Hotel Marques de Riscal, bar

Hotel Marques de Riscal, located in Elciego, Spain, is quite a sight to see. There’s also a bar there where you can taste various wines and enjoy the surroundings. Here’s a look at the bar itself:

Interior of the bar at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Interior of the bar at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

And here’s a small selection of wines available:

Wines available at the bar in the Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Wines available at the bar in the Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Naturally, you’ll want to have a little snack with your wine, and here’s a good example:

Snacks with wine at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Snacks with wine at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

There’s comfortable banquet seating on the other side of the room with evidence of past enjoyment on the wall.

A wall of wine at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

A wall of wine at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Plenty of bottles there! You may want to step out to the terrace for a view of the town of Elciego and the adjacent vineyards as you see in the next photo:

Terrace at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Terrace at Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

If you’re passing through the La Rioja region of Spain, this is a must see place. Take the tour of the “Ciudad de Vino,” have a glass on wine, and make the most of it.

 

Published in: on June 24, 2014 at 9:35 am  Leave a Comment  
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Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain

Marques de Riscal is a famous winery that has done many clever and interesting things. In recent times, they hired architect Frank Gehry to design a hotel for the Elciego, Spain, location. Here’s a look at the building:

Frank Gehry designed Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Frank Gehry designed Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

That is one funky design that definitely catches your eye. It’s set amid vineyards at the edge of the village of Elciego. Here’s a look at the other side:

Frank Gehry designed Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

Frank Gehry designed Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain.

The terrace you see there is a great place to sit for a drink supplied by the bar inside. I’ll have a post about that very soon. In the mean time, I suggest you check this place out if you are interested in architecture, wine, both, or simply like to see the creative expressions of others put to good use. Enjoy the journey.

Published in: on June 23, 2014 at 7:13 am  Comments (1)  
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Hotel Puerta de Pamplona

Hotel Puerta de Pamplona recently changed its name from Hotel Puerta del Camino. Located at the edge of the old town, it offers comfortable rooms, an excellent restaurant, and off-street parking.

Facade of Hotel Puerta del Pamplona, formerly Puerta del Camino.

Facade of Hotel Puerta de Pamplona, formerly Puerta del Camino.

I highly recommend the off-street parking. There are very few places in this part of town, and your vehicle will be right there if you want/need it. Moving inside, you’ll find a welcoming lobby with plenty of seating. The rooms are well-appointed.

Standard room at Hotel Puerta del Pamplona.

Standard room at Hotel Puerta de Pamplona.

Complete with safe, mini-bar, clothing rack and more:

Other view of standard room at Hotel del Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

Other view of standard room at Hotel de Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

Bathrooms have everything you need as you see in the next photo:

Bathroom in standard room at Hotel Puerta del Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

Bathroom in standard room at Hotel Puerta de Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

As well as a nice amenity kit that will come in handy and save you packing space.

Bathroom amenities in standard room at Hotel Puerta del Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

Bathroom amenities in standard room at Hotel Puerta de Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

Finally, here’s a view of an outdoor gathering space as well as the parking. Again, I highly recommend paying for parking at the hotel.

Parking at Hotel Puerta del Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

Parking at Hotel Puerta de Pamplona, Pamplona, Spain.

I had a great stay here. Sadly, only one night, but did explore the town, see the sights, and have a few conversations with the locals. Also, a great meal at the hotel restaurant, La Capilla. More on that in a future post, so check back often.

 

Published in: on June 20, 2014 at 7:36 am  Leave a Comment  
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Hotel Claris, rooftop

During my recent stay at the Hotel Claris in Barcelona, I availed myself of the rooftop amenities. There’s nothing like a pool with a view, and this one qualifies:

Rooftop pool at Hotel Pau Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

Rooftop pool at Hotel Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

After a day of meandering about the city, what a pleasure to come back, don the swim trunks and take a dip! But, there’s more, such as a gym with a few pieces of equipment to help burn off those calories:

Gym and sauna on the rooftop at Hotel Pau Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

Gym and sauna on the rooftop at Hotel Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

Now, let’s say you want to have a little get together with family, friends, or business associates. There’s a great space atop this hotel for just such a gathering:

Rooftop meeting space at Hotel Pau Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

Rooftop meeting space at Hotel Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

Of course there is a bar with covered and outdoor seating as well:

Seating for the rooftop bar at Hotel Pau Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

Seating for the rooftop bar at Hotel Claris, Barcelona, Spain.

These rooftop amenities make the Hotel Claris a wonderful place to stay, offering a variety of options for you to enjoy while visiting Barcelona. Enjoy it all.

Published in: on June 14, 2014 at 3:43 am  Comments (1)  
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