The Gehry - Marques de Riscal Winery Hotel: restricted access only

Writing in today's El Pais newspaper, Llàtzer Moix laments the no-access policy of the new Rioja landmark, the Marques de Riscal deluxe hotel and restaurant created by Frank Gehry. Access is only allowed to guests staying the 43-room establishment or dining the restaurant. Even those who pay the 6 euro fee to visit the winery (built in 1858) are only able to look the new structure from the outside. Hotel Director Michel Nader defends the policy given that the guests are paying for their privacy and that to enjoy a visit in the hotel "there is a simple solution: book a room there". The mayor of Elciego where the winery is located is trying to get the hotel to set up an "open-door" day. Meanwhile the throng of visitors hoping for a peek inside need to book a room or a reserve a table at the restaurant.

For those not yet able to make the visit, the town's website features this video via Youtube: http://www.elciego.com/elciego/gehry_riscal.htm