition television, High Speed Wi-Fi access, and voicemail. Suites come additionally furnished with Nespresso coffee machines and Porsche-designed electric kettles.

Gehry Presidential Suite; Courtesy of Marques de Riscal Hotel

Guests are also offered complimentary access to the Vinothérapie® SPA Caudalie Marqués de Riscal’s common areas: indoor swimming pool, relaxation area, steam room, fitness center, Jacuzzi, and its traditional foot bath, the pediluvium.

While you are there, be sure to enjoy a lavish spa experience, and an exquisite meal at the Michelin Star Restaurante Marqués de Riscal (see photo below).

Restaurante Marqués de Riscal; Courtesy of Marques de Riscal Hotel

The town dubbed ‘the City of Wine’ is a must for a tasting tour. Start at its namesake winery (founded in 1858), then move on to the surrounding wineries in the quaint town to taste a full variety of wines.

The hotel is home to two other restaurants – Vinoteca & Bistro, located on the main floor, along with 1860 Tradición, which offers fantastic views. Its terrace is a great place to enjoy a cocktail.

1860 Tradición; Courtesy of Marques de Riscal Hotel

Marques de Riscal Hotel is part of the Starwood Hotels, a subsidiary of Marriott International. Here is some more info about the design from the website: The building is a composition of rectilinear prisms that float above the ground by three super columns that support the building. The building rises nine meters above the ground and crosses the underground wine store of Marqués de Riscal to support itself with the three super columns. This allows spectacular views in all levels, to see the vineyards, Elciego, and the mountains of the Sierra de Cantabria as a background. Everything is wrapped in cascades of titanium (Canopies) colored in pink, gold and silver symbolizing the reddish hues of red wine, the mesh of the wine bottle of Marqués de Riscal and the capsule of the bottle.

For more info or to book a room, visit – https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/biolc-hotel-marques-de-riscal-a-luxury-collection-hotel-elciego/