Palacio de Samaniego
A private family home that happens to be a hotel — refined minimalism meets Iberian heritage, with contemporary art works by Ariane de Rothschild's personal collection layered throughout. Wood, leather, cream and ochre tones mirror the vineyard landscape outside.
Book the Chardonnay suite and connect it to the Merlot room — you get a fully-equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and a private entrance for a genuine apartment-in-a-palace feel
Why It Matters
The Rothschild family's only hotel outside France, sitting inside a listed historical monument in Spain's oldest winemaking region (Rioja Alavesa). All nine rooms are named after grape varietals. The family also owns Bodegas Macán — a joint venture with Vega Sicilia — minutes away, giving guests extraordinary access to some of Spain's most celebrated wines.
An 18th-century noble residence in the medieval village of Samaniego, this nine-room hotel is the Rothschild family's first property outside France. Ariane de Rothschild spotted it in 2016 and spent a year and a half restoring it — keeping every stone and coat-of-arms intact while threading in contemporary art from her own collection. There's no reception desk. Just intimate sitting areas, a terraced garden, a swimming corridor, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget you're 45 minutes from Bilbao.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Bobal Junior Suite
Junior suite named after the Bobal grape. Features the same quality finishes as the other suites — double ceramic basin cut from a single block, handmade Iberian tiles in the bathroom, and artwork chosen personally by Ariane de Rothschild.
King-size
Chardonnay Luxury Suite
The largest room in the house at 55 m². Apartment-style layout with a separate bedroom, full lounge, Italian shower bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Connects directly to the Merlot double room via a private entrance — ideal for families or groups who want the run of their own private floor.
King-size · 55 sqm
Garnacha Junior Suite
Junior suite named for the Garnacha varietal. Part of the six-suite junior tier, offering the same luxury finishes and art-filled atmosphere. Rooms on upper floors can have vineyard or garden views depending on aspect.
King-sizeMalvasía Junior Suite
Junior suite named after the Malvasía grape. Carries the same approach as its siblings — seasonal colour tones, handcrafted local textiles, and contemporary art. Mohair and cashmere blankets made within 20 km of the property are standard across all suites.
King-sizeMerlot Double Room
The entry-level room at 22 m², dressed in shades of plum. Compact but not cramped — Italian shower bathroom, king-size bed, all the standard in-room amenities. Best used in conjunction with the Chardonnay suite next door, which it connects to via shared entrance, giving access to a full kitchen and extra living space.
King-size · 22 sqm
Syrah Junior Suite
Junior suite named after the Syrah varietal, with a distinct colour palette reflecting the four seasons concept applied across all nine rooms. Features the hotel's standard suite amenities: king-size bed, Italian shower, Smart TV, minibar, coffee machine, and Bluetooth speaker.
King-sizeTempranillo Junior Suite
38 m² junior suite in shades of blue — a calm, restful palette that suits the cooler character of the Tempranillo grape. Has a private balcony, a sofa with an adjustable coffee table that converts for breakfast or dinner, and an Italian shower bathroom.
King-size · 38 sqmVerdejo Junior Suite
Junior suite named for the Verdejo grape. One of six junior suites spread across the palace's two floors, each decorated in distinct colour palettes and accented with pieces from Ariane de Rothschild's art collection.
King-sizeViura Double Deluxe Room
28 m² with a red colour scheme that nods to the Viura grape's warm character. Includes a relaxation seating area, Italian shower bathroom, and the full suite of in-room amenities. A step up from the Merlot in size and finish.
King-size · 28 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The largest wine museum in the world is a short drive away in Briones. The hotel concierge can arrange a visit. A genuinely impressive institution covering 8,000 years of wine history.
Complimentary electric bikes available to all guests. Ride directly into the Rioja Alavesa vineyards from the hotel's front door at your own pace. At harvest time, you can ride alongside the grape pickers.
Guided horseback rides through the vineyards and into the Sierra de Cantabria natural park. Access to trails and landscapes not reachable on foot or by bike.
Rise above the valley for a bird's-eye view over an ocean of vines. A popular option at harvest time when the canopy of red and gold is at its most spectacular. Arranged by the hotel.
Paddle the Ebro river surrounded by the distinctive landscapes of the Rioja wine country. Arranged by the hotel's concierge.
The concierge arranges visits to the best estates in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, including the family's own Bodegas Macán (a Rothschild × Vega Sicilia joint venture located minutes away). Includes private tastings of Macán and Macán Clásico Tempranillo wines. The hotel also sits across from Bodegas Remirez de Ganuza — staff can walk you over for a private tour.
Three walking routes accessible on foot directly from the hotel. They range in length and difficulty, covering the Sierra de Cantabria natural park. The hotel can arrange a picnic to take along.
Just a few kilometres from the hotel, Laguardia is a well-preserved walled medieval village with underground cellars, Gothic churches, and panoramic views of the vineyards. Easy to self-guide on foot.
The twin monasteries of Suso and Yuso — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of written Castilian Spanish — are reachable from the hotel. The concierge can arrange a guided visit.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The hotel has facilities for guests with reduced mobility.
High-speed WiFi available throughout the property and in all rooms.
Over 150 rotating contemporary art works from Baroness Ariane de Rothschild's private collection displayed throughout all public spaces and guestrooms. Includes pieces from Indonesia, the Amazon, and Europe — ethnic headdresses, Murano glass vases, and paintings.
On-site fitness suite available to all guests.
A terraced garden with a second terrace at the far end — the ideal spot for a cocktail or glass of wine in the calm of the evening.
Free on-site private parking — no reservation required.
A private outdoor swimming pool and corridor set in the terraced garden between historic stone architectural features. Seasonal — open in warmer months.
Staff speak English, Spanish, Basque, and French. Concierge arranges private winery visits, guided walks, hot air balloon rides, horse riding, kayaking, and more. 24-hour assistance available.
Full room service available across all rooms and suites, including breakfast served in-room.
The building runs on a geothermal system for the water circuit (garden, kitchen, bathrooms, air conditioning) and solar panels for electricity. Thermal insulation in walls and roof. LED lighting throughout.
Complimentary shuttle service for guests — useful for vineyard visits and transfers.
A curated, visible wine cellar in the Tierra y Vino restaurant focused on Rioja Alavesa producers. Sommelier Miren Ormazabal manages the selection personally.
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