Palacio Azcarate, La Rioja

Hotel. Hotel Palacio Azcarate’s old world charm captivates all who visit it. Recently renovated to reflect the times, the hotel managed to preserve the look of the original 1750 façade as well as the vibrant gardens. The hotel’s 19 classically designed rooms bestow a luxurious and pampered experience for its guests. (If you can, try to reserve the room with the Jacuzzi.) Sitting in the heart of La Rioja’s foremost tourism village, Ezcaray, some of Spain’s most famous vineyards are within close reach. The hotel would be happy to set up tours of the vineyards and bodegas for you. It would be a shame not to experience the magnificence of this wine region.

Wine. With one of Spain’s most famous wine-producing regions knocking on its front door, Hotel Palacio Azcarate has accumulated a marvelous cellar filled with local wines that will satisfy any connoiseur’s palate. Historically, wine came to La Rioja with the spread of Christianity. During the growth of monasteries, monks began cultivating the surrounding land, and with La Rioja’s ideal Meditteranian climate, wine became a natural source of income.

Dining. Both the Santa Barbara dining room and the San Lorenzo Restaurant provide sprawling spaces for business meetings and weddings, but it is at the San Lorenzo Restaurant that the hotel’s own distinct cuisine shine. San Lorenzo’s philosophy runs with the senses, creating a menu that appeals to sight, smell, touch, and most important, taste. The chef has remained loyal to the local produce of La Rioja incorporating it into these beautifully crafted traditional dishes.