Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsHotel Balea has earned a stellar reputation among guests for its exceptional offerings and warm hospitality. Situated in the delightful village of Guéthary, the hotel enjoys an ideal location, perfect for exploring nearby beaches and local attractions, with convenient transport links enhancing accessibility. The setting offers a serene ambiance, complemented by the hotel's charming and historically infused decor, which adds character to the spacious and comfortable rooms that frequently offer breathtaking ocean views. Guests find themselves in a welcoming environment provided by attentive staff, making Hotel Balea a prime choice for visitors to the Basque coast.
The breakfast at Hotel Balea consistently receives high praise for its varied and abundant offerings, showcasing local and organic products that highlight Basque flavors. Guests enjoy a delightful start to their day, whether dining in the stylishly decorated areas or charming inner courtyard, all enhanced by the friendly presence of the breakfast team. Though there are occasional mentions of simplicity in offerings, overall, the breakfast is deemed excellent value for money.
Immaculate cleanliness is a hallmark of Hotel Balea, with rooms and communal areas consistently described as spotlessly clean, modern, and cozy. Guests appreciate the superb bedding and well-equipped facilities, contributing to a relaxing and worry-free stay. The attentive and friendly staff further enrich the experience by maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, making cleanliness a cornerstone of guest satisfaction.
The staff at Hotel Balea stand out for their charm and friendliness, continually impressing guests with their warm welcome and personalized service. From accommodating specific needs to providing insightful local recommendations, the staff are highly approachable and dedicated, offering a memorable guest experience that often prompts return visits and recommendations.
Wi-Fi access at Hotel Balea is generally reliable, allowing guests to remain connected during their stay, although some reviews suggest improvements in specific areas would enhance this service further. Parking facilities, crucial for those traveling by car, are largely appreciated for their convenience, though peak times can present challenges. Nevertheless, alternative parking options assist in accommodating vehicles efficiently.
Hotel Balea also shines as a family-friendly destination, with connecting rooms and thoughtful amenities catering to children, making it an ideal choice for families seeking comfort and convenience. The hotel's dog-friendly policies add another layer of inclusivity, welcoming canine companions with open arms and providing a comfortable retreat for all guests.
Overall, Hotel Balea offers a delightful stay infused with charm from its historical roots, exceptional service, and commendable amenities. Despite room for minor improvements, the hotel retains a distinct appeal that resonates with many visitors, securing its status as a beloved option for travelers seeking a peaceful, comfortable, and welcoming getaway. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Hotel with Parking
Hotel Balea offers free private parking on site. It is located in a historic building in Guéthary.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Special Offer - Stop-Over Single RoomThis single room has a soundproofing, a desk and air conditioning.
The special offer includes:
- 1 night for 1 person only
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides soundproof walls, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, heating and a flat-screen TV.
Deluxe Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers soundproof walls, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, heating and a flat-screen TV.
Double RoomThe double room provides soundproof walls, a wardrobe, a terrace with an inner courtyard view as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Hotel Balea boasts an ideal location that has garnered praise for its accessibility and peaceful setting. Nestled in the charming village of Guéthary, the hotel is a mere ten-minute walk from both the beach and the village center, making it perfect for guests eager to explore local attractions on foot. The proximity to gourmet restaurants, the Classic Festival, and convenient transport links enhances its allure. As a former school, the hotel embraces its heritage with unique decor that reflects its history, offering spacious and comfortable rooms with stunning ocean views. Guests enjoy the ease of nearby parking and stress the value of the serene surroundings, complemented by the attentive and friendly hotel staff. The combination of a convenient location, remarkable setting, and excellent service makes Hotel Balea a top choice for those visiting the picturesque Basque coast.
Breakfast
Hotel Balea's breakfast offerings have been receiving high praise from guests for their quality and variety. The morning spread is known for being both diverse and abundant, featuring fresh, local, and often organic products that highlight the best of Basque artisanal flavors. Guests frequently commend the inclusion of freshly baked pastries, regional products, and the quality of ingredients used. With a hearty and well-stocked buffet, the breakfast service accommodates late risers, providing an excellent start to the day with plenty of choices, from savory to sweet.
The breakfast setting itself is often celebrated, whether it's in the charming inner courtyard or within the stylishly decorated dining areas, enhancing the overall dining experience. Despite a few mentions of simplicity or lightness in the offerings, the general consensus deems the breakfast as excellent value for money, with the attentive and friendly staff further enriching the experience. Some criticism is noted regarding the breakfast's cost and limited variety in specific aspects, such as coffee quality. Nonetheless, most guests leave satisfied, highlighting the superb and delicious breakfast that Hotel Balea provides.
Rooms
Hotel Balea offers an inviting stay with its unique charm, inhabiting a tastefully renovated former school that adds a touch of nostalgia to the atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms, frequently noting the immaculate cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. The bedding is consistently described as very comfortable, contributing to an overall restful experience. Rooms vary in size from large and airy to more compact quarters, but they tend to be clean, with many offering delightful sea views or terraces. The hotel is not only praised for its charming interior and decor but also for its excellent location, making it convenient for travelers. Despite some minor signs of wear and occasional issues with soft mattresses or air conditioning, the overall standard of the rooms tends to surpass expectations. Additionally, the hotel provides a peaceful environment, further enhanced by helpful and friendly staff, making it an ideal choice for a quiet retreat.
Beds
Hotel Balea receives frequent praise for its beds, offering a comfortable sleep experience that contributes significantly to guests' satisfaction. Many reviews highlight the beds and bedding as particularly comfortable, often using descriptors like "super comfortable" and "excellent bedding." Guests frequently mention the quality of the bedding, which adds to the overall comfort during their stay.
However, some reviews express minor concerns about the beds, noting instances where mattresses were a bit too soft or lost firmness over time. A few guests found the beds to be narrow or small, but generally remarked on their comfort despite these size limitations.
In addition to the beds, guests appreciate the spaciousness, cleanliness, and overall well-equipped nature of the rooms, further enhancing their stay. With beautiful decor and a modern ambiance complemented by an old school charm, Hotel Balea manages to create a welcoming environment that remains comfortable and quiet, providing an excellent place for rest and relaxation. Overall, while there is room for improvement regarding the firmness and size of some beds, most visitors leave with positive impressions of their sleep experience.
Cleanliness
Hotel Balea consistently impresses guests with its exceptional standards of cleanliness. The accommodations are frequently described as clean, spotlessly clean, and even exceptionally clean, providing guests with a comfortable and worry-free stay. The rooms are noted for being both modern and cozy, contributing to an overall pleasant ambiance. Guests appreciate the superb bed and bedding, which are not only comfortable but also immaculately maintained. The bathrooms are clean and well-equipped, although there are occasional mentions of noise and humidity issues. Despite these minor concerns, the overall cleanliness of the establishment is highly lauded, earning top marks from visitors. The hotel’s décor, characterized as simple yet stylish, enhances the inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the friendly and attentive staff, adding to the hotel's charm. Guests frequently mention the enjoyable, spotless surroundings, with some particularly praising the bright and clean spaces within the establishment. Overall, the impeccable cleanliness combined with hospitable service makes Hotel Balea a desirable choice for travelers seeking a pristine environment and a warm welcome.
Staff
Hotel Balea is renowned for its outstanding staff, who have made a lasting impression on guests with their warmth and friendliness. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with a warm and attentive welcome, setting the tone for a memorable stay. The reception staff are not only charming and helpful but excel in providing personalized service that caters to individual needs and preferences.
Guests consistently praise the staff for being incredibly approachable, always ready to assist, and providing helpful advice on local attractions and activities. The breakfast team stands out with their cheerful demeanor, offering a delightful start to the day with their friendly presence.
The presence of Hélène at the reception is a highlight, often mentioned for her amazing welcome and respectful attitude. The staff's kindness, combined with their professionalism, makes for a relaxing and enjoyable environment. Their willingness to accommodate requests and resolve issues showcases their dedication and competence.
The management team is also pivotal in creating a welcoming atmosphere, going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction. Their attention to detail and proactive approach in finding solutions and enhancing the guest experience is highly appreciated.
Overall, the charm and friendliness of Hotel Balea's staff, coupled with excellent service and local insights, leave a positive impression, inviting guests to return and recommend the hotel to others.
Wi-Fi
Visitors to Hotel Balea can generally enjoy a reliable internet connection during their stay, with the availability of free Wi-Fi often noted as a positive aspect. Many guests highlight the Wi-Fi as good or excellent, ensuring a seamless online experience for those needing access for work or leisure. The hotel is commended for maintaining a clean and comfortable environment, which complements the satisfaction with internet service in public areas. However, there have been occasional mixed reviews regarding Wi-Fi performance, with some guests describing it as average or poor, particularly in specific rooms. Overall, Hotel Balea provides a good level of Wi-Fi service that aligns well with its reputable accommodations, although improvements in certain areas could enhance the experience further.
Parking
Hotel Balea offers a mixed experience for visitors traveling by car, highlighted by its accessible parking facilities. On the positive side, guests appreciate the ease of finding parking directly in front of the hotel, which includes free public options and a private lot. The availability of parking is often cited as a strong point of the hotel, providing convenient access with spaces right across from the entrance. For those arriving by motorcycle or bicycle, the dedicated parking areas in front of the hotel offer assurance of safety and convenience.
However, some challenges arise during peak times, particularly in the summer season. The private parking lot tends to fill up quickly, and finding a spot in the limited space can occasionally be difficult, especially in the evening. Although the hotel's private parking area is very narrow, alternative options on adjacent streets or the free public parking assist in accommodating guests. Despite these limitations, the presence of free on-site parking remains a notable and appreciated feature of Hotel Balea, offering guests a level of convenience that enhances their stay.
Family
Hotel Balea stands out as a family-friendly destination on the Basque Coast, making it an ideal choice for families with children. Located conveniently near transportation options, guests can easily explore the vibrant surroundings, while also enjoying the proximity of local bars and restaurants just a short walk away. Visitors appreciate the family-oriented atmosphere that permeates through the establishment, with connecting family rooms providing the perfect setting for staying together. The rooms are noted for being well-equipped and comfortable, offering a warm welcome to guests of all ages. Unique touches like the availability of colored pencils add to the thoughtful amenities catering to children. While the air conditioning has been an issue, families still find tremendous value and enjoyment in their stay, expressing eagerness to return for another memorable visit. The combination of location, friendly service, and child-friendly features make Hotel Balea a commendable choice for families seeking a cozy and convenient getaway.
3 Star
Hotel Balea, formerly a school in Guéthary, offers a distinctive experience by preserving some of its historic charm while delivering modern comfort. Guests appreciate the pleasant atmosphere infused with a touch of nostalgia, reflected in its tasteful decor and the typical views from the rooms. The hotel features extremely clean and well-presented rooms that are spacious and comfortable, providing good value for money.
The staff at Hotel Balea are frequently described as incredibly kind and lovely, contributing to the welcoming ambiance. However, some reviewers note that the level of professionalism might not fully align with what is expected from a three-star hotel. Although generally recommended by guests, there were a few mentions of specific areas needing improvement, such as the room designated for disabled guests not meeting expectations.
Overall, Hotel Balea stands out as a cute-themed, three-star establishment that captures the heart of its past while ensuring a comfortable stay. Despite its few shortcomings, it retains a charm that many guests find appealing.
Dog Friendly
Hotel Balea is a delightful destination for travelers seeking a warm and accommodating environment for both themselves and their four-legged companions. The reception staff consistently receive praise for their helpful and friendly demeanor, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests arriving with dogs of all sizes. The hotel's charming old-school decor adds to the cozy ambiance, making it a comfortable retreat for humans and dogs alike. Accommodations feature spacious bathrooms and comfortable bedding, ensuring a restful stay for everyone.
Dog enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel's acceptance and love for dogs, with guests frequently noting the top-notch welcome extended to their furry friends. Although there is a pet fee, this does not detract from the overall sense of hospitality and inclusivity experienced by guests and their pets. Whether traveling with a big or small dog, visitors consistently express gratitude for the hotel's warm approach to canine companions. Overall, Hotel Balea stands out as a dog-friendly haven, where both animals and humans are treated with care and respect.
No, Hotel Balea doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel Balea.
Yes, Hotel Balea welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel Balea.