The Best Hotels in Bilbao for Every Traveller

If you’re a fan of vintage movies, look no further. This fabulously quirky boutique hotel will whisk you to the world of cinema through filmmaker-themed accommodation ranging from Almódovar to Hitchcock. The vibe is retro 1950s throughout, but with modern comforts and conveniences such as cloud-effect mattresses and smartphone app access. The Old Town location puts it within strolling distance of numerous tourist attractions and pintxo bars.

This upmarket hotel is the creation of top fashion designer/brand Antonio Miró. There’s a distinct lack of frills and fuss in the chic interiors, with an extensive contemporary art collection adding colour and character. Trimmed down services include a bijou spa and famously good breakfast, but the main attraction is multiple uninterrupted views of the Guggenheim Museum – including from many of the rooms.

You shouldn’t expect much in the way of features and facilities. What you can expect, however, is contemporary design in the guest rooms, together with practical snooze aids such as blackout blinds and top-quality bedding. Free minibars and a coffee machine are nice touches, too, and to top it all you’re just a five-minute walk from the Guggenheim.

As the name suggests, this hotel is a homage to all things Basque. Each of the eight guest rooms is individually, and playfully, styled by local themes in art, music, landscape or language. Plenty of natural wood and exposed brick give it a rough-and-ready feel. The location deep in the old town also means there’s no shortage of buzz and bustle nearby.

Positioned between the banks of the river Nervión and the green swathe of Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, this upscale hotel scores high for setting – albeit away from the busy city life of Bilbao. Warm reds and salmon tones dominate inside and out, and there’s a scattering of art to ensure it doesn’t feel too corporate. Facilities impress, nowhere more so than the heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool with fabulous mountain views. The Aizian restaurant is also reputed as one of the finest in the city.

The Gran Hotel Domine occupies one of the best spots in the city – right next to the Guggenheim. This modern hotel was designed by the Spanish artist Javier Mariscal, who also designed the mascot for the Barcelona 1992 Olympics. Guests will find the rooms are contemporary and stylish with both bright colours and earthy hues. It also features a sleek cafe and bar, and a spa area.

The Barceló Bilbao Nervión describes itself as eco-urban. Situated right alongside the river, on the opposite side to the centre. It brings together sustainability, design and technology in a luxury hotel experience. The rooms are spacious and are dressed in natural tones of greens and beiges; they also offer all the latest mod cons. Other facilities include a gym, meeting rooms and onsite restaurant, serving creative dishes, pintxos and a wide range of wines.

This iconic five-star hotel is right in the very centre of Bilbao, on the Plaza Federico Moyúa, surrounded by beautiful flower gardens. This place is fit for royalty with its chandeliers, marble columns, elegance and grace. The rooms are big and romantic, decorated in pastel colours and elegant, patterned wallpaper. Guests will also enjoy dining on Basque cuisine at the restaurant, drinking at the bar and enjoying the views and pintxos from the terrace.

The Petit Palace Arana is a great option for mid-budget travellers, offering great value for money. It’s situated on the edge of Bilbao’s Casco Viejo (Old Town), meaning that from here you can easily walk to many of the city’s sights. The rooms are on the small side, but are stylishly decorated in black and white and have everything you need. Added extras include free-to-use iPads, free bicycle rentals and even gifts for kids.

The Hotel Arenal Bilbao is housed in a characterful red building, located at the entrance to the Casco Viejo. It lies within walking distance of Bilbao Cathedral, Plaza Nueva and many pintxos bars. The rooms are spacious, light and simply-decorated with old fashioned wooden furniture. There’s also a breakfast room.

Aliciazzz is a modern and hip bed and breakfast. With a Wonderland-themed interior, its six rooms are decorated with white rabbits, tea cups, eat-me and drink-me labels, and images of the Queen of Hearts. Yet each of these chapters from Alice in Wonderland also represent historic Basque events and significant places within the Basque Country. Breakfast is also served here.

If you’re an art fan and have specifically come to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim, then why not stay in the same hotel the architect Frank Gehry stayed in when he created his first designs for the museum? The rooms here are large and sleek, clad in bold-patterned wallpapers in blacks, whites and silvers. For dinner, book yourself a table at the hotel’s elegant Club Nautico restaurant, and finish up with drinks at the contemporary Le Club bar.

Offering great value for money, the Casual Bilbao Gurea can be found right in the heart of the Casco Viejo near the cathedral and Plaza Nueva. The rooms are light and fresh, painted in whites and blues with original painted artwork. It’s a great place to stay with children, offering lots of family rooms and kid-friendly facilities.