As part of our 90 Days on the Road, Bello and I booked frugally. By the time we hit Oviedo, Spain on June 10th, it was the anniversary of the day we met and our engagement. Time, for a romantic treat. Time to sleep in sheets of luxury. Time, for those little bottles of shampoo and conditioner that I inexplicably missed!

Driving into Oviedo, I had no idea, Bello snagged a deal at 4-Star Ayre Hotel. He could barely contain his smile when saying “we’re here.” What? This is a the giant transformer, waiting to fly off at any moment. “What are you talking about we’re staying here? Wait, isn’t this…” Yep, yep it’s Ayre Hotel and it’s a strange, out of place, yet marvelous hotel.

Ayre Hotel reminds New Yorkers of home. Sharing bone structure with the new World Trade Center Transit hub, both are by Architect Santiago Calatrava. Both stark white, visually expansive stretches of linear forms.

A person at comfort with odd numbers, I always find three more visually pleasing than four. Yet in the case of Ayers Hotel, I spent nearly 20 minutes on a gray rainy day, soaking in the offbeat beauty’s perfect symmetry. Really, when was the last time you were so amazed by a hotel you walked the perimeter taking photos before going in?

Stepping inside, the true transformation began. Sleek, white and gray marble offset by blue lights draws you into a bright modern interior world.

Modern quirky chairs bring delightful dorky jokes to mind like “pull up a face, stay a while.”

After check-in, the journey through modern design continues on each floor. Views from the windows frame the transformer outside, as if to remind you, it’s comfortable in here, but challenging out there.

Our elevator lobby was awash in purple light with large chunky white leather furniture reminiscent of NYC lounges. Where’s my cocktail?!

On reaching our room, all jokes stopped instantly.The bed called to me. You. Get. To. Sleep. Here. I mean come on, the architecture is a bit cold outside the room, it’s true but it’s unique and playful. You can actually change the colors of the lights on the bed, which I did, to the point Bello asked me to “leave it Piccola.”

Bello stood watching me, delighted with my ear to ear smile. Behind him, Monte Naranco and the city of Oviedo cried out “explore me!”

I’m not ashamed to admit, I took my sweet time relaxing before exploring Oviedo. They left us sparkling water for free, it’s gotta be sipped in style right!

Eventually, we did go out and explore. Starting with the grounds of the hotel itself. We wandered around the building some more, checking out all the angles before dinner.

Ayre Hotel in Oviedo Spain is a classic example of Calatravas style. No matter if you love or hate it, you can’t not notice it. It’s architecture that makes you pay attention and it makes even a single night in Ayre Hotel just that much more entertaining.

Not to mention the customized purple combs in the bathroom, those are pretty cool… and yeah, I took mine with me! Both of them.  

I’m curious, if you’re familiar with Calatrava, what do you think of his architecture? Which buildings have you seen? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to know what you think.

More Stories from the Road: Where to find the Best Paella in Spain and Why is it So Tricky  to Find?