The Basque city of Bilbao is a great place for a weekend break, especially for art and architecture lovers. While the city does have a number of grand hotels, as well as hostels with dorm rooms, it also has its fair share of one and two-star properties, offering good value for money, comfortable rooms and great service.
This funky boutique hotel is located in Bilbao’s historic Casco Viejo district and is excellent value for money. Based around the theme of Alice in Wonderland, the hotel is filled with images of white rabbits, tea cups, eat-me and drink-me labels and the Queen of Hearts. It also pays homage to Basque culture by alluding to various Basque sites and events. The light and airy rooms, of which there are just six, each feature individual artwork.
The two-star Hotel Bilbao Jardines is located in the heart of the Old Town, and is both spacious and modern. The decor is simple and functional with lots of natural wood, green walls and pictures of plants, reminiscent of being in a garden. Rooms feature all mod cons. There is also a breakfast room, separate dining room and free bike rental, ideal for exploring the city.
The Hotel Ria de Bilbao is located just outside the centre of Bilbao, next to the River Nervión. Approximately a 20-minute metro journey from the centre, it’s a quieter and more relaxed part of the city with views of the surrounding green hills. A good value two-star property, the rooms are simple and somewhat dated, but comfortable nonetheless. The hotel also has a small breakfast room, leafy garden and outdoor roof terrace with comfortable deck chairs.
Located in the San Francisco district of the city, next to La Ribera Market and across the river from the Casco Viejo, two-star Hotel Bilbi is a classic city hotel offering great value for money. While the lobby is decorated with artwork and hanging lights, the rooms are simple yet stylish with the odd splash of colour. The hotel features all the usual services and also accepts pets.
The hotel Casual Bilbao Gurea is a great budget choice, located in the centre of Bilbao near the Cathedral and Plaza Nueva. Modern and contemporary, rooms are bright and light, featuring original artwork painted on the walls. An ideal hotel for families, the hotel is kid-friendly, offering both triple and quadruple rooms, as well as baby packs and free baby seats.
The Hotel Vista Alegre is located right next to Bilbao’s Plaza de Toros (Bullring) and lies within walking distance of many major attractions, including the famous Guggenheim modern art museum. Great value for money, the hotel has just 35 classic, simple rooms with en-suite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, desks and internet. There is also a cosy lounge area and simple breakfast room.
The three-star Petit Palace Arana is located on the edge of Bilbao’s Caso Viejo (Old Town) and lies within walking distance of many major sights. Its rooms are compact, sleek and modern. Dressed in black and white tones, they offer all the necessary mod cons. The hotel also has a breakfast room, cosy lounge area and offers bike rental services.
Located on the edge of the Old Town, not far from the Bilbao Cathedral, the Hotel Arenal Bilbao is housed in a beautiful old red building with lots of character. The rooms are spacious and simple, but are decorated in light colours with wooden period furniture and large windows. The hotel also offers a basic breakfast room and a meeting room.
The Hotel Photo Zabalburu is a two-star budget hotel, located just south of the centre of Bilbao. Centred around the theme of photography, each of the rooms is individually decorated and features a large image of a different part of the city. As well as the usual facilities such as internet, a business centre and breakfast room, it has added extras including bicycle rental, a 24-hour self service bar, a library and photographic exhibition room.
One of the best value for money hotels in Bilbao, Basque Boutique may only be a two-star pensión, but it rivals even the finest hotels in the city. Located in the centre of the Old Town, it’s beautifully decorated with handmade wooden furniture, quirky sculptures and lots of natural wood, as well as original features such as beams and exposed brick walls. There are just eight themed rooms, which are individually decorated and centred around Basque culture, including the Gernika room, the txakoli (Basque white wine) room, and the Basque language room.