Medieval streets, jaw-dropping art galleries, incredible architecture, and one of the most drool-worthy culinary scenes in Europe make Bilbao a must-visit when you next find yourself in Spain. Located in the very north of the country, near the border with France, Bilbao is brimming with beauty as far as the eye can see.

From the rolling green hills and the rugged sandy coastline to the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum and Art Deco Mercado de la Ribera, Bilbao is absolutely dazzling in everyone’s eyes. Stay in one of the coolest hotels in Bilbao, and you’ll be able to experience this northern gem in all its glory!

What makes the city so attractive is its unique culture. The city was founded almost 1,000 years ago, and locals are incredibly proud of its rich history. The only thing they’re more proud of is their streets and streets of tempting pintxos bars. As soon as you spot the bite-size treats, you just have to stop in and try one!

Bilbao is home to all kinds of great places to stay, from ultra-modern skyscrapers to historic boutique hotels. In fact, there are so many fantastic places to stay that you may have a hard time choosing just one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best boutique hotels in Bilbao!

Where to Stay in Bilbao

Thanks to its huge size, there are loads of great places to stay in Bilbao. If this is your first visit, we suggest staying in Abando. Located in the heart of the city, this uber-cool and ultra-modern district is brimming with art galleries, shopping streets, and creative restaurants. It’s also where you’ll find some of the biggest and best attractions, such as the Guggenheim Museum.

If you’re looking for somewhere with high-octane nightlife, consider staying in Indautxu. This eclectic neighborhood is just a short distance from Abando, so you can still check out all the cool things to see and do there. The area itself is also home to some rustic Basque bars, cool cocktail lounges, amazing seafood restaurants, and some of the best boutique hotels in Bilbao. 

Bilbao la Vieja is the place to stay if you’re looking for something a little different. An up-and-coming hipster district, this area boasts a number of cool art galleries, countless innovative restaurants, chic bars, and plenty of independent boutiques. 

Santutxu is a top pick if you’re visiting Bilbao as a family. Just across the river from cool Bilbao la Vieja, this neighborhood is home to loads of parks, an indoor carnival, and plenty of family-friendly dining options.

The 12 Best Hotels in Bilbao

1. Hesperia Bilbao

One of the best Bilbao hotels if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, Hesperia Bilbao enjoys a prestigious location in the heart of the city. It’s surrounded by plenty of things to see and do. In fact, the iconic Guggenheim Museum is just steps away! And with its striking façade, decorated in multi-colored glass, the hotel does a great job of competing with it. 

Hesperia Bilbao has a cozy, welcoming vibe, with wooden wall paneling, a neutral color palette, and soft lighting. All the rooms are incredibly spacious and are bathed in natural light, thanks to the large windows. 

If you love waking up to a view, we suggest booking the Double Suite. Located on the top floor of the hotel, this room boasts a gigantic terrace where you can see for miles in all directions.

There’s an excellent breakfast buffet served each morning. And if you’d rather try the local cuisine, you’ll find a huge choice of Basque and pintxos restaurants in the surrounding area. 

2. Hotel Gran Bilbao

If you’re looking for something extra special, consider staying at Hotel Gran Bilbao. Each of the guest rooms at this cool Bilbao hotel is entirely unique and comes with its own color theme. While all the rooms are stunning, we recommend splurging on the suite. 

The largest room in the hotel, the suite boasts spectacular city views, as well as a giant hot tub in the bathroom so you can have your own private spa sessions.

You’ve got to check out the hotel’s brunch. It’s only available on certain dates, but if it’s hosted during your visit, you’ll be treated to a lavish buffet, as well as unlimited premium coffee, top-quality tea, freshly-squeezed juices, and water. For something simpler, the hotel also hosts a modest breakfast buffet, plus a cafe and an evening restaurant.

If you overdo it a little, there’s a fantastic gym onsite. And if you’d prefer to get a breath of fresh air, the hotel has put together a number of jogging and cycling trails which are available to download via an app.

3. Hotel Meliá Bilbao

As soon as you see the Hotel Meliá Bilbao, you’ll know it’s one of the coolest hotels in Bilbao. Uber-modern and stylish, the five-star establishment is located in the beating heart of the city and is surrounded by world-class attractions, amazing restaurants, and chic bars. It’s also well connected by public transport, so you can zoom all over the city in no time at all.

The hotel boasts remarkably spacious rooms, almost all of which have amazing views you can admire from quirky multi-panel windows. Most rooms also come with a cozy armchair by the window, so you can get comfy and lose yourself in the panorama.

A great choice for foodies, the restaurant offers three delicious dining options. There’s a decadent breakfast buffet served each morning, as well as a formal restaurant that specializes in Basque cuisine and a more casual option that dishes up pintxos and tapas for sharing.

When you need to relax, there’s a wellness center with a heated pool so you can take a dip, whatever the weather.

4. Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao

Established in 1972, Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao is brimming with the rich history, deep passion, and time-honored culture of the Basque Country. The second hotel to open its doors in Bilbao, this regal property invites you to relax and unwind after a long day exploring everything the city has to offer.

The hotel offers four different varieties of luxurious accommodations. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be treated to a retro ‘70s style with warm amber lighting, pink velvet fabric, subtle tartan furniture, and bulbous metal accessories. Of course, you also get all of today’s mod-cons, such as a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a GHD hairdryer.

The bright and spacious gym includes an artificial grass floor and excellent city views to make you feel like you’re exercising outdoors. When you need a break, you’ll find a number of places to relax and re-energize, including a decadent sushi restaurant and a sophisticated Basque bar. With in-room dining, you don’t even have to leave your room if you don’t want to!

5. Hotel Miró

Created by fashion designer Antonio Miró, Hotel Miró is a unique hotel in Bilbao. Instantly recognizable, thanks to its outstanding façade, made from eye-catching black trim, blue-tinted windows, and geometric shapes, this hotel looks every bit as good on the inside as it does on the outside.

City slicking can get tiring. To help you relax and re-energize, Hotel Miró provides a wellness suite where you can unwind with a number of different massages or work up a sweat in the fitness center. If you’d rather get outside, you can rent a bicycle from reception and cycle all over the city.

The guest rooms here are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen in Bilbao. With floor-to-ceiling windows, dramatic views, whitewashed walls, and black marble bathrooms, you’ll feel like a celebrity each time you retire for the night. Splash out on one of the suites, and you’ll be treated to an oversized bed, a huge smart TV, a rainwater shower, and luxury Molten Brown bathroom products.

6. Occidental Bilbao

Just a few minutes away from the center of the city, Occidental Bilbao is a superb choice if you want to be close enough so you can visit all the major attractions while being far enough away to guarantee a great night’s sleep. Situated next to the Basilica of Bilbao, the hotel has excellent transport links to the train station and the airport, so you don’t have to worry about lengthy transfers.

The rooms at the hotel are modern and minimalist, with neutral color palettes, backlit mirrors, large TVs, and USB ports by the beds. If you like having extra space while you’re away, choose one of the superior rooms. These rooms are huge and come with separate workstations and lounge areas.

There’s a wonderful Club Metropolitan spa onsite, which includes a modern gym and an indoor heated pool. If you visit during the summer, you’ll get to take advantage of the outdoor pool and surrounding sun terrace. 

7. NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

When you’re looking for where to stay in Bilbao that’s in the middle of all the action, you can’t go wrong with NH Collection Villa de Bilbao. Every inch of this modern four-star hotel is luxurious and comfortable, from the plush loungers you find in reception to the ultra-comfy beds in all the guest rooms. 

NH Collection Villa de Bilbao does a great job standing out from the crowd. It boasts a rooftop gym where you can work out while enjoying some of the finest views in the city, as well as an amazing restaurant that dishes up gourmet Basque cuisine. There’s also a trendy bar that’s always well-stocked with all kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic international drinks.

The hotel’s stunning design continues on through the guest rooms, which feature whitewashed walls, striking mural artwork, and the comfiest bedding you’ve ever slept under. If you love having extra space, book one of the Junior Suites. You’ll be treated to a number of VIP extras, including a private terrace. 

8. Barceló Bilbao Nervión

Located in an ideal position in the very heart of the city, Barceló Bilbao Nervión is one of the best Bilbao hotels if you want to spend your days sightseeing and your evenings relaxing. Just a short walk away from the famous Guggenheim Museum and surrounded by fantastic pintxos restaurants and top-quality shopping streets, this hotel ticks all the boxes for a fun-filled city escape.

Barceló Bilbao Nervión is also a great choice if you’re in need of some serious rest and relaxation. There’s an exemplary Basque restaurant onsite that serves delicious pintxos, as well as a well-stocked wine bar with all kinds of Spanish options. There’s a well-equipped gym and beautiful artwork scattered throughout the hotel. Each time you walk through the corridors, you’re bound to spot something new!

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we suggest booking the deluxe suite. This spectacular room boasts panoramic views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. It also comes with a huge TV, oversized bed, rainwater shower, and fluffy bathrobe and slipper sets.

9. Pensión Boutique Caravan Cinema

If you’re a fan of Hollywood, you’ll love Pensión Boutique Caravan Cinema. A quirky and unique Bilbao hotel, this movie-themed getaway offers five rooms and two apartments, each of which is designed in the style of a famous film director. 

Each room is one-of-a-kind. So depending on the one you choose, you could find yourself surrounded by geometric wallpaper, retro movie posters, scenes from famous movies, bare stone walls, or quotes from memorable film scenes.

The cool, nostalgic vibe carries on through the rest of the hotel, too. Check out the common areas, and you’ll find oversized leather armchairs, film director biographies, fun set lighting, and loads of hidden extras you’d never expect to find in a hotel.

All guest rooms come with cloud-effect mattresses for the perfect night’s sleep. Each room also has a bedside sound system, a smart TV, speedy Wi-Fi access, 24-hour keyless access, and individual heating and air conditioning. 

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com

10. Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

Located directly opposite the Guggenheim Museum, Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao is in one of the most popular parts of the city, surrounded by must-see attractions. And thanks to the hotel’s top-quality soundproofing, you don’t have to worry about the hustle and bustle keeping you up at night.

Head to the rooftop terrace and start your day with a decadent breakfast and dazzling views. For the afternoon and evening, you can make a reservation for the formal Beltz restaurant, the casual Le Café, or the trendy Sixty-One Lobby Bar. If you’d prefer something more local, you’ll find plenty of Basque restaurants on the hotel’s doorstep.

If you’ve worn yourself out sightseeing, visit the hotel’s wellness center to relax. Here you’ll find a fitness zone where you can work off any extra energy, plus a Turkish bath and dry sauna. 

Whatever your budget, Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao has got you covered. With everything from basic rooms suitable for short stays to huge penthouse suites that can cater to up to three guests, you’ll find it all here. 

11. Sercotel Coliseo

One of the coolest Bilbao hotels if you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling, Sercotel Coliseo is ideally located just steps away from a train and bus station. Even if you’re not planning on using public transport, this luxury hotel still enjoys a fantastic setting, within easy walking distance of the city center and everything it has to offer.

The rooms at this hotel are strikingly modern, elegant, and sophisticated. With hardwood floors, stunning curved windows, huge beds, and soft fabrics, you’ll feel at home as soon as you step through the door. For an extra special experience, book the superior room. This decadent accommodation option has a separate lounge area on a second level and is large enough for four guests.

The terrace is the highlight of the hotel. During the summer, you can relax on the plush loungers and sip a tropical cocktail while making plans for tomorrow. Visit during winter, and you’ll find the terrace dotted with roaring heaters so you can sip a glass of Basque red wine while cozying up under the stars. 

12. Hotel Zenit Bilbao

A dramatically stylish and state-of-the-art hotel in the center of the city, Hotel Zenit Bilbao doesn’t look like much from the outside. But explore past its unassuming façade, and you’ll be wowed by a spellbinding urban contemporary design that flows throughout.

The guest rooms are simple and minimalist but come with everything you need to enjoy your city break. From large plush beds, pillow menus, and individual air conditioning and heating to high-speed Wi-Fi, workstations, and large safes, these rooms provide you with everything you need to chill out after a long day.

You’ll find an almost never-ending number of fantastic local restaurants in the immediate area. But if you don’t feel like going too far, there’s also a tempting Basque restaurant onsite that dishes up everything from local specialties to vegan dishes and special menus for holidays. If you can’t decide what to order, there are a number of tasting menus that you can choose from that take you on a journey through Basque cuisine!

That completes our list of the 12 best Bilbao hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Bilbao? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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