Hotel Arimune | Bakio — Hotel in Bakio

This boutique hotel is a hidden gem. I stayed here for two nights while biking through Basque Country with my dad. I don’t usually write reviews but this was one of the most outstanding and delightful experiences I’ve had as a traveler.

First, the location is unbeatable - it is directly on the beach, which is not only remarkably convenient, it meant all the common areas and our room came with stunning views. It is quiet and peaceful and you’ll fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean. The beds are super comfortable, and despite being jet lagged, I got incredible sleep here for the first time since I started my trip.

Second, the hotel itself is stunningly beautiful. The building is centuries old and has been carefully restored with modern and practical touches that make it both elegant and comfortable while maintaining respect for the character of the original building. Everything was of the highest quality. It’s probably the cleanest hotel I’ve ever stayed in.

Third, the staff are outstandingly kind and helpful. It’s clearly a family business and they have a deep professional pride in their work. They also provide a delicious traditional basque breakfast made individually for each guest. Easily the best breakfast I had on my entire trip.

The level of comfort and thoughtful attention to detail made every aspect of our stay here a delight. Don’t miss out on this...

The hotel and room were very nice, with a wonderful view of the beach, friendly staff, and a modern interior. HOWEVER, the service/ food in the restaurant can only be described as terrible: 1.) We had a reservation but had to wait for an hour for a table (no excuse offered, we were simply left to stand there) 2.) The tomato salad with the burrata was a perfect reminder of the sunny day we had just spent at the beach, in so far as it was at least as sandy. Definitely not worth the 20 minute wait. 3.) At least our wait for the salad gave the waiter time to come back and explain that they were out of our order .... twice. 4.) As you can imagine we were now eagerly awaiting the main course, which we proceeded to eat with our hands because we did not receive any cutlery even though we reminded them at least twice. Needless to say, by the time we received the cutlery the meat and soggy fries had reached ambient temperature (it was 23:00 at this point, because of all the waiting). 5.) Not once during the whole meal were we asked if we wanted any more drinks etc. 6.) In our boundless naivety we decided to order what passes for a tiramisu in this establishment. By this point the absence of cutlery did not even surprise. 7.) Did I mention we paid...

Bakio is an odd place, especially out of season. Very limited nightlife, few options for food and all set in a Spanish version of a Soviet coastal town. Big tower blocks, fairly non descript, bit tired in places. |The hotel is the opposite of all of this, quirky mix of boutique hotel and hostel, right on the beach. Sea view room was small, and the view was standing up looking out of the window, but it was lovely to have the window open and hear the sea through the night. Nicely, if sparsely furnished. |Biggest disappointment was we didn’t get to try the breakfast, Monday morning breakfast wasn’t on and Tuesday morning we were told we should have booked - which was news to us. The host asked us to wait in another room whilst the rest of the guests were served “5 minutes “ turned into 25 and without a pastry of coffee in sight, we left. Checked out and went to see the amazing gaztelugayxe. |Debated an “average” review because we were left in the lurch for breakfast, but they were so attentive around our slightly late check-in that we decided against it. Shame - heard the breakfast...