Palacio Urgoiti has a somewhat unusual history, because it has moved location. It was built in the town of Galdakao and then taken down piece by piece, stone by stone in 1968. The building was then reconstructed between 2004 and 2005 twenty kilometres away in Laukariz! This required a painstaking process of transferring all the pieces and reassembling them as necessary, a labour of love for the owners who have sought to create what they describe as a ‘chateau’ type of hotel.
With 43 rooms of various categories (guests can choose from of double rooms, superior doubles, superior doubles with a terrace, junior suites, a suite and family rooms, the latter of which have one double and two twin beds), it certainly feels like a palace, the effect also helped my light and spacious rooms with high ceilings.
Interestingly, Palacio Urgoiti has its own nine-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, so surrounded by the beautiful Basque Country hills, it’s an ideal spot to unwind with a game, or just enjoy the scenery. There is also a 165-metre driving range for those who want to hit the ball a bit harder.
This is an unusually convenient location, with the alternative delights of the centre of Bilbao (with the Guggenheim Museum) or the lovely Pais Vasco coast both just 15 minutes away. Bilbao airport is close by (not too close!) and the ferry port is not much further.
Meals
The Harria Restaurant has a choice of set menu or a la carte with the traditional Basque cooking style adapted to contemporary styles in terms of its presentation, textures and flavours. As well as the main restaurant there are private dining rooms available for parties of different sizes.
There is also a bar-cafeteria with a terrace where a special bistro menu can be enjoyed in the sun with the great views of the hotel grounds.
Out and About
Bilbao (15 minutes): including Guggenheim Museum and Museum of Fine Arts
Watersports: Plentzia, Bakio and Bermeo beaches (15 minutes). Various activities including sailing and canoeing.
Surfing: Mundaka and Zarauz beaches (famous for international championships).
Hiking and walking: the 'Camino de Santiago' route is close by and there are various other hiking routes marked out.
Horse riding: several horse riding centres close by
Golf: pitch & putt at Palacio Urgoiti itself and several golf courses nearby.
Traditional fishing ports such as Lekeitio, Ondarroa and Motriko (40 minutes).
San Sebastián (50 minutes): famous Playa de la Concha beach and film festival.
South coast of France (70 minutes): lots of excellent beaches, particularly for surfing and windsurfing.
Double RoomDouble rooms have either one king size or two twin beds. They have views to the golf course and the surrounding landscape.
There are some disabled-accessible rooms, and some that also admit pets (under 20 kg).
Superior Double Room with terraceLarger rooms (about 32 m2) having either one king size or two twin beds. The rooms are on either the ground or first floor and each one has a private terrace. They have views to the golf course and the surrounding landscape.
Junior SuiteLarger rooms (about 35 m2) individually decorated and having either one king size or two twin beds and an ample sitting area. They have views to the golf course and the surrounding landscape.
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Here's What Some People Have Written On Other Review Sites or in the Guestbook:
| The palace is incredible- its views, the facilities and particularly the bedroom which was spacious with high ceilings, a really well-kept carpet. The bathroom is enormous with beautiful fittings. When they come to clean the room every day there are little touches like a bottle of water and cupcakes. The facilities are excellent, such as the swimming pool and particularly the golf course. We hadn't tried the sport before, so we just opted for the driving range. It was great fun and not at all expensive at only € 10 for 220 balls. Our stay was just to spend a few days enjoying it all and especially to relax and see the golf course from the room's balcony. We are thinking of coming back. |
| The stay was very good in general. I could particularly mention the views, facilities, the friendliness of the staff and also the fact it's 10 minutes from Bilbao. I think it's a good option for a relaxing weekend. |
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