Top 5 hotels to stay in Bilbao

Bilbao is a city that makes many visitors smile. And why is that? Sure, it’s not as big a tourist destination as Madrid or Seville, but it’s still a pretty little corner of paradise. It’s the perfect place to spend a quiet, relaxing holiday, with a glass of sangria in hand. If you’re planning a road trip in the north of Spain, Bilbao should certainly be on your list of places to visit. But the question is: “Where is a good place to sleep, and where are the best hotels to stay? Navaway has put together a list of the city’s five finest hotels and is ready to roll out the red carpet for you.

1-Hotel Gran Bilbao

Location: Avenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48004 Bilbao Spain

Category: Good value for money

Highlights:

• Free parking
• Bar/lounge
• Free high-speed internet
• Fitness centre/gym
• Restaurant
• Child-friendly buffet
• Special menus
• Pets allowed
• Garage

Weak points :

• Non-smoking hotel
• Private pay car park

Hotel description : This is a perfect establishment for families. The rooms are spacious, very large, with comfortable beds. Very well located, you will be just a few minutes walk from public transport as well as some of Bilbao’s famous tourist attractions, such as the Guggenheim Museum. What did guests like best? The copious and tasty breakfast on offer, with a varied menu. It has to be said that Spanish cuisine, as colourful as it is, is one of the most idolised cuisines in the world. So you’ll be happy to start the day with a quality meal! In the evening, you’ll love relaxing in the spacious lounge with a cup of tea or coffee.

2. Hotel Carlton

Location: Plaza de Federico Moyua 2, 48009 Bilbao Spain

Category: Good value Q/P/Prestige (luxury)

Highlights:

• Fitness centre/gym
• Free high-speed internet
• Car hire
• Buffet breakfast
• Restaurant
• Bar/Lounge
• Valet parking

Weak points :

• Non-smoking hotel
• Paid public car park

Hotel description : A luxury hotel at a very reasonable price? There is such a thing, and the palace in question is in Bilbao, under the name of Hotel Carlton. Very close to the old town, this is a very suitable place for all types of occupants: families, solo travellers, couples and groups of friends. The decor is charming, and the building dates from the 20th century, giving it an old-fashioned yet classy feel. The staff are attentive to the needs of their guests, doing everything possible to ensure that they have a perfect stay. The least we can say is that the establishment has earned its five stars! Many say it’s an exceptional place to stay, what do you think?

3. Hotel Hesperia Bilbao

Location: Calle Campo Volantín, 28, 48007 Bilbao Spain

Category: Affordable/Good value for money

Highlights:

• Breakfast available
• Free high speed internet
• Bar/Lounge
• Rooftop terrace
• Restaurant
• Child-friendly buffet
• Children’s menu
• Taxi service
• Garage

Weak points :

• Private Pay Parking
• Non-smoking hotel

Hotel description : Located just a stone’s throw from the funicular railway and the old town, the Hesperia Bilbao hotel is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful establishments in Bilbao, and certainly in the whole of northern Spain. With excellent soundproofing, you’ll have plenty of time to sleep in: after all, that’s what holidays are all about, rest and calm. This four-star hotel has more than one trick up its sleeve to ensure you have an exceptional stay: from the quality of its breakfast menu to the subtle decoration of its rooms. What’s more, most visitors say that the hotel offers very good value for money, and that’s what keeps them coming back every year for their holidays in northern Spain.

4. Occidental Bilbao

Location: Avenida Zumalacarregui 40, 48006 Bilbao Spain

Category: Affordable

Highlights:

• Fitness centre/gym
• Free high-speed internet
• Bar/Lounge
• Charging station for electric vehicles
• Snack bar
• Restaurant
• Breakfast available
• Massage
• Taxi service
• Garage
• Swimming pool

Weak points :

• Private pay car park
• Rooms seem small

Hotel description : The word that best defines the Occidental Bilbao is undoubtedly “comfortable”. Although not very large, the hotel has a certain charm, a little ‘je ne sais quoi’, which gives it a certain soothing aura. The atmosphere is almost family-like, and you quickly feel at home. The staff are smiling and friendly, always ready to advise you on places to discover in Bilbao. Prices are very affordable, and although the rooms are a little small, they have all the equipment you need for a great stay. Close to the metro, it’s easy to explore the city, while in the evening you can relax in the swimming pool, admiring the starry Spanish sky.

5. NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

Location: Gran Via, 87, 48011 Bilbao Spain

Category: Prestige (luxury)/Good value for money

Highlights:

• Free high-speed internet
• Fitness centre/gym
• Restaurant
• Pets allowed
• Garage
• In-room breakfast
• Snack bar
• Special menus
• Bar/Lounge
• Taxi service

Weak points :

• Private pay car park
• Non-smoking hotel

Hotel description: We finish this classification like a cherry on the cake, with the NH Collection Villa in Bilbao. This is a modern, well-equipped hotel with a great location for visiting the city’s highlights. Visitors will appreciate the design of the rooms, which is both classic and bold, not forgetting the spacious bathrooms where the shower becomes a party. Finally, the services on offer, such as the restaurant and bar, are impeccable in every way, with fresh, quality products. What more could you ask for? Perhaps a pretty view? You’ll be delighted to admire the calm of the city as night falls and the wind becomes a little cooler.