Bilbao is the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Renowned for its dynamic nightlife, modern buildings, and delicious gastronomy, it is the largest city in the Basque Country, and is a prime example of cultural, economic, and architectural renewal.
Bilbao’s landmark masterpiece, the Guggenheim Museum, stands as a symbol of this revitalization. Bilbao is also home to the historic Casco Viejo, with its narrow-cobbled streets, traditional pintxo bars, and picturesque surroundings.
Dotted around the city are many unique accommodations which collectively blur the lines between tradition and modernity, with options ranging from peaceful riverside boutiques to soul-stirring artsy hotels. Here are my favourite cool and unusual hotels in Bilbao, Spain (in no particular order)...
1. NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels – a hip, Instagrammable and vibrant hotel perfect for partying Millennials and Gen Zs
Greeting you with the city’s most happening rooftop bar, this eclectic high-rise hotelgives the Guggenheim a run for its money. A mural by a different local urban artist features on every floor, and a stunning video installation is showcased on the open-air patio that cuts through the middle of the property.
NYX embraces its urban surroundings, and its lobby is scattered with plush velvet armchairs and brassy side tables lit by purple neon lights. I thought this gave the hotel a fun, buzzy vibe.
My room was embellished with large exotic animal prints, which added a funky touch to an environment otherwise characterized by clean lines, chic tables, and elegant chairs.
2. Hotel Gran Bilbao – a stylish, design and unique hotel within walking distance of the old town
Hotel Gran Bilbao is a place where every room has a unique personality, and the décor will leave a lasting impression. Mine was bedecked in a graceful red tone, with wall-sized paintings creating a canvas for the bespoke wooden furniture.
The communal spaces are also vibrant and colourful, and offer the chance to gaze out across bucolic greenery through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
I felt at right home here, courtesy of the bountiful natural light, the comfy seating areas, and the pioneering wellness vibe that permeates the property. The restaurant is committed to celebrating the surrounding land and keeping the Basque traditions alive during breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
3. Vincci Consulado de Bilbao – an elegant, upscale and contemporary hotel located in the heart of the city, perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
The avant-garde Vincci Consulado is set in a unique building that simulates a sailboat. Its ground-breaking nautical-inspired design immediately caught my eye, and the interiors were just as elegant.
The lavish, open-plan spaces are filled with plush modern furniture, with soft wooden hues and bright colour schemes bringing a vibrant flair to the aesthetic.
I thoroughly loved the open-air terrace restaurant, where delicious gastronomy, resplendent city views, and an atmosphere of quietude go hand in hand. The spacious rooms are decorated with natural elements where the warmth of wood stands centre stage, and the amenities are tech-forward, luxurious, and ultra-modern.
4. Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao – a new, chic and trendy hotel featuring a spa and wellness center
Situated opposite Doña Casilda Park and very close to the Guggenheim Museum, this four-star haven is perfectly catered to both couples and business travellers.
It comes with its own car park, an urban garden, and a wellness area. My favourite feature was the outdoor swimming pool and solarium area, which is set on the rooftop and is dotted with sun loungers inviting you to relish a beautiful, balmy afternoon.
I savoured some gorgeous traditional cuisine in a peaceful atmosphere at the Gastrobar, however a few steps outside the property lands you within an extraordinary scene of street food, cafés, and artisan boutiques.
5. Occidental Bilbao – an urban, modern and sleek hotel steps away from local popular attractions and monuments
Here we have an urban hotelexuding maximum comfort through its design-led interiors. Set just a few minutes from the centre of Bilbao and its many tourist monuments, this 200-room gem is clad head-to-toe in elegant contemporary décor, and also offers a spacious manicured garden adorned with quirky chill-out areas and a blissful pool with solarium.
The on-site Club Metropolitan was the source of luxurious moments during my stay, and comes with an exclusive spa area, a gym, and a heated indoor pool.
There is also a high-end bar/restaurant area where the seats are perfectly positioned to enhance epic city views.
6. Hotel Silken Indautxu – a newly renovated, modern and urban hotel surrounded by shopping and pintxo bars
If cultural tourism is your thing, then this urban retreat will hit the spot. Located at the epicentre of the Bilbao museum triangle, surrounded by the best pintxo bars, Silken Indautxu is housed in a beautiful historic building with early 20th-century charm.
I enjoyed some innovative culinary proposals in the on-site restaurant, which combined local traditions with an international touch in an opulent atmosphere.
The rooms all boast high-quality amenities, which coupled with the spaciousness, allowed me to enjoy a stay of total quietude and pleasure. The hotel is committed to social responsibility, and plays an active role in many charitable associations.
7. Hesperia Bilbao – a contemporary, stylish and spacious hotel where guests can enjoy views from a rooftop terrace overlooking the city
The playful exterior of this 151-room hotelcompetes with the rich historic buildings along Bilbao’s river promenade. The striking, brightly coloured glass windows exude a funky atmosphere upon arrival, however I thought this was beautifully contrasted on the inside by an easy-going, boutique vibe.
I spent hours hanging out on the rooftop terrace, where city and river views gleam ever-so majestically, and remind you of Bilbao’s scintillating architectural presence.
The menu at the on-site hotel is a vivid mix of local Basque favourites and nouvelle cuisine, and the bar offers a stylish setting for a peaceful pre-dinner drink.
8. Hotel Tayko Bilbao – a sleek, industrial-style and design hotel where guests can experience exceptional cuisine at the on-site Michelin starred restaurant
Set in a preserved 1924 stately building, Hotel Tayko exudes a charming industrial design in keeping with the character of the surrounding Casco Viejo streets.
This equates to an endless choice of pintxo bars and hip bars within an arm’s reach. Inside, I thought the wooden beams and original stained glass provided not only a splash of colour, but also a nod to the past.
This is however balanced beautifully by the ultra-modern sleek concrete walls, the steel walkways, and the marble-clad reception desk. A cluster of modish furniture provides ample opportunities to relax on the sunlit top floor, backdropped by awe-inspiring views across the city.
9. Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection – an upscale, glamorous and retro-chic hotel with Insta-worthy features, in an ideal location to explore around the city
Forged from the fiery passions of Basque locals and rooted in the glamour of the region’s heydays, this stunning hotelhas evolved over the years to shape a unique luxury travel experience.
Upholding the city’s heritage with pride, while crafting memorable visits for its guests, the rooms fuse tradition and modernity through bespoke décor, graceful fittings, and exquisite patterns.
Revelry and intimacy are embodied in the on-site bar, topped with a sense of chic sophistication. Another stunning space is the outdoor rooftop terrace, where you can capture the most awe-inspiring cityscape views as you savour a crafted cocktail.
10. Hotel Bilbao Plaza – a bright, new and quiet accommodation neighbouring the River Nervion
This majestic abode offered a service totally tailored to my visit, owing to the amiable staff who helped me draft up the perfect urban itinerary.
Throughout the property, an eccentric flair is evoked through the many sculptures, paintings, and photographs, and the in-room amenities ooze comfort and sophistication.
The hotel is situated in a modern area next to the river, and many of the rooms overlook the stunning Isozaki Towers. The communal spaces radiate a bohemian hip tone through quirky décor, and bountiful natural light beams through the floor-to-ceiling windows. There is also ample space to sit and relax in a charming river backdrop.
11. Bilbao Art Lodge – a gorgeous and creative boutique accommodation moments away from well known activities and restaurants
This city centre sanctuary is one of my favourite hotels in Bilbao, and its fresh look oozes a true homely feel. The smooth wood clad interiors reflect an intimate style, which is enhanced through the beautiful white furniture and the graceful artwork.
A mosaic tiled wall in the bathroom adds a touch of eccentricity, while the elegant paintings of exotic plants behind the beds share a nod to nature.
Each time I visit this aesthetic lodge I feel like a guest rather than a customer, and get pampered in luxury from the get-go. State-of-the-art amenities, soothing décor, and bountiful open space exude splendour and sophistication.
12. Amari by Pillow – a trendy and cool boutique accommodation perfect for a memorable vacation or fun weekend getaway
Owing to its supreme location in the heart of the city, Amari is a stunning property you can return to after visiting Bilbao’s famous landmarks, restaurants, and bustling streets.
It welcomes you back to an atmosphere of tranquillity, where opulent furnishings pay homage to the city’s heritage. The traditional décor however stands side by side with the mod-cons of a big-name chain, resulting in a unique blend of old-meets-new.
The views from the elegant, artisan-styled guestrooms are exemplary, and encompass the city’s urban beauty. Another great aspect was the charming, multi-lingual staff presence, which led me to feel at home throughout my stay.
13. Bilder Boutique Hotel – a rustic, vibrant and elegant accommodation filled with history and tradition
Located in the Casco Viejo, this charming boutique is situated in a historic mansion, in the vicinity of many pintxo bars, artisan cafés, and high-end restaurants.
It breathes the spirit of this illustrious city whilst embracing modernity, and within its walls you will find tranquillity and serenity.
I thought the functional style of the guestrooms made the stay ever-more majestic, and they are all acoustically insulated to avoid outside noise and promote a restful experience.
The elegant wooden décor, the ambient lighting under the furniture, and the spaciousness all combined to make induce a soothing stay during my visit, and the experience was topped off with a bespoke service.
14. Pensión Boutique Caravan Cinema – a unique, cozy and quirky accommodation designed to feel like a home-away-from-home
I felt a cosy family vibe at this graceful boutique, which stands out in old Bilbao due to its tastefully quirky design. It is situated on two floors of an ancient building, yet still feels brand new.
The light-filled interiors, artisan fixtures, and trendy décor evoke an air of elegance, touched with a fun character through the canvas-printed movie posters.
The exposed brick-stone wall in my bedroom exuded a sense of tradition, which complemented the vintage theme. There was also a whole host of stylish accessories such as a Marshall radio with iPhone & USB inputs, and a Nespresso coffee machine.
15. Pensión Begoña – centro ciudad – a quiet, cozy and creative accommodation offering guests spacious rooms with individual themes
Standing beautifully in Bilbao’s Abando District, this artsy boutiqueis adorned with bright décor. The corridors pay homage to the local culture through beautiful paintings, and lead to individually themed guestrooms.
Mine came with a minibar, and there was plenty of space for lounging around. Staying here came with the added benefit of being surrounded by several bars and restaurants, all reachable with a peaceful stroll through the charming neighbourhood.
There is also a tour-desk located on-site, where you can gain expert knowledge about the local area and seek assistance for the best excursions and activities within the city.
Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam
