Hotel Ruta de Europa

We paid €77 for one night, but the room was very small, and the double bed felt like it was meant for one person. It was reasonably clean, but there was just one large towel despite booking for two. The bathtub had been painted over several times, which was obvious and looked disgusting, and the toilet seat definitely needs replacing. The hotel and restaurant feel stuck in the 90s and need investment. Stopping here with my partner was a mistake. I wouldn’t recommend it for the price, since I’ve stayed in cheaper hotels in much better condition.

The fish dishes are especially good, and the ingredients and cooking are high quality across a really varied menu. Service is very professional too. This is our favorite dinner stop on our usual Madrid - Donosti drive.

There’s a shop attached to the restaurant with local food and wine. It’s a handy place to stop for a rest, something to eat, or an overnight stay. The restaurant is a simple roadside place and tapa bar, with good, inexpensive food and friendly staff. The hotel is mostly used by truckers; the rooms are basic but cheap. The parking and rest area feel safe, with frequent police checks and staff keeping an eye on things. There’s also a petrol station.

Breakfast was one of the best meals I had in Spain. I chose what I wanted from the cafe/bar, since breakfast was included, and had proper tortilla, bread, cake, and fresh OJ. I was completely stuffed. At dinner, the hotel restaurant is separate from the cafe/bar. My choice was a small portion, but the food was lovely, the price was good, and the service was great. When I first saw the room, I wondered what I’d got myself into: it had an old-fashioned traditional Spanish look and only a single bed. I knew I’d booked a single room, but you often get a double bed anyway, and who sleeps in a single these days? In the end it was totally fine. I moved the bed away from the wall, which made the room cosier, and the bed was actually very comfortable.