A medium-sized city, Bilbao offers a good selection of ‘where to stay’ options, and there’s no excuse for staying outside of the city center, where the most important sights are located.
The following where to stay in Bilbao hotel recommendations give preference to centrally located hotels as well as to hotels that offer complimentary WiFi, though this is somewhat rare in Bilbao. Additionally, depending on your definition, you may find Bilbao short on true 5-star hotels. Most hotel rates clearly reflect this, and many hotels touting the 5-star label charge well below $200 a night. In general, it’s best to view the star rating as no more than a basic guide.
5-Star Hotels in Bilbao
Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
One of the best 5-star hotel options in Bilbao, this modern and trendy hotel is located next door to the Guggenheim Museum, and it takes roughly 25 minutes to walk to the Old Town.
The lobby features pop artworks, design furniture, and the sculpture ‘Fossil Cypress’ by Mariscal. Additionally, the hotel offers the Le Cafe restaurant, the Sixty-One Lobby cocktail lounge, as well as gorgeous rooftop terrance dining area.
Further amenities include a reading room, small gym, a selection of wellness services, and a terrace for relaxing in the sun. The rooms are not quite as modern in style as the rest of the hotel, but they have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each comes with Egyptian cotton sheets, wool and cashmere blankets, air conditioning, central heating, and WiFi. Architecture buffs should definitely request a room with a view of the Guggenheim.
Melia Bilbao
Hotel Melia Bilbao
This hotel is also close to the Guggenheim, and it offers a heightened level of comfort and service.
That said, there are a few things that keep this hotel from achieving a true five-star status, and the level of luxury may fall short for some travelers.
All 172 of the well maintained, comfortable guest rooms, which feature timeless décor with a hardwood theme, come with individual climate control, WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Amenities include a gym and a heated swimming pool. Light sleepers will enjoy a particularly quiet night’s sleep, and the higher the room the better the view.
4-Star Hotels in Bilbao
Sercotel Coliseo
Sercotel Coliseo Bilbao
Just a short walk from both the Old Town and the Guggenheim, this excellently located hotel may be basic, but it provides a pleasant stay for a good value. Its 97 rooms are set up well, and each comes with air conditioning and complimentary, if sometimes spotty, WiFi.
The hotel also has a gym, reading room, a sun terrace, and a breakfast buffet.
Miro Hotel Bilbao
Hotel Miro Bilbao
A boutique hotel near the Guggenheim, this hotel has one-of-a-kind furnishings designed by fashion designer Antonio Miro. The 50 rooms project a modern atmosphere with neutral tones, and each comes with free WiFi, individual air conditioning, and 100% cotton sheets.
Amenities include a private spa with a hydromassage bath, a wellness suite with a staff that offers massages and other treatments, and a fitness center. The staff is friendly, efficient, and in the evenings, a small bar serves complementary snacks (tapas) and drinks.
Silken Indautxu Hotel
Hotel Silken Indautxu
Centrally located in a neighborhood filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, the hotel has many of the standard amenities of a 4-star hotel, including the Etxaniz restaurant, a rooftop bar, and updated rooms.
In general, the rooms and linens are very clean, and the staff goes out of its way to help you get the most out of your stay. All rooms feature complimentary WiFi, marble bathrooms, and individually controlled air conditioning and central heating. The hotel supplies cribs or cots for children aged 12 or less for free.
3-Star Hotels in Bilbao
Barcelo Nervion
Barcelo Bilbao Nervion
Barcelo Bilbao Nervion offers a comfortable stay, and the Spanish Institute of Tourism Quality has given the hotel a “Q” rating for reaching its high standards of hotel quality.
The hotel is well located, and the staff is professional and welcoming. The rooms, some of which are on the small side, have individualized heating, air conditioning, and WiFi. Note that the rooms facing the main road are subjected to traffic noise, so for the most quiet night’s rest, request a room in the back of the hotel. The hotel also has a café and piano bar and the on-site Restaurant Ibaizabal.
Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao
The staff at this hotel make it really stand out: attentive and capable, they can offer tips on what to see and where to eat, and they will try to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Located on the river Nervión and close to the main sights, the hotel offers well maintained, nicely sized rooms with modern décor, and each has free WiFi. Note that the neighborhood immediately surrounding the hotel is a little short on restaurants and cafes, but amenities include an onsite restaurant that serves great local fare. Tip: Looking for tea and coffee making facilities in your room? Just ask reception, and they’ll supply them.
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
This hotel is all about location, and it comes at a good value. Situated right at the edge of the Old Town, it provides basic rooms with individual climate control and free WiFi.
The rooms are decorated in local fashion, giving the hotel a funky and unique character. The hotel includes services such as a breakfast buffet and parking, plus there are loads of dining options in the area. The staff is warm and accommodating, too.
Budget Accommodations in Bilbao
Ibis Bilbao Centro
Ibis Bilbao Centro
Most of the time, the Ibis line of hotels offers simple but comfortable and modern rooms in a central location, and Ibis Bilbao Centro does just this.
The hotel comes at a good value, and the 152 rooms feature complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, hardwood floors, and comfortable beds. Amenities include a bar and restaurant. This is the perfect combination of comfort and good value.
Pil Pil Hostel
Pil Pil Hostel Bilbao
With a warm and homey atmosphere, this hostel will particularly stand out to travelers seeking a little R&R at a good price. Located on the western side of the city, it is a little further from the sights but still within walking distance of the Old Town.
The hostel has warm colors, a friendly staff, a clean communal kitchen, and a nice courtyard in back for relaxing. The price of a bed includes a buffet breakfast, free WIFI, shampoo and shower gel, linens, a locker, and all day free tea and coffee.
Written by staff for EuropeUpClose.com