Santa María Briones

Lovely little hotel with amazing restaurant. I loved our room - a big corner room on the third floor with a huge bathroom and great views from there as well. The staff were outstanding and pleasant. The dinner was just amazing -- every course was fabulous,

Everything in this review is from the lense of my wife and I who stayed here two nights while in the La Rioja region for a wedding in Ollauri. 1. This hotel is incredible. It shouldn't be reviewed as less than 5 stars, period. Do you know how hard it is to find an impeccable hotel and location in Europe regardless of the hotel rating and especially one located in a town of 700 people? I would dare say impossible. However this hotel in Briones nails it. There is history, wonderful people, and this boutique hotel that should be 100% booked year round (there were openings while we were there in July, insane...). If you are lucky enough to book a stay here, hug a stranger and count your blessings. 2. This hotel is a converted family mansion with an actual well deserved Michelin star (1 star) "Allegar" with a limited amount of rooms (I believe 16 total rooms). The hotel dates back to the 16th century with some of the original walls still built against with a modern build out. Bathrooms, beds, furniture, etc... all date from the 2020s and feel brand new (even though this hotel has been open for a few years). Every staff member was fantastic on-site. Start up a little conversation and you might be surprised by the little tid bits they have to offer. 3. Allegar! Okay Spain has tons and tons of Michelin star restaurants and while we haven't eaten at every single one in the country, we have had enough choice food across the globe to know when we are eating something spectacular. Allegar's La Rioja tasting menu was so damn good we ate it two days in a row. You likely won't want to eat anything else for the rest of the day because of how filling the journey is, but who cares? That's the point of food this good. The chef is marvelous and his team of sous chefs deliver right along with him. The first tasting was a solo date and the second day was with friends. If we had more time we would have eaten there again and had the Allegar tasting menu (the other main tasting menu other than a la carte). 4. The wine. You're in the La Rioja region so yeah, there is fantastic wine everywhere. The hotel has its own wine and we purchased it as gifts for family and friends because it was as good as the hotel stay and the Allegar. If that isn't enough for you, then check out the Bodegas (yes wineries, not shops) in the area and you will have even more to bring back home. Side note, ladies if you need your hair done, there is a quaint local salon in town (think Paul Mitchell 1980s vibes) and the owner/team there know their stuff. To all the team members at the Santa Maria Briones, my wife and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful stay this year and we cannot wait to visit again in the future!!!

Superb hotel, very stylishly designed with lovely small detailed touches and a great spot, room was excellent, limited private parking but also road parking available Also dined one evening, very good food. Town is small but delightful, a few tapa bars in square. Only 1 taxi in area though . Had amazing small terrace with stunning views

Probably one of the best hotels we have stayed in. From the moment you arrive, and even beforehand, the staff were there to help you in a really friendly manner; nothing was too much trouble. The building itself was stunning combining both traditional buildings and old walls with beautifully modern architectural interventions. The hotels location in the heart of the Rioja region was magical and the little town of Briones a real gem with stunning views out into the countryside. The room was simply wonderful with comfortable beds and lovely bathroom and facilities and stayed cool with very quiet A/C. As for the food, that too was sublime. The evening tasting menu and breakfast were a delight. When you put all this together you realise what a special place this is to stay.

This hotel is magnificent. A wonderfully renovated casona in a charming medieval village in La Rioja. The room was spectacular and the hotel has a particularly good breakfast which was beautiful to have in the courtyard. The best thing though is the staff. Laura and Olimpia at the front desk were charming, helfpul and incredibly friendly, and Esti does a magnificent job with the breakfast. A real treat of a hotel and a wonderful place to stay. Highly recommended.

Santa Maria de Briones is simply dazzling in every way. It’s history, its attention to detail, it’s location... Everything contributes to creating a unique and magical experience. It’s charm is truly fascinating. Allegar, offers a unique and exciting gastronomic experience. Each bite is like an explosion of unparalleled flavors in your mouth, as they combine fresh and high-quality ingredients to create delicious dishes. The staff's positive attitude contributes to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. María, Cristian, Laura, Olimpia, Yolanda, Astrid, Raquel were exceptional, always there to make you feel special. And finally, I want to thank María and Javier for their precious company that sealed the experience as an unforgettable one.