The best hotels in Bilbao

This small guesthouse sits right in the heart of the Casco Viejo, steps from the Siete Calles and the covered Mercado de la Ribera. Rooms are basic but clean, with simple furnishings and decent beds. The location alone justifies the price for budget travelers who want to walk everywhere. Noise from the old town can filter in at night, so light sleepers should request a rear-facing room. Staff are friendly and happy to point you toward local pintxos bars.

This quirky guesthouse on Calle Santa Maria in the Casco Viejo fills its rooms with antique furniture, colorful tiles, and genuine Basque character. It feels more like staying in a curated apartment than a standard hotel. Rooms vary quite a bit in size and style, so it is worth asking about options when booking. The Guggenheim is a 15-minute walk across the river and the old town pintxos scene is right outside the door. A genuinely charming place that stands out from the cookie-cutter options.

Hotel Zabalburu sits on Plaza Zabalburu in the Abando district, a calm residential square about a 10-minute walk from the Guggenheim. Rooms are well-sized for the price, with comfortable beds and solid soundproofing. The breakfast spread is generous and genuinely worth adding to your booking. It is not a design hotel, but the service is attentive and consistent. Good metro access nearby makes reaching the old town or Bilbao La Vieja very straightforward.

The Hesperia sits on Campo de Volantin, directly along the Nervion river with clean views of the Zubizuri footbridge. It caters heavily to business travelers but works well for tourists who want reliable comfort near the Guggenheim. Rooms are modern and quiet, with good blackout curtains and fast wifi. The lobby bar is a decent spot for a post-dinner drink. Not the most characterful option in the city but consistently delivers on the basics.

The Carlton is a Bilbao institution, a grand early 20th-century hotel on Plaza Federico Moyua that has hosted everyone from politicians to artists over the decades. The ornate lobby rotunda and stained glass ceiling are genuinely impressive. Rooms blend classic elegance with modern amenities and the beds are among the most comfortable in the city. The central location puts you equidistant from the Guggenheim, Casco Viejo, and the main shopping streets. Worth splurging on a superior room for the extra space.

This modern hotel is positioned on the river near San Mames stadium, a short walk from the Guggenheim along the riverside promenade. The contemporary rooms are well-appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows in upper floors offering solid city views. The rooftop pool is a genuine bonus during summer months. Service is polished and the breakfast buffet covers all the bases. It fills up fast on match weekends, so book early if Athletic Club has a home game during your visit.

The Melia stands in the Abandoibarra cultural district, directly adjacent to the Guggenheim Museum and the Euskalduna concert hall. The architecture is striking from the outside and the interiors are sleek and modern throughout. Rooms on the upper floors have exceptional views over the river and the titanium curves of the Guggenheim. The restaurant serves solid Basque-influenced cuisine and the bar draws both guests and locals. For first-time visitors to Bilbao who want to be at the center of everything, this is a top pick.

Located on Plaza Indautxu in one of Bilbao's quieter residential neighborhoods, this Silken property offers spacious rooms that work well for families or anyone wanting extra room to spread out. The square outside has a pleasant daily rhythm and good local cafes within easy walking distance. It is about 20 minutes on foot to the Guggenheim or a quick tram ride. The indoor pool and gym are well-maintained and less crowded than at the bigger riverside hotels. Rates are often lower than comparable hotels closer to the museum.

The Domine sits directly across Alameda Mazarredo from the Guggenheim and was designed specifically to complement Frank Gehry's building, with interiors by Javier Mariscal. Upper-floor rooms have unobstructed views of the titanium museum facade, which is particularly spectacular at night. The rooftop terrace bar is arguably the best spot in the city for a drink with a view. Rooms are spacious, stylish, and exceptionally well-equipped, with service that matches the premium price. This is the definitive luxury address in Bilbao for architecture and design enthusiasts.

The Ercilla is a long-standing five-star on Calle Ercilla, a broad boulevard in the Ensanche district, and has been the city's go-to address for visiting dignitaries and cultural figures for decades. The rooms are richly decorated with dark wood furnishings and high-quality fabrics, with a distinctly classic European luxury feel. The restaurant, Bermeo, is well-regarded locally for its traditional Basque cuisine and is worth a reservation even if you are not staying here. Spa facilities are among the best in the city. A refined and genuinely indulgent base for exploring Bilbao.