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Rua Mayor de Peralta, 24-26
01300 Laguardia (Álava), Spain
(+34) 945 621 015
Variable rates: $78-$100 per room
Our Rate: N/A – We rented the entire house for a negotiated rate.
Booked Via: Direct
Reviews: TripAdvisor
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If you’re planning a multi-day trip to the Rioja region of Spain, this is where you want to stay. In fact, you’ll probably never want to leave! And what about the name? Erletxe is Euskerian (Basque) for “Bee House”. Maria raises bees a few miles away at the foot of the Santa Cantabria mountains. She has a “honey room” just off the courtyard of the house and you can sample fresh honey at breakfast each morning.
Location: Erletxe is located in the village of Laguardia. The three story house is built along the exterior fortress walls that date back centuries. Laguardia does not allow cars into the village proper, so access is by foot through one of the city gates or via a garage door on the exterior.
Rooms: Every room here is fantastic. You’ll feel like you’re in your own home. Some have more room than others and most have an ensuite bath. Some face the interior courtyard, some into the village and a couple overlook the vineyards of Rioja. Most rooms are simply furnished and have large beds. There’s ample closet space in each and most have desks, nightstands and windows to let in the fresh outside air. One thing to be aware of is there is no TV, no clock radios or any other items you may be used to in a regular hotel room.
Facilities: There’s a large common area living room on the second floor that’s furnished with lots of interesting things from the families worldwide travels. There’s a large TV with DVD player along with Wi-Fi to access the internet. The Wi-Fi signal does not reach all the rooms, so you’re best chance for access is here. Downstairs, there’s a large breakfast room with a small library of books you can read during your stay. There’s also a one-person elevator, which will make getting your luggage to the top floors a lot easier than climbing the stairs.
Each morning there’s a home-style Spanish breakfast served for a couple of hours. Outside, there’s a large enclosed courtyard with outdoor tables and chairs where you can unwind with a glass of wine. Restaurants in Laguardia are all less than 3-4 minutes walk from Erletxe. If you’re driving, be aware that since cars are not allowed inside of Laguardia, all parking is outside the exterior walls of the village. Parking here can be brutal, as you’re competing with residents and there’s only so much parking at the top of the hill where the village sits.
Staff: Maria is the ultimate host. She’s lived in this area for many years and knows just about everything there is to know about the area, Spain and beyond. You’ll feel like you’re spending time with your family while you’re at Erletxe.
Pros: If you want to experience Spain like a local, this is how and where you do it.
Cons: The only downside is it may be a bit noisy inside the house with other guests. Many of the rooms on the 2nd floor, open out into a central hallway. If you want a bit more privacy, rent the bedroom on the first floor. It’s close to the entrance and it’s the only bedroom on the main floor.
[box type=”info” ]Book early. Erletxe is a top-rated place to stay in this area on TripAdvisor so it books up months in advance. Also, if you’re traveling with others, consider renting the entire house.[/box]
best of the best erletxe hotel review laguardia rioja spain vacation rental
Last modified: January 20, 2014
