Zezilionea, nestled in a picturesque Basque village, offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Its secluded location provides an idyllic escape for relaxation, with easy access to the Aratz Aizkorri park area, making it a fantastic base for nature enthusiasts. The hotel's serene setting is complemented by exceptionally clean and spacious rooms, where guests enjoy a blend of modern and classic charm, complete with balconies that offer beautiful views.
The on-site dining experience is a standout feature, with dinner at the restaurant heralded as a luxurious affair due to its high-quality ingredients and expert preparation. Many praise the restaurant's delightful offerings, which occasionally merit Michelin guide recognition, despite some perceiving the prices as higher. Breakfast, though receiving mixed reviews, is generally appreciated for its variety and accommodating service, offered in a cozy dining room.
The staff at Zezilionea are consistently commended for their warmth and exceptional service, creating a welcoming and serene atmosphere. Guests frequently note the genuine hospitality, highlighting the attentive approach that enhances their stay. The presence of a friendly resident dog adds a touch of charm to the overall experience.
While the beds receive varied feedback, with some guests calling for improvements in comfort, the overall guest experience remains positive due to the peaceful environment, quality amenities, and friendly staff. Zezilionea offers a comforting retreat defined by immaculate cleanliness, delightful dining, and unforgettable hospitality, making it an inviting choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and culinary excellence.
Hotel Castillo offers a practical and convenient option for travelers, particularly those seeking an overnight stay while on a road trip or exploring the Basque Country. Located on the edge of Olaberria and near Beasain, the hotel boasts excellent access to major highways, ample parking and modern amenities. Despite being situated in an industrial park with less scenic surroundings, the hotel’s double-glazed windows effectively mitigate traffic noise, contributing to a comfortable stay.
The breakfast at Hotel Castillo receives mixed feedback. Guests appreciate the attentive service and enjoyable selections such as hot chocolate, tea, croissants and freshly squeezed orange juice, finding the offerings reasonably priced and good value. However, there is room for improvement in variety and quality, including the addition of fruits and better coffee options, as well as ensuring a higher standard of cleanliness in the breakfast area.
Dinner services at Hotel Castillo are similarly varied in guest reviews. While some commend the quality and affordability of the food, particularly the tapas, others have experienced frustration due to the restaurant being closed or the limited variety on offer. Service issues and the less appealing dining ambiance, compounded by its proximity to the highway, were noted as areas needing attention.
The rooms at Hotel Castillo are generally comfortable, clean and well-equipped, featuring amenities such as functional air-conditioning, large TVs with Netflix and modern bathrooms. However, improvements are needed in soundproofing, maintenance and updating furniture. Issues such as small or sagging beds, insufficient electrical plugs and occasional unpleasant odors detract from the overall room experience.
Cleanliness appears to be a mixed aspect with many guests praising the cleanliness and organization of the rooms, but others pointing out deficiencies in general hygiene and outdoor maintenance. Specific complaints include dirty mirrors and bathtubs, presence of spider webs in the reception area and sightings of pests, which impact the overall impression of cleanliness.
The hotel staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness, particularly the reception and cafeteria staff. Positive experiences with dynamic and welcoming personnel enhance the overall guest stay, although occasional negative feedback about rudeness or inattentiveness, particularly during night shifts and weekends, is noted.
The beds are typically described as comfortable, though some guests found them to be on the smaller side or experienced issues with the mattresses being either too hard or sagging. Despite these drawbacks, many guests report a restful and quiet night’s sleep.
While Hotel Castillo fulfills its role for short stays with good Wi-Fi, friendly staff and a practical location, there are several areas for improvement to fully meet the expectations associated with a three-star rating. Enhanced room maintenance, a more diverse breakfast, consistent restaurant services and better general cleanliness would notably elevate the guest experience.