Hôtel Argia

From the moment we arrived it felt like home. Marie the owner was behind the bar, busy serving lunch when I asked where to check-in she said “just around the corner of the bar, I’ll be there to get you settled in a minute” Once we got our old style keys we knew we felt like we were in a country inn and bar in the UK. But don’t worry the hotel has solid WiFi and all the modern trappings. I folded the mirrors on our car and inched between centuries old walls to the rear oasis of the inn. A roomy parking lot with 1 makeshift EV spot that doubles as handicapped parking. It overlooks a beautiful pool and poolside bar. The owners Marie and Jean-Baptiste’s house is just beyond the pool through the garden. There is no elevator so the luggage was a bit of schlep up 3 flights of stairs but well worth it to arrive in our somewhat small, yet very comfortable king room overlooking the Basque countryside. There is no Nespresso machines but no need either as Frédérique, la gouvernante, or one of her team will gladly bring Café Crème and Cappus to your room anytime, day or night. Because everyone can do everything in this family run team, she also gladly brought us towels and a chilled bottle of Rosé in a bucket stand with glass wine glasses by the pool! Sacrilege in North America, Gotta love France, they do everything in style, glassware at the beach, at the pool, none of this sissy plastic. Better to have one person per year cut themselves on broken glass than hundreds punished by poor tasting wine and beer in scratched platic containers. We were at Argia for three nights exploring St-Jean de Luz, St Jean de Pied de Port and San Sebastián Spain and were always happy to get home for lunch or dinner or by the pool at Argia. The burgers on the terrace were delicious as was the magret de canard if you felt more upscale. L’entrecôte et frites with jambon de boyonne and croquettes for dinner were delicious. The Irouléguy Xut wines were flowing and reasonably priced as was the beer on tap. They had made to order eggs and delicious bacon along with the croissants, baguettes, fruit salad and yogurt crumbles in the morning to get you on your way exploring the Basque countryside. A special thank you to Frédérique and all the team for such a warm welcome and service. We will be back!

Superbe établissement! Cuisine local et raffiné pour tous les goûts. Les serveuses sont souriantes et à l’écoute. Et la décoration est de très bon goût. Une belle adresse à découvrir, nous reviendrons. Mention spéciale pour leurs fricassés de riz de veau !