Palacio Arriluce Hotel Getxo Bilbao, Spain

Sea mist drifts over manicured lawns as waves fold onto the rocks below and gulls wheel above the Bay of Biscay.

In Getxo’s stately coastal enclave—minutes from Bilbao yet a world of calm—Palacio Arriluce Hotel restores a 19th-century mansion into a 49-room hideaway of parquet floors, patterned tiles, and sunlit salons.

It’s a coastal perch for art-hungry days in the city and slow sunsets by the sea.

What Makes It Special

• Historic palace architecture with original details and contemporary comforts.
• Coastal setting above the Biscay shoreline, near the elegant Neguri mansions and marina promenades.
• Gastronomy-forward dining celebrating Basque produce and Atlantic fish.
• Intimate scale (49 rooms)—a grand house that still feels personal.
• Garden terraces & sea-view lounges perfect for golden-hour aperitifs.

A Day at Palacio Arriluce

Morning

Coffee arrives silky and strong; croissants are still warm. Step outside to the briny breeze and a stroll along the clifftop path, church bells chiming from the village.

Afternoon

Ride into Bilbao for galleries and the Guggenheim, then back to quiet lawns, where the scent of boxwood and salt air mingle as you page through a book in a wicker chair.

Evening

Turbot or marmitako at dinner, poured with txakoli that tingles on the tongue. The dining room glows—cut crystal, linen, soft conversation.

Night

From your window, the lighthouse blinks and the tide sighs; parquet creaks softly underfoot, and the room holds the hush of an old house at rest.

Insider Tips  for Palacio Arriluce Hotel Getxo

• Having a car is highly recommended—ideal for exploring Bilbao (20–25 min drive), San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and the Basque coast.
• Basic rooms are spacious and comfortable, with quiet air conditioning and elegant design—even entry-level rooms impress.
• Have a cocktail at the pool bar—sunsets here are spectacular, especially in summer.
• The restaurant and bar emphasize Basque ingredients with creative flair—ask staff for pairing suggestions.
• The front desk staff are exceptionally warm and knowledgeable—talk to them for personalized restaurant, activity, and sightseeing advice.

Why We Love It (Curated Highlights)

At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:

• Clifftop calm—seafront lawns and promenades without leaving metro-Bilbao’s orbit.
• True heritage feel—a restored palace that still creaks and whispers in the best way.
• Basque flavors, beautifully plated—from line-caught fish to local txakoli and cider.
• Sunset ritual—garden aperitifs with Biscay views worthy of lingering.

For Whom

For couples: stately rooms, terrace sunsets, and candlelit dinners.
For culture seekers: an elegant base for Bilbao’s museums and Belle Époque Getxo.
For quiet business escapes: refined salons, strong Wi-Fi, and restorative sea air between meetings.

Quick Facts (Luxury Snapshot)

Location: Getxo (Bilbao coast), Basque Country, Spain—~20–25 min by car from Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Rooms: 49 rooms & suites
Rates: From USD 326—fair value for a historic palace with Biscay views
Best for: Couples, culture & design lovers, gastronomy breaks, scenic coastal walks
Style: Historic palace hotel with contemporary polish