Elciego, Rioja Alavesa, Spain · Gehry Suite · Frank Gehry Architecture
The only hotel in the world designed by Frank Gehry — a Luxury Collection property rising above the Marqués de Riscal estate vineyards in Elciego, Rioja Alavesa. Built in 2006 with titanium curves and multicoloured steel panels inspired by the colours of wine, foil, and grape skin. The Michelin-starred Restaurante Marqués de Riscal under Francis Paniego, the Vinothérapie Spa Caudalie, and the 1858 winery beneath the building make this the most complete wine and architecture destination in Europe.
The Marqués de Riscal Hotel was designed by Frank O. Gehry — the architect of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao — and opened in October 2006. Built using the same titanium panel technology previously employed at the Bilbao Guggenheim, the hotel rises above the medieval town of Elciego with flowing curves of multicoloured steel panels: gold for the wine, silver for the foil, and pink-purple for the grape skin of the Tempranillo. The structure sits at the heart of the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine, directly adjacent to the 1858 winery building that is among the oldest and most celebrated in Rioja.
The 61 uniquely designed rooms and suites are split between the Gehry Wing and the Spa Wing, connected by a raised glass walkway. Each room has a different configuration, reflecting the irregular geometry of the Gehry structure. The Gehry Suite features zigzag windows with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and the medieval town. Every room includes a complimentary bottle of Marqués de Riscal Rioja wine on arrival and a complimentary winery tour.
The Restaurante Gastronómico Marqués de Riscal is overseen by Chef Francis Paniego — one of the most celebrated chefs in the Basque Country and Rioja. His signature restaurant is on the panoramic upper floor of the hotel, with vineyard views and a tasting menu that combines traditional Rioja cuisine with contemporary technique. The Vinothérapie Spa Caudalie uses grape-derived treatments in a 1,400 square metre wellness environment below the hotel.
The Gehry Suite is the signature accommodation at Marqués de Riscal Hotel — a room shaped by Frank Gehry's asymmetrical geometry, with the characteristic zigzag window seat offering panoramic views of the Marqués de Riscal estate vineyards, the medieval town of Elciego, and the rolling hills of the Rioja Alavesa. The interior design, executed by Gehry Partners, features warm earth tones, smooth wooden accents, and furnishings by Alvar Aalto and B&B Italia.
All suites and rooms in the Gehry Wing face either the vineyards or the 19th-century winery buildings, with balconies and terraces available in the premium categories. All guests receive a complimentary bottle of Marqués de Riscal Rioja on arrival, a daily complimentary winery tour, and full access to the Vinothérapie Spa Caudalie facilities.
The Restaurante Gastronómico Marqués de Riscal is on the panoramic second floor of the Gehry Wing, with full vineyard and countryside views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Chef Francis Paniego — who holds two Michelin stars at his flagship restaurant El Portal del Echaurren — presents a tasting menu of contemporary Rioja-Basque cuisine: local vegetables, Rioja lamb, fresh Basque seafood, and an extensive selection of Marqués de Riscal and international wines. The restaurant is exclusively accessible by reservation and operates in the evenings.
The Restaurante 1860 Tradición occupies the informal second restaurant of the hotel, with traditional regional specialities and à la carte dining in a more relaxed format. The Vinoteca & Bistró on the ground floor offers wines by the glass, Rioja charcuterie, and light bites. The hotel bar features a selection of Marqués de Riscal estate wines and seasonal cocktails.
Four nights in the Gehry Suite at Marqués de Riscal Hotel — the only hotel in the world designed by Frank Gehry, above the 1858 Rioja vineyards. The tasting menu at the Gastronómico. The Caudalie Barrel Bath. The private winery tour. The Guggenheim Bilbao.
All packages are fully customisable. Contact your Richseen specialist for tailored inclusions.
Marqués de Riscal Hotel is not a hotel in a wine region. It is a Frank Gehry building that happens to contain a hotel, above a winery that has been making Rioja since 1858. The titanium panels are the same technology used at the Bilbao Guggenheim. The Restaurante Gastronómico has a Michelin star. The Caudalie spa uses grape treatments invented in Bordeaux. The winery tour is included in every stay. The medieval town of Elciego is below the building. The Guggenheim is one hour away. Chef Francis Paniego oversees both restaurants.
A 4-night stay in the Gehry Suite at Marqués de Riscal Hotel — the only hotel in the world designed by Frank Gehry, above the Marqués de Riscal estate vineyards in Rioja Alavesa. Daily breakfast. Two dinners included. Private winery tour. Vinothérapie Spa session. Bilbao Guggenheim excursion.
Vineyard views from the zigzag window. The Gastronómico tasting menu. The Caudalie Barrel Bath. The 1858 cellar beneath the Gehry building. The Guggenheim one hour away.
All components are fully flexible — refined with your Richseen specialist prior to confirmation.