Durango's Hidden Gem: Hotel Olajauregi - Unforgettable Stay!
Durango's Hidden Gem: Hotel Olajauregi - Unforgettable Stay! (Or at Least, Mostly…)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from the Hotel Olajauregi in Durango, and my brain is still trying to untangle itself from the sheer… experience. Officially, it's an "unforgettable stay," and hey, I can't deny that. I'm just not sure what I'll be forgetting about it. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions (and Accessibility Ramblings):
Finding the place was a minor victory in itself. Durango? Gorgeous. My GPS? Apparently in a committed relationship with a goat path. Finally, though, there it was: the Olajauregi, nestled… well, somewhere. The exterior hinted at elegance, with a charming, slightly faded grandeur. Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty, because I'm a gal with a discerning eye and a penchant for… well, let's say "needing a little extra help sometimes."
Accessibility: This is where things got… interesting. The front entrance? Gorgeous, of course, with a grand staircase. But, wait… where’s the ramp? Thankfully, there's an elevator, but the access to the pool seemed a bit of a challenge, and let's be honest, navigating the labyrinthine hallways with a dodgy knee was a workout in itself. Still, I'm rating this as "work in progress" on the accessibility front.
Wheelchair Accessible: While there was an elevator and some effort, areas were not quite ideal for wheelchair users. I'd advise contacting the hotel directly beforehand for a detailed rundown. (And maybe bring a Sherpa).
Getting Around: The elevator was my best friend! Parking was relatively easy - a free car park on-site - plus a valet option if I'd wanted to indulge. But that hilly terrain… whew!
Checking In and Settling In (Wi-Fi Woes & Room Revelations):
Check-in/out [express]: This was a breeze! Contactless check-in and out was a welcome touch in these post-pandemic times, too.
Internet Access: Okay, here's where the honeymoon started to… wobble. Free Wi-Fi in all Rooms!!!… or so they promised. My initial attempt to connect went something like this: tap, tap, tap, spinning wheel of doom, sigh, reboot. Let's just say, the internet was, at best, intermittently cooperative. I did manage to get online via LAN and if you brought your own equipment it definitely does the trick. Side note: When I finally got my laptop on the system, I was able to get some serious work done.
Available in All Rooms: The rooms themselves were quite lovely. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains (essential for my sleep schedule… or lack thereof)? Check. Comfy bed? Absolutely. The extra long bed was an amazing touch. So, while the Wi-Fi tested my patience, the room was a haven.
Rooms Amenities: Every thing! From the mini-bar stocked with local treats to the fluffy bathrobes (I basically lived in those), they were thoughtfully fitted. Plus an extra toilet, how many hotels can boast of that?
Non-Smoking: This is my mantra!
The Food & Drink Saga (and My Brush with the Buffet):
Alright, this is where the Olajauregi really shines – or occasionally… flickers.
Restaurants, Dining, and Snacking: The hotel boasts several dining options, including a main restaurant and a poolside bar. I opted for the buffet breakfast one morning - a glorious spread of pastries, fruits, and… mysterious international cheeses. The coffee was strong, the eggs were… edible, and let's just say I left feeling like I'd consumed half the stock of a small grocery store.
Buffet in restaurant: A huge mix. There was a massive choice, but I felt like I was battling a horde of hungry wolves.
Asian and International Cuisine: The restaurant offered both, and the dishes were generally well-executed, if a bit… safe. I craved a bit of adventure in my food, but the quality was undeniable.
Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was pretty good. Breakfast in room was also an option, but I felt I needed to get out and about.
Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: I had a beer at the poolside bar that night, and a coffee the following morning, it all felt like a luxurious affair.
Room service [24-hour]: That was a huge plus!
Spa, Relaxation, and Fitness (My Quest for Zen… Failed?)
Spa and Fitness: This is where I went from "content" to "overwhelmed with choices." The Olajauregi is a spa-lover's paradise, with a Pool with a view, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, and Gym/fitness facilities.
Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool: The outdoor pool area was truly stunning, overlooking the landscape – perfect for some serious relaxation.
Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: I booked a massage, and it was… intense. The masseuse, bless her heart, clearly had a mission. I requested a "gentle touch." What I received was more akin to a deep-tissue excavation. My muscles were definitely worked, but whether I was relaxed or in a state of low-grade panic is up for debate.
Things to do, ways to relax, This hotel has it all, from spa day, to hiking.
Cleanliness, Safety, and The Pandemic Dance:
Cleanliness and safety: The Hotel Olajauregi took safety protocols seriously.
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays: I felt very secure, knowing the hotel was making an effort to maintain hygiene.
Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff were, without exception, wearing masks and diligent with hand sanitiser.
Cashless Payment Service: So you did not need to deal with cash.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: This was good, considering the buffet!
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Less Good, and the "What Was That?")
Services & Conveniences: They were there, but never over-the-top. Concierge always available - helpful but not particularly memorable.
Business facilities: It was all there if you needed
Family/Child friendly, For the kids, Babysitting service, Kids meal, I didn't take my kids (thank GOD!), but I saw several families, and they seemed well-catered for.
Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Standard.
The Verdict (and My Final Thoughts):
So, would I recommend the Hotel Olajauregi? Absolutely. It's a beautiful hotel with great facilities, a friendly staff, and a location that's hard to beat. Despite the accessibility challenges and Wi-Fi wobble, the overall experience was positive. It's a place where you can relax, explore, and (maybe) get a massage that slightly traumatizes you. This is a hotel with character, and plenty of quirky charm.
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Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (losing a star for the accessibility and Wi-Fi hiccups)
Unbelievable Watukarung Escape: Sackstone Guest House Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Durango, Spain, and frankly, I'm already picturing myself face-first in a plate of something ridiculously delicious. Hotel Olajauregi, here we come! (Or at least, we hope so… I swear, I almost booked the wrong Durango the other day. Don't tell anyone.)
Durango Debacle: A Rambling, Relatable Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and "Finding My Feet" (aka, Getting Utterly Lost)
Morning (or, More Accurately, Late Morning):
- Land in Bilbao Airport (BIO), Spain. Okay, let's be real, the "land" part is usually the least dramatic. The real drama starts after. The airport is a maze, every European airport is a maze! And my Spanish? Let's just say my "Hola" and "Gracias" are probably more likely to be misinterpreted as aggressive hand gestures than actual polite greetings.
- The Great Train Hunt: Finding the train to Durango. This is where I shine. By "shine," I mean I'll probably ask the same bewildered-looking local approximately five times while flashing my phone and making frantic wing-flapping gestures. Hoping there's a coffee shop nearby. A strong coffee is essential for navigating the confusing train schedules. (Note to self: Download the train app. Or, you know, just follow a friendly-looking elderly lady.)
- Check-in at Hotel Olajauregi. Praying it's as charming in real life as it looks in the photos. Hoping to find a balcony and a view that makes me feel like I'm in a romantic Spanish film. (More realistically, it’ll probably be someone’s washing line. Still, Spain!).
- Room Orientation and Unpacking Mess: Now the real fun begins! Finding the light switch (a quest in itself, I swear), figuring out the air conditioning, and spreading my life across the bed. (I travel lightly, as in, I bring everything.)
Afternoon:
- Wandering and Wondering: First impressions of Durango. This is my favourite thing about travel: the aimless wander. I want to get lost down the cobbled streets, get a feel for the place. I will inevitably end up somewhere unexpected, probably buying something I don't need from a shop I don't understand. Maybe I'll stumble upon a hidden plaza, or a tapas bar that becomes my spiritual home. Maybe.
- Lunch! (or, the Search for the Perfect Pintxo): I'm not just talking about any food, mind you. I'm on a quest for THE perfect pintxo (Basque Country's version of tapas, little bites of utter deliciousness). My research tells me Durango is a pintxo paradise. I hope I get lucky. I also hope I can understand what the waiter is saying.
Evening:
- Dinner & Drinks: This is where the real fun happens. Finding a good restaurant. Probably a loud, lively place where everyone is laughing and clinking glasses. I'm already picturing myself attempting to order in broken Spanish, accidentally saying something completely inappropriate, and accidentally making friends with half the restaurant because of it. More pintxos, of course! And maybe a cheeky glass (or two) of Rioja.
- Falling into Bed: Collapse. Pure and utter collapse. Maybe make a note to try the "Do Not Disturb" sign before the cleaning staff starts in the morning.
Day 2: The Basilica and the Basque-ing in Beauty (and Maybe Tears)
Morning:
- Trying (and Failing) to Sleep In: I’m not a morning person. But the excitement of being in Spain will probably wake me up at 6 am. It’s the only way I can travel.
- A Visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria de Uribarri: This is supposed to be one of the highlights of the area. I'm expecting to be awestruck, to feel some kind of profound connection to… well, something. (I'm not even religious, but I can appreciate architecture and history). Hoping for a moment of silence, maybe a quiet prayer of gratitude for being here. Or, you know, just a moment to escape the chaos of my own brain.
- Coffee and Contemplation: Finding a cafe, sipping coffee, and soaking in the atmosphere. Actually observing things. Trying to remember details so I can write about it (later, when I'm recovered from the trip).
Afternoon:
The Market Miracle: Durango is famous for its market. I'm expecting a sensory overload of colours, smells, and sounds. Think mountains of fresh produce, local crafts, and the general buzz of life. I plan to try to sample everything, even though I'll probably have trouble understanding the vendors. Maybe I’ll even attempt to buy something that I’ll never be able to replicate at home.
Tapas Tour: Part Deux.: Another deep dive into the pintxo universe. This time, I will find the perfect pintxo. I might need to go to every bar in Durango. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.
Evening:
- *Dinner and a *Possible* Disaster:* Another meal but this time I will attempt to use the new Spanish I have aquired - which is essentially the words for 'please, thank you, wine, and cheese'.
- Late-Night Rambling: I don’t want to be in my room. I want to sit outside and see the moon above the town and listen to the distant music and smell the air that I am so, so lucky to breathe.
Day 3: The Day I Did Too Much (and Probably Regretted It)
Morning:
- Hiking (or, More Accurately, Stumbling): There are supposed to be some beautiful hiking trails around Durango. I'm going to pick one. I'll probably wear the wrong shoes. I'll probably overestimate my physical abilities. I'll probably get lost. But the views… the views better be worth it. If I make it past the first few switchbacks I'll be ecstatic.
Afternoon:
- Museums and Museums: The Art of Underwhelm: There's a museum. Art museums. History museums. I will go in, I will try to appreciate the art, I will probably get bored and start thinking about lunch.
Evening:
- Dinner and Departure Dreams: One last meal. One last pintxo. One last look at the town. I'll probably be a bit sad to leave. Or, maybe I'll be ecstatic to sleep in my own bed again. I'm not sure yet. It's a coin toss.
The Im-perfect Afterword:
This is just a rough sketch. Life will happen. The train will be late. I'll get lost. I'll order the wrong thing. But that's the point. The imperfections are what make the memories. It’s about the laugh-out-loud moments, the unexpected discoveries, and the little triumphs over utter chaos. Here's to Durango, to the magic of travel, and to the adventure that awaits. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And if you see a slightly dishevelled person waving frantically at a train, that's probably me. Come say hello. And bring a map.
Escape to Paradise: Bali's BEST Sari Room B&B Awaits!
Hotel Olajauregi: You've Got Questions, I've Got (Probably Slightly Chaotic) Answers
Okay, the website says "Unforgettable Stay." Is that... like, actually true? Or just marketing BS?
Unforgettable? OH, absolutely. But look, let's be real, "unforgettable" can mean a bunch of things. Sometimes unforgettable is a *good* thing, like that time I ate a three-cheese pizza at 3 AM and it was glorious. Other times, it's like… remembering that awkward family reunion where you accidentally wore the same dress as your Aunt Mildred. Olajauregi? DEFINITELY on the pizza side of unforgettable. The charm? The views? Yeah, you will remember them vividly. The *smell* of that old wood? You'll be trying to replicate it at home with pine cones and a diffuser…trust me.
What's the deal with those "charming" rooms? Are they…tiny? Because I'm a big guy.
Okay, "charming" is code for "historic," which sometimes translates to "rooms built before giants were a thing." Yes, some rooms *are* cozy. I’m about average height and I felt…intimate…with one of the double beds. If you're a linebacker, maybe… *maybe* phone ahead and ask about the room size. Seriously. Don’t be like me and try to squeeze into a single bed at 3 AM after an entire day of wine tasting and a five hour train ride, it's not pretty. On the plus side, it’s an excuse to spend MORE time wandering those gorgeous common areas. Consider it a blessing in disguise - those views need to be admired! Now, if you *are* a linebacker…well, maybe embrace the experience and see it as character-building!
Is the food as good as they say? The photos...look amazing.
Look. I consider myself a fairly seasoned eater. I've endured my fair share of questionable airport sandwiches and overly-enthusiastic buffet offerings. The food at Olajauregi? It almost brought a tear to my eye. Seriously. That breakfast? Freshly baked bread (the smell!!), local jams, and perfectly cooked eggs. The dinner? I had lamb chops (I usually don’t LOVE lamb) and they were... a revelation. I'm still dreaming of that sauce. And the wine list? Don't even get me started. Okay, I *will* start. It's thoughtfully curated and reasonably priced. They know what they're doing with the food. It's beyond good. It's… therapeutic. Especially if you've had one of those "unforgettable" days involving, say, a bus breakdown or a particularly chatty tour guide. Pure bliss.
What's the vibe like? Is it all stuffy and formal? Or relax-and-unwind-able?
Definitely the latter. Forget the stiff upper lip. Olajauregi manages to be elegant without being pretentious. Think cozy, warm, and with a dash of "we appreciate good wine and good conversation." The staff is INCREDIBLY friendly. They'll help you with anything, from recommendations for hikes to explaining the (complicated) history of that gorgeous painting in the lobby. I felt like I was staying at a seriously stylish friend's house, not a cold hotel. Okay, maybe a friend with MUCH better taste and access to amazing chefs. I spent a glorious afternoon just chatting with one of the staff members, and she clearly loves Durango which is a huge plus. It might be good to mention the staff will be happy to help but don't ask them too many questions (like how I asked for a dozen things at the same time).
Is it easy to get to from the airport/train station?
Relatively. The train is, in my opinion, the best way to arrive. But, it depends where you're coming from. Durango itself is easy to navigate. Taxis and ride-sharing options are available. Ask the hotel to arrange a pickup for you - makes life a lot easier. Seriously. Especially after a long train ride filled with too many delicious pintxos and copious amounts of wine. Trust me on this one. I made the mistake of thinking I could “handle” the walk from the train station… It involved a few slightly questionable turns, some very confused Google Maps navigation, and me muttering to myself about how charming everything was… while hauling a suitcase that felt like it was filled with lead bricks. The hotel staff will literally usher you in, get you a drink, and make all your worries disappear. That alone is worth the trip.
Anything I should be warned about? Any…imperfections?
Okay, disclaimer: I'm not a professional travel critic. I judge hotels on a scale of “would I move in permanently?” and Olajauregi gets a resounding YES. But, here are a few (very minor) things: 1. The WiFi in some rooms might be a touch spotty. Honestly, this is probably a *feature*, not a bug. Unplug and enjoy the view! 2. The walls *might* be thin. I’m pretty sure I could hear the guy in the next room snoring at one point…but, hey, that's charm! 3. You might accidentally spend your entire budget on their local products. That would have been the biggest of concerns. The little shop has a curated list of great products. Besides that, the experience is almost flawless, just be ready to indulge!
Would you go back? Honestly.
Are you KIDDING me? I'm already plotting my return. Seriously. I might sell my left kidney to stay there again. Forget everything else. The *feeling* of that place, the way it makes you slow down and just… breathe… that's worth more than any perfectly-formed room or perfectly-executed meal. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Book the trip. Now. Go.
