Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

Driving up the narrow lane, surrounded by vineyards and farmland, the Hotel San Prudentzio rises out of the landscape, perched on a hill in the Basque countryside. We left our car by the front door, and ducked inside this hidden gem.

As you can imagine, the views from this property are indescribable. Its hilltop setting affords stunning views of the rolling hills, vineyards, and the rocky Cantabrian Coast of Basque Country, Spain. We had arrived in Spain not knowing much about the area, or its proximity to wine and ocean, so needless to say, we were thoroughly impressed.

The entrance to Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

The lobby of the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

SanPrudentzio-9-min

The Hotel San Prudentzio was completely refurbished in 2013, so everything is fresh and bright. The small lobby is filled with funky and colorful furniture, cool and vintage, bathed in sunlight from the wall of windows that leads out to the patio and showcases the views around the hills of Getaria.

We were greeted with a glass of house made txakoli (a deliciously crisp white wine from this region that the hotel bottles themselves), a plate of cured anchovies and bread, a relaxing snack out on the terrace while we waited for our room to be ready. Unlike most of my previous experiences arriving early at a hotel, when it’s normal to be asked to come back later or spend money in the lobby bar, we were left to unwind from the drive and drink wine.

 Not a bad way to be greeted and begin our adventures in Basque Country.

view from the patio of the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

The views of the Getaria countryside from the Hotel San Prudentzio

a plate of anchovies, bread, and glass of txakoli wine at the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

Of course, unlike many urban, chain hotels, this property has a real history. The hotel is now run by sisters Nerea and Ainhoa, the third generation to run the hotel. Their grandfather started the business over sixty years ago, and over time, aunts and uncles have stepped in to help to oversee the business. Now, Nerea and Ainhoa are in charge, overseeing the recent renovations and updates to the building.

The connection to the past is strong and in full view, as the hallway leading to the rooms upstairs is covered in photos of their family, with images of the building from the 1960s, family gatherings over the years, and a few of their grandfather working around the grounds.

I love how the hotel embraces its connection to the past, and how it translates into a real feeling of family and hospitality.

the wall of family photos at the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

Ainhoa's grandfather, the man who founded the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

The rooms are all tastefully appointed, with modern, updated showers (love rain head showers!) and many have balconies to soak in the ocean views. Our double was comfortable and colorful, with large, sweeping doors out to the terrace to let in the sun and ocean breeze.

a double room at the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

The stylish bathrooms at the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

Room 10 at the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

In the morning, I arrived downstairs to the lobby to find a indulgent breakfast spread (included in the room rate), featuring a variety of pastries, breads, and cakes local to the Basque region. Each morning I sampled something a little different, yet always utterly decadent.

There were fresh fruits, granola, and yogurt on offer, but why go that route when you have a cake filled with pastry cream, or a tart topped with caramelized pears?

SanPrudentzio-13-min

SanPrudentzio-18-min

SanPrudentzio-10-min

Enjoying a coffee and a plate full of treats, was the perfect way to begin our days in Basque Country.

Most importantly though, the Hotel San Prudentzio feels like home. Comfortable and laid back, yet accommodating and beautiful. While certainly off the beaten path, it is mere minutes from the town of Getaria, the ocean, and the many txakoli vineyards when we felt like an impromptu wine tasting.

San Sebastian, the gastronomic center of the Basque Country, is only thirty minutes away, and Bilbao, home to the famous Guggenheim Museum, isn’t much further than that. Plus, after seeing the crowds in San Sebastian and Bilbao, our ability to come home to the serene Hotel San Prudentzio was lovely end to the days.

Ainhoa, one of the owners of the Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

Coming back from our travels each day, we were warmly greeted by Ainhoa, who was also there each morning to invite us to breakfast, handing us a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice as we perused the mornings selection of local delicacies.

We could have stayed at a luxury hotel in San Sebastian, or a large, beachside hotel, but frankly, why would we? The Hotel San Prudentzio offered everything we wanted, and more.

Being a part of history, that precious connection between the past and the present, is what makes the Basque Country a unique region to explore and the Hotel San Prudentzio is the perfect compliment.

Hotel San Prudentzio in Getaria, Spain

Disclosure: Our stay at the Hotel San Prudentzio was complimentary, but as always, our opinions are our own. Plus, it was truly amazing. Room rates start at around €70/night, which includes the amazing breakfast.

FANCY A DRIVE WITH US?
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND OUR AWESOME EBOOK, “LIVING ABROAD: AN EXPAT’S GUIDE”, THE PERFECT STARTER GUIDE FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN EXPAT LIFE!
  • June 25, 2016

    Perfect combination of old meets new. Really funky. The ocean, the fresh air and great food makes the Hotel San Prudentzio quite the find and even the cost per night starting at €70 is really not bad at all. Let’s not forget the wine and the vineyards, but the personal attention is what will make me stay there.
    Travelwith2ofus recently posted…Free things to do in Venice, ItalyMy Profile

    • June 25, 2016

      The family was super friendly and felt more like someones home (albeit very stylish home) than a hotel. Perfect place to soak in the fun and culture of Basque Country

  • June 25, 2016

    The Hotel San Prudentzio is exactly the type of hotel we look for during our travels. I love that the family is part of the day-to-day running and interacting with its guests, makes it feel like home. We love the Basque region and will definitely keep this hotel in mind.
    Brenda Tolentino recently posted…The Best Places to Travel in Italy with kidsMy Profile

    • June 26, 2016
      Julie

      We love the family connection – it always makes us feel good to stay in family-run hotels, even if we have to go to a little bit of effort to do our homework. We are never disappointed!

  • June 26, 2016

    I totally love this place. Basque countries vineyards and farmlands are amazing. Indeed Hotel San Prudentzio looks the perfect place to stay over the weekend and relax, eat good food and taste good wines.
    João Leitão recently posted…Mesopotamian Marshes, The rebirth of Iraqi VeniceMy Profile

    • June 26, 2016
      Julie

      We were blown away by the Basque countryside. To anyone spending their precious time in just San Sebastian, we highly recommend getting out of town for a little country visit!

  • June 26, 2016

    Very nice place. We don’t usually stay in hotels and prefer Airbnb’s but when we do stay in hotels we prefer family run smaller establishments to the huge multinational chains. We plan to visit Spain again and I would like to stay a night or 2 at this place.
    Rob recently posted…How to Try Expat Life Rent FreeMy Profile

    • June 26, 2016
      Julie

      Thanks Rob – we are also huge AirBnB fans, but find that for short visits, sometimes hotels are easier to navigate (no minimum nights, or specific times to meet up to exchange keys, etc). Or maybe we just love staying in places of all types – we love researching the possibilities to find hidden gems of all kinds! Cheers.

  • June 27, 2016

    This place looks absolutely gorgeous!! I love the decor and how homey it seems. So cool to find family-run places! Also that breakfast looks heavenly! Great find 🙂
    Jen Joslin recently posted…Getting Off the Beaten Path in Taipei, TaiwanMy Profile

    • June 28, 2016
      Julie

      I stumbled upon it after doing some research. Great value and almost equidistant between San Sebastian and Bilbao, so perfect for buzzing around Basque Country.

  • June 27, 2016

    Wow, that looks like a super incredible place – and only 70/night?! The food looks delicious and I love all the bright colours they used to accent the hotel!
    Carly Moore recently posted…UNESCO # 8 – The Historic Site of LyonMy Profile

    • June 28, 2016
      Julie

      Such a great value, right? Hotel rates in San Sebastian can get a little crazy, so Hotel San Prudentzio is a welcomed respite to overpriced generic beach hotels. Breakfast spread was incredible too, and the people incredibly nice.

  • June 27, 2016

    What a beautiful place! It looks like a great spot to relax and unwind, and the food – divine!
    Tara recently posted…The National Park-to-Park Highway with Mountain Mom and TotsMy Profile

    • June 28, 2016
      Julie

      The chocolate donuts and tart packed with crema was hard to resist in the morning. I did offset it with some fresh fruit!

  • June 27, 2016

    I would love to visit the Basque countryside and this hotel looks simply stunning. I would stay there in a heartbeat. The breakfast buffet looks delectable and there is nothing sweeter than starting your day with a piece of cake, is there?
    Maria recently posted…Eat Your Way Around the World: Miami for FoodiesMy Profile

    • June 28, 2016
      Julie

      I like starting most days with cake!

  • June 27, 2016

    Woah that breakfast looks soooooo good! I would love that every morning. Looks and sounds like a great hotel.

  • June 28, 2016

    What a lovely hotel! I love everything about it. The bright furniture, the views, and I love that they embrace their history. The food looks great too, and it was so nice of them to offer you wine while you waited for your room. That kind of service is hard to find.
    Vicky and Buddy recently posted…Is 35 By 35 Possible?My Profile

    • June 28, 2016
      Julie

      They were super accommodating. Nice to arrive and get a glass of wine and a seat on the terrace overlooking the rolling hills of Basque Country and the Atlantic Ocean. Not too shabby!