Castillo de Curiel

The rooftop pool is open 24 seven, and you can eat up there too. From the castle roof, the 360° views over vineyards, valleys, and farmers working in the fields are phenomenal. We spent a while stargazing last night with a bottle of wine in perfect weather. It was super quiet. I’ve traveled around the globe for almost 30 years, and this is the neatest place I’ve ever stayed. It feels historic like a castle, but homey at the same time. The price was so reasonable, and it was the first room of our trip with a great bathtub. If work and family didn’t mean I had to go back to America, I’d move in. If you want a getaway and memories that last a lifetime, this is it. I would’ve driven several more hours just to stay here. A fairy tale place, just GEORGEOUS!!

The pool on top of the castle is beautiful, with amazing sunset views over the valleys, though there’s no bar up there. The food and wine are up to standard, the hotel is very clean, and there’s plenty of secure parking. The decoration is a bit much, but not shocking. The high tech toilets were a surprise in our rustic room, like finding a modern bathroom hidden inside it. The views are breathtaking and it’s good value overall. Service is flexible, but could be better in terms of motivation and courtesy. They didn’t have extra towels for the pool. Wheelchair ramps and elevators reach the rooms and restaurant, but not the roof.

The castle sits on a hilltop and makes for a memorable stay. It’s quirky, with very historic decor, and the views from the top and from our room are sweeping. Service was responsive, and we had good quality evening meals in the restaurant on both nights. There aren’t many downsides, though Peñafiel is a 10-minute drive away and is the only realistic alternative. Our room could have had better placed power points. It would also be more eco-friendly to avoid single-use plastic shower gel containers. We had a very enjoyable stay, right in the heart of Ribera del Duero's golden mile of vineyards.

We booked the Junior Suite for my partner’s birthday at this historic castle, the kind of place you only see in movies. The birthday dinner was really nice, and the restaurant staff were amazing. They even brought out a dessert and candle to celebrate. Everyone was so nice and looked after us really well. Thanks so much. We’ll definitely be back.