Hotel Arraya
Warm, deeply personal Basque family home. Old-world charm without being fussy. Antiques and patina, not Instagram minimalism. The kind of place where the owner remembers your name.
Garden-side rooms are quieter; square-facing rooms have the view and atmosphere but you'll hear the church bells through the night
Why It Matters
One of the longest-running family hotels in French Basque Country — three generations of the same family, on the same square, since 1951. The building started as a Compostela pilgrim relay in the 16th century. It holds Maître Restaurateur certification for its restaurant, is listed in both Tablet Hotels and the Michelin Guide, and sits in a village on France's official 'Plus Beaux Villages' list.
A 16th-century former pilgrim waystation turned family hotel, Arraya sits right on the village square of Sare — one of France's officially designated most beautiful villages, barely a mile from Spain. The Fagoaga family has run it since 1951, and that continuity shows in every corner: original ceiling beams, antique furniture, Pierre Frey fabrics, and fresh flowers cut daily from the garden. This is three interconnected historic buildings grouped around a hidden flower garden, and the whole thing still feels like a private home that happens to have 15 guest rooms.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Prestige Room (Junior Suite)
From EUR215 / nightTwo suites named after the owners' daughters — Suite Maitena and Suite Katixa. At 45–50 sqm they're the largest rooms in the hotel, with private balconies overlooking the listed garden and pool. Decorated with Pierre Frey fabrics and proper living space. Maitena has a double bathtub and walk-in shower; Katixa has a double walk-in shower. The only rooms suitable for families with two children.
King (180×200 cm), convertible to twin; plus two children's beds · 47 sqmPrivilege Room — Garden Side
From EUR185 / nightSix rooms at 25–30 sqm on the second floor, opening onto the hotel's garden and swimming corridor. Light oak woodwork, fabrics from Nobilis, Braquenié, and Charles Burger. Bathroom with both shower and bath. Three of these six were completely renovated in 2022 — worth requesting one of those for the freshest look.
King (180×200 cm), convertible to twin · 27 sqmPrivilege Room — Village Side
From EUR160 / nightThree rooms at 25–30 sqm with views over the Sare village square and surrounding mountains. Same design quality as the garden-side Privileges — light oak, designer fabrics, full bathroom with shower and bath — but with the added drama of looking out over the historic square and Pyrenean skyline. Slightly lower price than garden side.
King (180×200 cm), convertible to twin · 27 sqm
Tradition Room
From EUR130 / nightThe most compact rooms in the house at 20 sqm, decorated in warm shades of red or blue. Located on the first or second floor, they look out either onto the village or the Basque mountains. Cosy and full of personality — these are genuinely charming rooms, just smaller. Bathroom has a shower in a bathtub. No mini-bar; no frills. Good value entry point for the property.
Double (160×190 cm or 180×190 cm), convertible to twin · 20 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
On-site shop selling Basque linen, Basque pottery, and Arraya house-made jams. Good for picking up local products without leaving the property.
Prehistoric caves a short distance from the hotel, with guided tours and light shows. A good wet-weather option for families.
A heritage rack-and-pinion train from the nearby Col de Saint-Ignace up to the 905m summit of La Rhune, with views across the Pyrenees to the Atlantic. One of the most iconic excursions in Basque Country, a short drive from the hotel.
On-site playground for younger guests.
Available as part of the Sports Holiday package — a 3-hour guided electric mountain bike ride through the Basque Country with GPS provided. Bookable by calling the hotel directly.
A listed garden hidden from the street, with nearly 200 Queen Elisabeth roses, dahlias, arums, star jasmine, and Virginia creeper on the balconies. Cultivated by the Fagoaga family for generations — Laurence cuts fresh bouquets every day for the public rooms. A genuinely lovely spot to sit with a book.
An 11m × 3.5m outdoor swimming lane with views of the Pyrenean mountains and the hotel's listed façade. Water heated to above 26°C on cooler days. Solarium with deck chairs and parasols surrounds it. Compact — this is a lap lane, not a leisure pool — but genuinely great on hot days after hiking.
Sare is criss-crossed with walking routes. The hotel curates information on local hikes including paths up La Rhune, routes to the Lizarrieta Pass, and the famous cross-border walk between Sare and Zugarramurdi (the Witches' March, March–October). The GR10 long-distance trail also passes through the area.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Lift installed in 2015 — a genuine quality-of-life upgrade in a 16th-century building.
Free WiFi throughout all rooms and public areas.
Shaded village-square terrace under old plane trees, open to hotel guests and the public.
Listed private garden with flower terraces, used for sitting, relaxation, and breakfast.
The hotel does not have a private car park. Public parking is available on the village square and on nearby streets. One accessible public parking space is located near the entrance.
11m × 3.5m outdoor swimming lane, heated above 26°C, solarium with deck chairs and parasols.
Akoka boutique selling Basque linen, pottery, and house-made jams. Also a small gift shop.
All rooms equipped with air conditioning.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL ARRAYA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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