What a find. Despite being hospitalised earlier in the week our host welcomed us like old friends. Our suite was gorgeous. Dinner was simple and beautifully cooked. We'd definitely come back here and urge anyone visiting the area to book without delay.

How lucky we were that the "boutique" hotel in Bilbao we wanted for our first night (just off the ferry) was fully booked. We decided to go farther afield, and ended up with the lovely Mikel and Belen in their immaculately restored mountain-top chalet with its stunning views of misty orchards (complete with donkey) and snow-capped peaks. In our comfortable... More

We stayed three nights with Mikel at Ametzola in his beautifully restored farmhouse, which is close enough for day trips to Bilbao yet entirely rural. Mikel is an excellent, attentive and discreet host; staying with him is like being an old family friend, but with no obligation to socialise! The rooms have commanding views over the wooded valleys with many... More

I have stayed in a few Casas Rurales and they have always been lovely, but there is something about Ametzola that makes it truly outstanding. It is very authentic, rustic, with preserved beams. The room was big and comfortable and the shower was spectacular, not to mention the bed and pillows which were the best quality you could dream of.... More

My husband, three girls (13, 11 and 8) and I spent 2 nights here in April, travelling from the UK through northern Spain and to the Pyrenees. The house itself was wonderful, oozing with 16th century character, and perfectly comfortable. Our beds and showers were the best we had in Europe. The food, perhaps the best we've had ever. My... More

My girlfriend and I absolutely loved our two night stay and consider it one of the highlights of our 3 week trip in Spain and France. Mikel, our host, was exceedingly welcoming and made us feel at home very quickly. The home itself, a three story stone farmhouse, has been restored with love over several decades by Mikel. The home... More

What a fantastic place to stay. Mikel is a delightful and generous gentleman who will make your stay perfect. His house has been restored beautifully and it is a pleasure to stay there. As well as being a fantastic host he is a wonderful cook and the evening meal was outstanding. We were disappointed to have only stayed one night... More

Where to start....it's a gorgeous sixteenth century house painstakingly renovated by Mikel, in an idyllic rural setting. Aside from the birds singing, you hear the odd donkey, and that's about it. Rooms are full of character with beams, beds are comfortable, views are stunning.....you can do lovely forest walks straight from the house, or just sit in the gardens on... More

Perched up a steep hill with fantastic views and no neighbours, this little gem is run by Mikel who does all the cooking to a very high standard. He renovated the house over the years and it is beautiful and very comfortable. We stayed for 3 nights and enjoyed every minute, he was very helpful with where to eat and... More