The Best Hotels in Rioja for a Luxury Wine Escape

· 3 November, 2025 · 9:51 am

Where vineyards meet design, gastronomy, and timeless hospitality

La Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated wine region, is much more than rolling vineyards and world-class wineries. It is a land of serenity, art, and culture — and nowhere is this harmony felt more deeply than in its hotels.

Whether you dream of sleeping inside a historic palace in Logroño, waking up to vineyard views in Rioja Alavesa, or finishing your wine route by the sea in San Sebastián, this curated selection of the best hotels in La Rioja blends authenticity with sophistication.

Trust in Ameli Rioja Tours to guide you through the best luxury experience through wineries and the best tailored-made luxury experiences.

Beyond the stay: where luxury meets Rioja’s soul

Each of these hotels in La Rioja invites guests to experience the region through its flavors, textures, and people. From wine therapy and private cellar tastings to farm-to-table cuisine and guided visits to centuries-old bodegas, Rioja is designed to be savored slowly.

Whether you’re exploring wineries in Rioja, relaxing at a spa between the vines, or toasting the sunset over the Ebro Valley, these hotels are the perfect gateway to discover the essence of tourism and wineries in Rioja — where luxury feels local and every stay tells a story.

1. Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The architectural icon of Rioja wine country

Designed by the visionary Frank Gehry, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego redefines what it means to stay in a wine hotel. Its metallic ribbons glisten above the vineyards like liquid sunlight, housing 43 uniquely designed rooms with sweeping views of Rioja’s landscape. Inside, contemporary art meets fine craftsmanship; outside, the vineyards of the historic Marqués de Riscal estate await.

Guests can indulge in vinotherapy treatments at the Caudalie Spa, dine at the Michelin-starred Marqués de Riscal Restaurant by Francis Paniego, and enjoy private winery tours without leaving the estate. For many, this is not just one of the best hotels in Rioja, but one of the most iconic wine retreats in Europe.

Marques de Riscal In Rioja

2. Hotel Viura

Avant-garde design in the heart of Rioja Alavesa

Hidden in the small village of Villabuena de Álava — home to more wineries per capita than anywhere else in the world — the Hotel Viura is a bold architectural statement. Its stacked cubic structure seems to float above the medieval stone houses that surround it. Inside, the atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, with large windows framing the Sierra de Cantabria and the nearby vineyards.

The on-site restaurant celebrates local ingredients through creative Riojan cuisine, paired, of course, with a world-class wine list. Ideal for travelers seeking modern hotels in Rioja Spain that combine design, authenticity, and a deep sense of place.

Viura Hotel in Rioja

3. Hotel Palacio Tondón

Riverside calm and boutique charm in Briñas

Tucked between the Ebro River and the vineyards of Rioja Alta, the Hotel Palacio Tondón blends history, architecture, and tranquility. This 16th-century palace in the picturesque village of Briñas has been carefully restored to preserve its stone walls and wooden beams, while infusing each space with contemporary design and comfort.

Its restaurant offers a refined take on traditional Riojan flavors, with local produce and wines from neighboring bodegas. The terrace — overlooking the river and rolling vineyards — is the perfect spot for an afternoon glass of Tempranillo as the sun sets. For travelers seeking boutique hotels in La Rioja with intimate character and scenic surroundings, Palacio Tondón is an exceptional choice.

Hotel Tondon in Rioja

4. Hotel Santa María Briones

Heritage, gastronomy, and serenity in Rioja Alta

Perched within the medieval walls of Briones, the Hotel Santa María Briones offers a refined blend of history and contemporary elegance. The building — a restored 16th-century noble house — exudes understated luxury. Every room captures the warm tones of the Rioja landscape, while the in-house restaurant Allegar, led by Michelin-starred chef Francis Paniego, delivers a culinary experience rooted in local tradition and creativity.

Perfect for travelers who value privacy, culture, and a true connection to Rioja’s wine heritage, this is one of the best hotels in La Rioja for an authentic yet luxurious escape.

Hotel Snata Maria de Briones in Rioja

5. Hotel Áurea Palacio de Correos

Art, design, and wine culture in the heart of Logroño

In the capital of La Rioja, just steps from Calle Laurel and the historic Paseo del Espolón, stands the Hotel Áurea Palacio de Correos — an urban masterpiece that celebrates the city’s past and its creative spirit. Once the city’s post office, this early 20th-century building has been meticulously restored to combine Belle Époque charm with avant-garde interiors.

Each space tells a story, blending art, history, and modern comfort. Its signature restaurant, Matasellos, pays tribute to traditional Riojan cuisine with an innovative twist, while its wine cellar hosts private tastings of local vintages. For those exploring Rioja tourism with a touch of urban sophistication, this hotel offers the perfect balance between heritage and modern luxury.

Hotel Aurea Palacio de correos in Rioja

6. Hotel María Cristina

The perfect coastal finale to a Rioja wine journey

After days of wine tastings and vineyard strolls, there is no better way to end your trip than by the sea at the Hotel María Cristina, a Luxury Collection icon in San Sebastián. Built in 1912, this Belle Époque palace has hosted film stars, artists, and royalty for over a century.

Overlooking the Urumea River and steps from La Concha Beach, it pairs elegance and history with Michelin-starred dining and world-class service. Combining Rioja’s earthy charm with the cosmopolitan allure of San Sebastián, this hotel offers an unforgettable extension to any wine tourism itinerary in Rioja.

Hotel Maria Cristina in Rioja

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