Spain: Elciego, Marques de Riscal Hotel
Art Hotel Elciego Spain
In Elciego (Northern Spain), stay at an unusual art hotel designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. The avant-garde luxury art hotel opened in 2006 and stands out from the backdrop of the historic medieval town in the Rioja wine region. The entire building is a work of art. For more info about its design, see below.
The 5-star hotel offers mountain views, and stunning architecture featuring Gehry’s signature style. One can spot Gehry’s influence 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 is also available. Suites come additionally furnished with Nespresso coffee machines and Porsche-designed electric kettles.
More Hotel Amenities
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. One can enjoy a Jacuzzi, as well as 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).
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 additional restaurants – Vinoteca & Bistro, located on the main floor, in addition to 1860 Tradición, which offers fantastic views. Its terrace is a great place to enjoy a cocktail.
Additional Info About the Design
Marques de Riscal Hotel is part of the Starwood Hotels, a subsidiary of Marriott International. The building is a composition of rectilinear prisms floating above the ground. These are held up by three super columns that support the building. It rises nine meters above the ground and crosses the underground wine store of Marqués de Riscal to support itself with the three super columns. Therefore this allows for 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. This symbolizes 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/