Arraya

Arraya epitomizes the glory of Basque country hotels, so many of them still family run, passed on from generation to generation. Two Fagoaga brothers are now in charge, and their wives, all very much involved. The 17th century house was once a resting place for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela and it remains a place of great character: immaculately cared for, with much burnished wood and a handsome curved wooden staircase leading to the bedrooms, all of which are divinely decorated with colourful country fabrics, pretty objets d’art and pictures and bedspreads handmade by the family. Some rooms are small, but they are all charming, with views over verdant garden or village square, and there are six large ‘deluxe’ rooms, up to date but still pretty and traditional in character. The restaurant is excellent and a shop on the ground floor sells home made gâteau basque, not to be missed.