Saiaz Getaria Hotel

Situated in a 15th-century stone building, this boutique hotel features traditionally-styled interiors full of details that recall earlier times. These include lovely antique pieces, stone fireplaces, and old sculptures that are complemented by thick stone walls and terra-cotta tile floors. Bright Persian-style rugs and colorful photography on the walls add some color to the earthy tones of the lobby/lounge areas, as does the collection of books displayed on a beautifully carved old wooden table. The dining area is a simple affair of white tablecloths contrasted by burnt orange walls, but it's the wall of windows that's the showstopper in this space, offering a stunning view of the coast. Guests seeking to relax in a quiet, small town and explore the region should be happy here, and the hotel draws mostly couples.

The hotel is scenically set overlooking the sea in the small and charming coastal town of Getaria in Spain's northern Basque region. The fishing port is just a five-minute walk away, as are two different beaches. There are plenty of dining options all around, many of them lining the town's main street, Nagusia Kalea, which is a three-minute walk away, while Elkano, one of the region's best restaurants, is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. The town is the birthplace of famous fashion designer Cristobal Balenciaga, and there is a museum devoted to him that's a five-minute walk from the hotel. Other notable sites include San Salvador Church (two-minute walk away) and Mount San Anton (about a 15-minute walk), a scenic place for a hike that offers gorgeous views of the coast. There's no train station in the town, but the area is serviced by bus, which stops a three-minute walk from the hotel -- though a car is advisable for exploring the region. The closest airport is in San Sebastian and can be reached in about 40 minutes by car. Bilbao's airport is about an hour's drive away.

The hotel's 17 guest rooms are all individually decorated, done up in a tasteful style that combines traditional elements with contemporary accents. Some feature original architectural details that give a taste of the past, like exposed stone walls, wooden ceiling beams, or stone window seats built into the walls. Antique wooden furniture is paired with details like vibrant Persian-style rugs on wooden floors, colorful oil paintings, and crisp white bed linens (sometimes topped with colorful accent pillows and bed runners). Some rooms have a more contemporary look, with sleeker, modern furnishings, bright white walls, and colorful area rugs. It's worth upgrading to sea-view rooms, as the vistas are gorgeous.

Standard amenities in all rooms include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, small desks, and minibars; upper-category rooms add tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms also differ in style; some have white marble-topped wooden vanities, while others feature sleek granite. All come with shower/tub combos or walk-in rainfall showers, as well as bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

This small hotel doesn't offer too much in terms of features, but a handful of thoughtful amenities add value to a stay here. A buffet-style breakfast is available for a fee and is served in an inviting dining room with great views of the sea. It includes fresh juices, fruit, cold cuts, cheese, pastries, and bread. There's a lounge area/sitting room in the lobby where guests can relax, play a game of chess, or peruse books from the hotel's collection. There's also a lovely terrace with stunning views of the sea and coast that's a great spot to watch the sunset. Meeting space is available at this hotel, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. On-site parking is limited to two spots.