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Best hotels in Bilbao
- HOTELS
- BILBAO
Recommended Hotels in Bilbao in 2023
Our team of local experts have hand-picked the best hotels in Bilbao. You will find the best hotels in Bilbao suitable for all different budgets. Enjoy your stay!
Best hotels in Bilbao guide
Our 3 top: hotels near the Guggenheim museum
Hotel with best value in Bilbao
Sirimiri – Great value – 3* – near Bilbao centre
Located in the Historical city center of Bilbao, 5 minutes from the Guggenheim Museum by trolley.
All the rooms at the hotel are rather spacious and exterior and therefore are bright, full of natural light. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. The decoration is modern, with large photographs of Bilbao and a pastel color palette. The bathrooms are also spacious and offer a shower.
8.2/10
Location
This hotel is located at less than 10 minutes walk to the Cathedral of Bilbao in the Historical city center of Bilbao. You should estimate 30 minutes to walk to the Guggenheim museum, which could also be reached in 5 minutes by trolley.
The hotel is just a few meters from the Atxuri trolley station, which connects directly with the Bus terminal. , the La Ribera Market, and the Arriaga theater are all just a 10 minutes walk from the establishment.
Services
The hotel offers daily breakfast in a rather dark room. Breakfast quality if acceptable, but not amongst the best in Bilbao. Staff is friendly and ready to help.
The hotel has parking area.
Our favorite 5* hotels in Bilbao
Hotel Meliá Bilbao -Modern 5 star with pool
The Meliá Bilbao hotel is a modern 5-star hotel located 300 meters from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and with a design inspired by the work of sculptor Eduardo Chillida. It features a heated outdoor pool and an award-winning restaurant.
The Melia Bilbao is an excellent option to stay in Bilbao for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is near the top attractions in the city and you could walk to the old quarter too since Bilbao city center is rather small.
The hotel design may not please everybody. This is a rather large hotel, with modern style, but which for some it may lack charm or personality.
8.5/10
Rooms
If one thing stands out from the rooms at the Melia Bilbao is their size. You will enjoy very spacious rooms and bathrooms no matter the type of room chosen.
The decoration is minimalist, with elegant wooden furniture with leather finishes. Depending on your taste, the design chosen for the rooms could be a bit dull for you.
The rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a pillow menu. the bathrooms have marble floors and their own heating system.
Rooms are soundproof and they offer good views (especially rooms in higher floors)
Family rooms are available.
Services
The Aizian restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2014. Quatre, the hotel’s other restaurant specializes in traditional Basque cuisine and offers a terrace that overlooks the Doña Casilda Park.
At the Q Lounge, you can enjoy a cocktail and some tapas if you prefer.
The fitness center of the Melia is located on the 6th floor and overlooks the Nervión River. You can also enjoy the sauna and massage services.
The pool is one of the highlights at the hotel. It is not large, but you could still swim in it. There is no deck where you can relax, which is a pity because the views from this area of the hotel are fantastic.
Parking is available but spaces are limited.
Location
The Hotel is just 5 minutes by foot from the Bilbao Museum of fine arts and 50 meters from the Bilbao Convention Center. The Guggenheim and the San Mamés soccer stadium are a short walk away. One of our favorite things about the location of the Hotel Melia is that it is right next to our favorite park in the city: The Doña Casilda park. This is a green area with a rich history, old trees, children´s playgrounds and a small lake.
Hotel Carlton – Luxurious 5* near the Guggenheim
The Carlton Bilbao is an elegant Hotel located in the heart of Bilbao in Federico Moyúa square in, a very emblematic area of the city.
The hotel features a full gym and luxuriously decorated rooms.
The Carlton Bilbao is a perfect hotel for travellers that enjoy historical buildings and hotels with certain character at a great central location. This was the first hotel in Europe to provide en-suite bathrooms in all rooms when it was opened in the 1920s (a lot has changed since then!) and it was one of Spain´s first luxury hotels.
8.8/10
Rooms
The rooms at the Carlton Hotel are classicly designed with contemporary decoration. All rooms are very spacious. They are all decorated in an elegant way. Some people may consider the decoration old, but most travellers will find it kind of timeless. Having said this, some rooms have been renovated and some modern design touches have been added.
All rooms boast large windows and the atmosphere is very bright and contributes to a relaxing stay.
Rooms feature air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a flat-screen TV.
All rooms are separated from the corridor with 2 doors. The bathrooms are spacious and decorated with noble materials.
Suite rooms are large and some of them can be used as family rooms.
Services
The Carlon offers a small business center with computers and a free internet connection, as well as printing services and a complimentary mini-bar. There is free WIFI available in the whole Hotel.
The hotel offers a gym with modern equipment and a steam room.
The grand restaurant is one of the highlights of the hotel. It serves a quality truly basque menu with a variety of classic Basque dishes as well as classic international cuisine. The menu changes daily from Monday to Friday.
The buffet breakfast is one of the best in Bilbao with a fantastic selection and quality of products.
Another interesting feature at the hotel is its parking (Bilbao is a very complex city to park in) There are limited spaces though.
Location
The Carlton Hotel is located next to the Gran Via of Bilbao, less than 10 minutes walking from the Guggenheim Museum. The Moyúa metro station is very near the hotel as well and allows visitors to travel easily within the city. The bus from the airport also drops off near the hotel.
This is the 5-star hotel in Bilbao at a more central location, equally close to the train station, the old quarter, and the Guggenheim museum.
Our favorite 4* hotels in Bilbao
Hotel Tayko Bilbao – Fantastic 4-star boutique hotel
The Tayko Bilbao was built in 1924 and is just 200 meters from the Arriaga theater and a short 15 minute walk from the Guggenheim museum.
Being a boutique hotel, the Tayko is on the larger side of this category of hotels. Its 53 rooms are decorated following minimalist concepts, but with an elegant and warm color palette that makes you feel at home.
There are many different room types, some offer great views of the river, and sizes differ, though we could conclude they are on the average size level for a hotel of this category.
9.4/10
Location
The hotel is located right next to one of the top icons in Bilnbao: The Arriaga theatre.
Tayko Bilbao is also, just 2,2 km from the auditorium, the Euskalduna convention center, and the Bilbao fine arts museum. The airport is just 13 km from the hotel.
In less than two minutes you can get to the pintxos heaven of Casco Viejo in Bilbao and to the Cathedral. You should estimate a pleasant 15-minute walk to reach the Guggenheim museum.
Services
Hotel Tayko houses the Ola restaurant, awarded with a Michelin Star, and the Patri Gastrobar, both under the direction of chef Martin Berasategui, who also has been awarded several Michelin Stars.The hotel´s reception is opened 24 hours a day and the staff speaks Spanish, Euskera, English, and German.
Service is correct and friendly.
The hotel has a gym which, not been too big, is well equipped and offers all you would need during your stay in Bilbao.
Overall Review
If you enjoy boutique hotels at centrally located areas when you travel, the Tayko hotel in Bilbao will most probably be a perfect fit for you.
The interior design is modern and chic but it has retained the charm and character of this 1924 building.
You will be two streets from the old district and its tapas and pintxos bars and walking to the Guggenheim will take you 15 minutes next to the river lane.
In case you enjoy large hotels with lots of services the Tayko will most probably not be for you. We would recommend you other hotels like the Melia Bilbao. Having said this, and in case the Tayko is not 100% what you look for but it almost suits all your needs, we believe it makes sense to check its rates since the hotel usually provides excellent value for money.
Hesperia Bilbao – Spectacular 4 star
The hotel is situated near the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao, right across the Nervión river ten minutes from Bilbao’s old quarter. The building’s glass exterior makes it stand out.
The rooms of the Hotel are ample, modern and elegant. All are soundproof and include free WIFI, flat-screen TV, airconditioning and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
The hotel serves a buffet’s style of breakfast every morning with a selection of healthy and antioxidant dushes. The Hotels restaurant La Ría del Hesperia Bilbao offers a mix o Japanese cuisine and gourmet Basque dishes.
The bar “La Orilla” offers beautiful views of the city, and live jazz and flamenco performances.
The Hesperia Bilbao also has private halls for business events, weddings, or other events.
The Hotel is 5-minute by foot from the main commercial and bar areas of Bilbao and about 10 minutes walking from the Concordia Train station.
8.6/10
Hotel Mercure Jardines de Albia - 4* with Spa
The Mercure Jardines de Albia is a modern hotel is located in the heart of the financial district of Bilbao, a short distance from the Guggenheim museum, the Bilbao Convention center, and the historical City Center. The hotel features a full SPA and a permanent Modern Art collection.
For an extra, you can supplement your experience with full SPA treatment.
8.4/10
Rooms
The elegant rooms of the Jardines de Albia Hotel are modernly decorated, with bright tones. They are of average size for this type of hotel. All rooms have air conditioning. a fridge and a kettle. The rooms are soundproofed and some offer good views whilst most have street views. This part of Bilbao is very quiet. The decoration has been taken care of and the color palette uses pastel tones with touches of blue. The bathrooms are mid-sized and have bathtubs and shower combos. They enjoy a neutral marble decoration.
Family Rooms are available.
Services
The hotel boasts a fantastic buffet breakfast and a very pleasant and lightful room.
The Mercure Jardines de Albia has parking, a good feature in Bilbao, a city where parking is not easy.
The hotel has a complete gym and a spa center which is not large but has all things needed to enjoy a relaxing moment and a good variety of services on demand.
The hotel features a terrace and provides 24 hours front-desk with concierge services.
Location
The hotel Mercure Jardines de Albia is located halfway from the Guggemheim museum and the Old district of Bilbao. The Abando train station (Bilbao´s main train station) is located at less than 7 minutes walk from the hotel.
The location is perfectly suited for both leisure and business travelers. You can find more details to plan your trip to Bilbao at our Bilbao travel guide.
Overall review
The Hotel Mercure Jardines de Albia is one of the safest bets in Bilbao. At the Mercure you get exactly what you pay for. This hotel is a perfect option for you if you enjoy city hotels, well managed, with a fantastic breakfast and extra services like a gym and a spa centre.
If you usually prefer boutique-style hotels you may find the Mercure Jardines de Albia may lack some character though. In such case we would recomend you have a look at the Tayko hotel, with a similar location and a bit more charm.
The Mercure Jardines de Alba can be a good choice for families. The pleasant promenade next to the river is at less than 5 minutes walk and the hotel offers family rooms.
Hotel Silken Indautxu. Charming 4*
This sofisticated hotel is just a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum and offers elegant and comfortable rooms.
The Etxaniz restaurant of the hotel specializes in traditional Basque cuisine, made exclusively with fresh local ingredients. At the cafeteria, you will find typical tapas and in the El Muelle Pub, you can enjoy a cocktail and live music.
The hotel offers a parking service though the parking does not accommodate many rcars.
8.4/10
Rooms
All rooms at the Silken Indautxu are spacious and well lit and feature a minibar, a safe, and private marble bathrooms with complimentary toiletries.
The decoration is neutral with a few elements that add color to the walls. and which overall be described as traditional and elegant. Rooms have free WIFI and air conditioning.
Location
The Hotel Silken Indautxu is less than 1 km from the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao and the San Mamés soccer stadium.
The hotel is also just 15 minutes by foot from the Abando and Concordia train stations and 500 meters from buses that go directly to the airport.
Overall Review
The Silken Indautxu hotel is a pleasant city hotel at a good location in Bilbao. It has a quiet and relatively good location in Bilbao, not too far from most attractions though not very close to none either.
Rooms are clean, tidy and despite for some travelers it may lack character, others will find the hotel has everything needed for a pleasant stay in Bilbao.
Occidental Bilbao. Modern 4* with pool
The Occidental Bilbao is located next to the Basilica de Begoña, in the center of the city, a mere 15 minutes from Bilbao’s old quarter and the Etxebarria park.
The Occidental Bilbao is a quality 4-star hotel. This hotel is a very good option for you if you enjoy large hotels, with an easy access from the motorway, and that despite not being in the city center offers easy connections to get to the city center.
The hotel offers better value for money than similar hotels closer to the main highlights of Bilbao and it has the extra features of a seasonal swimming pool and a health center located next to the hotel.
8.4/10
Rooms
The 200 rooms at the Occidental Bilbao hotel are spacious (specially the executive level rooms), modern, and with simple minimalist furniture and decoration.
They all feature free WIFI, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, work desk, and an electronic safe.
The rooms include walk-in showers or bathtubs and shower combos. They are spacious and modern.
All rooms include coffee makers and tea kettles and the bathrooms all provide complimentary toiletries.
Services
Each morning the Occidental Bilbao serves a full buffet-style breakfast. The restaurant specializes in local basque-style cooking. The hotel also boasts a bar and a lounge area with a fireplace, a very cozy area with a great atmosphere.
The front desk offers car rental services.
If you are a member of the Metropolitan Club you will get special pricing on access to the SPA, indoor pool, and fitness center. This is one of the features of the hotel, something rare to be found in Bilbao
The seasonal swimming pool is the main highlight of the hotel, very handy if traveling to Bilbao during the summer season.
Location
The hotel is located on the eastern side of Bilbao. it offers easy access to the motorway. The closest metro station is Santutxu, located at 4 minutes walk from the hotel Occidental. The metro will take you to the old quarter or the Guggenheim in 5 minutes.
Walking to the famous Arriaga theatre in the old district takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Walking to the city centre is, therefore, possible, or in the worst case, you will be able to enjoy most of the top things to do in Bilbao making use of the metro network.
The hotel is a 5-minute drive from the Guggenheim Museum. The Bilbao Expo and the Bilbao airport are just a 15-minute drive away.
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo 4*
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels is located just 100 meters from the famous Arriaga theater.
A good option to stay in Bilbao at a very central location. Some rooms are not too large, so better to opt for other than standard rooms. The modern design may not please everybody, but we enjoy the pictures and decoration items and we find this a stylish hotel, different from typical the typical” chain hotel. The location is amongst the best in town. we find the NYX one of our favorite 4-star hotels in Bilbao.
8.7/10
Rooms
The rooms at the Hotel include closet space, work desk, flat-screen TV, and private bathrooms.
Services
The NYX hotel Bilbao features a bar, a restaurant, air conditioning in every room, free WIFI in all areas, 24h room service, and 24h reception services. It also has a discotheque and luggage storage.
Each morning a free buffet is served for breakfast.
The Hotel also has a terrace.
Location
The Hotel is located near the Santiago cathedral, the Calatrava bridge, and the Atxanda cable car. The Bilbao airport is the closest to the hotel, only 13 km away.
Hotel Gran Bilbao 4* - Charming & great value
This elegant and designer Hotel offers free WIFI and spacious rooms. Located just 15 minutes walk from the Bilbao Cathedral and the famous “Las Siete Calles” neighborhood or Casco Viejo.
The hotel is modern, clean, tidy, and with a relaxing style. Our favorite thing about this hotel is the size of the rooms, the light at the breakfast room (perfect for an energetic start for the day), and its convenience for travelers arriving by car.
This hotel is amongst the best options for families in Bilbao.
8.7/10
Rooms
The hotel Gran Bilbao is a large hotel with 202 rooms. They are all very spacious and are decorated with a modern and simple style where some design elements add a stylish and convincing touch.
Rooms at the Gran Bilbao Hotel are colorful and modern featuring wooden furniture, minibar, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a large bathroom.
The Bathrooms offer a shower-bath combo in the case of standard rooms, with a separate shower for superior rooms.
The hotel has family rooms and it is probably the large hotel with more options for families in Bilbao.
Services
The Gran Bilbao features a brightly lit and Avant-guard restaurant, a bar, and an elegant lounge area in the lobby.
The hotel has parking and the nearby area is one of the districts in Bilbao where parking is still possible.
The hotel accepts pets though this needs to be pre-informed by the guest.
Location
The gran hotel Bilbao offers direct access to the A8 highway and is just 15 minutes by car from the ferry port of Bilbao. Very near the hotel, you will find several bus stops that go directly to the center of town as well as a train station.
The hotel is next to a pleasant green area and the neighborhood where it is located is quiet and peaceful.
Hotel Abando 4* - Great location and good value
The Abando Hotel is located in the center of Bilbao, right in front of the Abando metro station and just 150 meters of the Abando Indalecio Prieto train station. All rooms feature airconditioning, free WIFI, and satellite TV.
The Abando in only 200 meters from Bilbao’s main shopping area and 500 meters from the Guggenheim Museum. Bilbao’s old quarter is also very close, just 300 meters from the hotel and there is a tram stop only 150 meters away.
The hotel offers breakfast every morning. The Epaia restaurant housed within the Hotel is elegant serves typical Basque cuisine, specializing in fresh fish and boasts an extensive wine menu.
The Abando features a full gym with a sauna and Turkish bath. It also features a gift shop in the lobby and several computers with internet access.
8.3/10
Our favorite 3* hotels in Bilbao
Petit Palace Arana Bilbao – Charming 3 star
A modern and elegant hotel housed within an impresive XIX century building, just 200 meters from the Santiago Cathedral in Bilbao.
The Petit Palace Arana Bilbao is a mid-sized hotel located at a beautiful building of traditional architecture. The hotel has been fully renovated and it offers modern rooms right next to the Arriaga Theatre and the Old District of Bilbao.
8.4/10
Rooms
The rooms at the Arana Bilbao are elegantly designed with modern furniture and a dark color palette. Rooms are of average size. They all feature air conditioning, minibar, and a flat-screen TV.
Some rooms also feature balconies. The bathrooms are private and have hydro-massage showers. WIFI is free in all areas.
The rooms are well insulated but you could expect traffic rooms if windows stay open since the hotel stands in an area in Bilbao with moderate traffic.
Family rooms are available.
Location
The Petit Palace Arana Bilbao is right in front of the Arriaga theater and at the entrance of the old part of Bilbao. You will be at the Plaza Nueva or the seven famous streets in the old part of the city in less than 5 minutes. A pintxos paradise awaits you there!
You can walk to the Guggenheim museum (a 20-minute walk) and enjoy the beautiful promenade from the city hall of Bilbao all the way to the museum. You wil enjoy the beautiful Arenal promenade, with great trees, the nearby church of San Nicolas, or the building of the city hall of Bilbao on your way to the museum.
The Petit Palace Arana Bilbao is 6,8 km from the Bilbao airport and 450 meters from the Bilbao Abando train station.
Services
The Petit Palace Arana provides 24 reception services, offers free bicycles that can be borrowed and the front desk offers car rental services if needed.
A buffet-style breakfast is served every morning in the main dining hall. Gluten-free meals can be provided upon request. The hotel offers room breakfast service.
There is a small room with wooden ceilings and armchairs that guests can use to enjoy conversation and relax.
Public parking is located at 2 minutes walk from the hotel.
Overal Review
The Petit Palace Arana offers good value for money at an exceptional location in Bilbao. The hotel is a good choice for you if you enjoy rather small hotels at the heart of the action. The hotel building is charming, though most of this charm is lost in the rooms, which enjoy a neutral modern decoration. in case you prefer large hotels with many services, the Petit Palace may not be the best option for you. Remember that despite the “palace” in the name, this is a three-star hotel, so you should not expect luxury. We believe it is a very good option if you want to stay on budget
Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao – Good value 3 star
This hotel is located in the center of Bilbao, 750 meters from the Guggenheim Museum, and offers excellent views of the Calatrava bridge and the Nervión River. El Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao features a restaurant and a bar as well as a fitness center and a sauna. There is free WIFI in all areas.
The rooms are modernly decorated and feature flat-screen smart TV, central heating, and Air conditioning (coffee makers can also be provided). The rooms feature private bathrooms as well with complimentary toiletries.
The Conde Duque Hotel serves a buffet-style breakfast every morning.
The Campo Volatín restaurant serves typical Basque cuisine for lunch and diner. the hotel also offers luggage storage, dry cleaning service, and a business center. The Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the center of Bilbao.
8.4/10
Hotel Ilunion Bilbao – Charming 3 star
The Ilunion Bilbao Hotel is located in the heart of Bilbao’s commercial district, 100 meters from the San Mamés bus and metro stations.
All rooms feature modern decor, air conditioning, free WIFI, minibar, flatscreen satellite TV, and private bathrooms.
The Hotel is officially adapted to accommodate guests with reduced mobility.
Properly adapted rooms for guests with reduced mobility and/ or hearing or visual impairment are available upon request.
The Hotel houses the La Kedada restaurant that serves a daily breakfast buffet and traditional Basque cuisine for lunch. The front desk is opened 24 hours a day.
The Ilunion Bilbao Hotel is situated near the Iturriza Casilda park, just 600 meters from the Museum of Fine arts and the Euskalduna convention center and a 15-minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum as well.
8.4/10
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