Bilbao is by no means a pretty city, but it’s totally unique and when, in 1991, the Basque government approached the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation about sharing the cost of building a new Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao’s old port area - once the throbbing heart of this fading industrial powerhouse - it proved to be an inspired way of breathing new life into the city. The stunning Frank Gehry building, packed with large scale works by contemporary artists and well known Basque and Spanish works, had a profound effect on the city, drawing crowds, but also drawing in interest for more artistic and cultural institutions. If you’ve not been then it’s probably on your bucket list, and if you’ve been before then you’ll need to return to see some of the new exhibitions coming up. And it was in response to just such a query from one of you that our Guru’s came up with this list of the best hotels near the Guggenheim Bilbao.
They’ve started with two of the closest hotels, which both also have a contemporary feel which is in keeping with the atmosphere of the museum - it’s like staying in the Disney hotel when visiting one of the parks - and they’ve finished with a recommendation that’s closer to the centre of Bilbao. In case you’re here for the food as well as the art.
Just opposite the Guggenheim and right by the river, the Miro Hotel is sleek and modern, and a lot of glass has been used in its construction. If you need a bit more space the suites are enormous, and even the smallest rooms have all the mod. cons. and a chic design hotel feel. There’s also an excellent tapas restaurant, a gym and spa. Rooms start from around £100 per night.
The next closest hotel we recommend is the Gran Hotel Domine, which borroiws some of the museum's cache of cool by having its different areas designed according to different artistic eras. So you have the Bauhaus bit, the Sixties section and the 90s minimalist area. Quirky and cool, this is perfect if you're looking for a modern five star hotel.
If you’d prefer to be in the centre of town then the Hotel Carlton is a great choice. This old grand dame of a hotel is elegant but traditional, and it’s very affordable, with rooms starting from around £85 per night.
Bilbao
A grand hotel in central Bilbao. Contemporary classic rooms and suites have seamless furnishings and all the mod cons. Traditional elegant living areas and restaurant. Meeting rooms and a gym. A stylish spot for tourists and business visitors.
Bilbao
A fabulous contemporary designer hotel opposite the Guggenheim and close to the river. Sleek modern rooms and enormous suites have all the mod cons and fantastic views. Excellent tapas restaurant, spa, gym, and meeting rooms. A super stylish choice.
Bilbao
Sitting right alongside the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, this upmarket urban hotel has one of the best views in Bilbao and is a short walk from the pintxo bars of the old town. Rooms and suites are contemporary with balconies and all the mod cons. Fabulous Basque cuisine. A trendy choice.
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
