Hotel Palacio Borda
HNAV5, Amaiur, Spanish Pyrenees and Catalunya
Palace hotel in the Navarran Baztan Valley
Set in a peaceful spot surrounded by lush, green mountain scenery with the pretty whitewashed houses of the village below, this small yet elegant hotel is located in historic Amaiur, one of the loveliest of the many delightful villages for which the valley of Bazt?n is justly famous.
The village's strategic position, at the foot of the Otsondo mountain pass, has led to its being the scene of historic battles and nowadays makes it the perfect base to explore the delightful Valley of Bazt?n, make forays into the French Pays Basque just a short drive away, or head south to Pamplona, the provincial capital.
The palace has been recently re-opened and completely restored in harmony with its original architecture of characteristic local red stone with grand proportions and stately arches, for which it is listed as part of the Historical Heritage of Navarra. Yet there's no compromise to guests' comfort with spacious rooms where modern furnishings and fittings tastefully combine with noble materials and stonework.
The young and energetic owners will help you get the most out of your visit and can help out with cultural and gastronomic tips, routes for walkers and nature lovers and local companies offering adrenaline fuelled adventure sports in the valley.
Accommodation
There are 14 en-suite, ample rooms including 2 suites, 8 doubles and 4 junior suites. They are named after the 14 villages of the Baztan Valley.
They all offer spectacular views of the village, the valley and Monte Gaztelu.
All rooms have:
Air conditioning and heating
Amenities
En-suite bath
Security box
Hair dryer
Flat-screen TV
Phone
Free WIFI
NB some superior rooms and suites have sofa beds (double bed width) which can be used for one or two children (please enquire). No cots available
Hotel Features
Free parking
Free Wi-Fi in all areas
Lift to all floors
Comfortable lounges in lobby and first floor
Restaurant
Buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant with fresh, home-made and local produce including jams, cheeses and chocolates from local artisan producers.
A menu of snacks ('picoteo') and tapas is available from the bar which has a small terrace where you can sit out and enjoy the views.
In the village there's a local bar serving tapas and snacks and the old watermill which serves talos (flat, unleaved bread made with cornflour milled on the premises) – not to be missed!
There are restaurants 3km away at the crossroads in Ordoki and in Elizondo, the main centre for the Baztan Valley, there are plenty of bars and restaurants, a good swimming pool and all other amenities.
Hotel Facilities
24 Hour ReceptionTour Booking Service
WiFi all areas
Spacious Grounds
Adults Only
Lift
Garden/Patio/Terrace
Shared Lounge / TV Area
No smoking in hotel
Luggage storage
Laundry Service
Air Conditioning
Sports and Wellbeing
Swimming Pool (outdoor, all year)Swimming Pool (outdoor, seasonal)
Swimming pool (indoor)
Gym
Spa
Bicycle hire
E-bike hire
Watersports
Ski service
Tennis
Padel Tennis
Billiard / pool table
Room facilities (all rooms)
En-suite bathroomHeating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Fridge / Minibar
Coffee maker
Tea/Coffee making facilities
Walk-in shower
Shower over bathtub
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Safe deposit box
Desk
Dining
Restaurant, open to the publicResaurant / dining room for guests only
Breakfast only
Bars / restaurants within walking distance of the hotel
Bistro serving lighter meals
Bar, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks
Bar for clients only serving drinks and light snacks
Bar with terrace, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks
Bar with terrace, for clients only serving drinks and light snacks
Poolside bar, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks
Poolside bar, for clients only serving drinks and light snacks
Honesty bar for clients only
Packed lunch service
Accessibility
Facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobilityRoom(s) adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Parking space adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Parking
On-site parking (free)On-site parking (extra charge)
Garage parking (free)
Garage parking (extra charge)
On-street parking
Public parking nearby (pay locally)
Electric vehicle charging station
Pets
No pets allowedPets allowed by prior arrangement - please consult
Amaiur, Spanish Pyrenees and Catalunya
At the north-east end of the beautiful Baztán valley Amaiur’s strategic position, at the foot of the Otsondo mountain pass, has led to its being the scene of two very important battles – the Navarran’s last stand against the Castillian forces of Carlos V in 1512 (marked by the monument at the top of the village) and, 300 years on, Napoleon’s last stand against Wellington’s troops before being pushed across the border.
The valley is renowned in Spain for its emerald green mountain scenery, pure mountain streams and picturesque villages with characteristic red stone and whitewashed houses. Distinctively Basque in culture you’ll also find wonderful cheeses, rural strong-man sports and remarkable wood carving (watch out for the unique and fascinating Agote culture particularly in Bozate and Errazu).
If village-hopping’s your thing you’re in for a treat with, to name but a few, Arizkun, Elizondo, and Ziga all within easy reach and Etxalar, Lesaka and Bera further down the valley where it becomes the Bidasoa.
A quick trip up and over the Otsondo pass will take you to yet more delightful villages such as Ainhoa, Sare and Espelette, famous for its softly piquant peppers – and the coast around St Jean-de-Luz is certainly within reach. For a scenic drive the road up and over Izpegi pass and down to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is simply world-class!
Don’t miss the Señorio de Bertiz park with its impressive Arboretum, the caves at Urdax and Zugarramurdi with their history of witchcraft and Inquisition, and, on a clear day, the Petit Tren de la Rhune (Tren de Larrun in Spanish) which will take you up to 905m and deliver the most amazing views over the Bay of Biscay.
