Palacio Arriluce Hotel: A Coastal Palace Overlooking the Bilbao Estuary

Palacio Arriluce Hotel occupies a beautifully restored early-20th-century palace on the coast at Getxo, the elegant seaside suburb at the mouth of the Bilbao estuary in the Basque Country. Its neo-medieval architecture, filled with art and antiques, looks out over the water where the estuary meets the Bay of Biscay.

The dining is distinctly Basque. Delaunay Restaurant, inspired by artist Sonia Delaunay, serves an exclusive menu by award-winning Basque chef Beñat Ormaetxea; the Kupka cocktail bar occupies a former palace chapel with original stained glass; and the Ria pool bar offers seaside views at sunset.

For an artful, coastal stay near Bilbao, Palacio Arriluce is a standout.

Planning the Basque Country? Book your stay with me for preferred-partner perks.