Overlooking the shimmering waters of the Bay of Biscay, Palacio Arriluce is a striking blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury.
Tucked into the charming coastal town of Getxo, just outside Bilbao, it represents a new chapter for luxury hospitality in the Basque Country—one defined by elegance, cultural pride, and deeply personal service. Leading the hotel into this next era is Ander Elortegi, a passionate and thoughtful hotelier with deep roots in the region.
Educated in Switzerland and Bilbao, Ander’s career has taken shape within the landscapes he knows best. From the boutique intimacy of Villa Soro to the contemporary energy of Tayko Hotels and the international breadth of Radisson, he brings a rare blend of global awareness and local commitment. At Palacio Arriluce, he is channelling that experience into something singular: a hotel that welcomes the world while remaining unmistakably Basque.
We sat down with Ander to talk about the journey that brought him here, his collaborative leadership style, and how one can be a host and a traveller, all without ever leaving home.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
At first, it was a desire to travel—to explore the world and immerse myself in other cultures. Ironically, my professional path brought me back to my homeland, where I’ve spent the bulk of my career. But what I realised along the way is that hosting can be just as transformative as travelling.
I may not have lived abroad for extended periods, but I’ve welcomed the world to my doorstep. Sharing the Basque Country with international travellers has been immensely rewarding. There’s something incredibly powerful about giving someone a window into your home, your traditions, and your sense of hospitality.
I’ve come to understand that you don’t need to leave home to have a global perspective—you just need to be open, curious, and generous in spirit.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
It starts with listening. To our guests, of course—but also to our team. The people working day-to-day in front office, housekeeping, F&B—they’re the ones who see shifts in behaviour before any trend report does.
We stay informed about changes in guest expectations and travel behaviours, but we also remain grounded in the essence of hospitality: making people feel welcome, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. Innovation should support that goal, not overshadow it.
At Palacio Arriluce, we’re focused on thoughtful integration. Whether it’s sustainability, wellness, or digital personalisation, every initiative is designed to enhance—not complicate—the guest experience. The challenge is to evolve without losing soul, and I think we’re doing that well.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Perhaps I would have pursued more international experience earlier in my career—taken the chance to work abroad for a few years, immerse myself in a different culture, and gain new perspectives. That said, I don’t regret the path I chose.
There’s a different kind of richness in building something meaningful within your own region. Raising the standard of hospitality in the Basque Country, helping it earn international recognition, has been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve found that growth doesn’t always require distance—sometimes, it’s about going deeper, not farther.
What defines your management style?
I’d describe my management style as transparent, collaborative, and people-first. I don’t believe in hierarchy for hierarchy’s sake. I’m open with my team—about goals, challenges, and feedback—and I encourage them to be equally open with me.
Constructive dialogue is essential. We don’t grow from silence; we grow from conversation. I also see myself as a facilitator—someone who removes obstacles and helps the team succeed.
My aim is to create a culture where people feel safe to speak up, supported in their development, and motivated by purpose. When the team is empowered, the guest experience naturally improves.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that integrate into the hotel group’s aims?
Our vision at Palacio Arriluce is to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the Basque Country. We want to be recognised not only for our stunning location and historical architecture but also for our warmth, authenticity, and meticulous attention to service.
Our aim is long-term profitability built on sustainable practices and guest loyalty. Whether we’re welcoming leisure travellers, corporate clients, or high-end incentive groups, we want each guest to feel that they’ve discovered something truly special—and that every detail has been considered with care.
This aligns with our wider group ambitions: to grow responsibly, lead with excellence, and build properties that respect their setting while raising the bar for what’s possible.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Learn from everyone. A hotel is a microcosm of professions—engineering, housekeeping, marketing, culinary, wellness, operations. There’s wisdom in every corner.
Be humble, stay curious, and never assume you know more than the person next to you. The best hoteliers I know are those who can switch perspectives easily, who understand the language of both guests and colleagues.
And finally, remember that hospitality isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s about showing up, paying attention, and caring enough to get the small things right. That’s what makes a stay unforgettable—and a career meaningful.