At a Glance
Named for the region’s main white grape varietal, this contemporary boutique hotel is a great option for travelers wanting to be based in the center of Rioja’s top bodegas.
Indagare Loves
- The hotel’s restaurant, which serves a sophisticated fusion of Basque and Riojan cuisines
- The rooftop terrace that boasts superb views of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains
- Monthly wine-paired dinners and dancing events
Review
At first glance, this ultra-modern hotel, whose façade looks like a precariously perched stack of blocks, doesn’t quite seem to fit into the tiny medieval village of Villabuena de Alava—especially given that it is next to an 18th century church. However, upon closer inspection, the hotel’s architecture melds surprisingly well into the surrounding landscape of vineyards.
Viura features 33 rooms including four suites, many of which have private terraces and panoramic views. While the corridors are somewhat dark and have a bit of an industrial feel, the rooms are chic and bathed in light. The contemporary accommodations feature white furnishings and are decorated with colorful artworks and sepia photographs. Large rugs on the polished concrete floors and abundant throw pillows on the beds soften the look. Forgoing the traditional marble or glass, bathrooms feature thick butcher-block countertops and are stocked with wonderful oils and thick comfy robes and towels. Suites feature walls of colored glass between the room and the bath.
The hotel’s lobby and restaurant have an eclectic décor, with musical instruments and pictures of rock stars on the walls and wine barrels hanging from the ceiling of the restaurant. Unsurprisingly, this wine list is excellent, and all guests should make time for a sunset drink on the rooftop deck, which is shaded by a roof made from red sails.
Who Should Stay
Couples looking for a romantic getaway and contemporary design aficionados.
Written by Gina Paoloni