If you're on a budget and staying in Bilbao, you're in luck—Bilbao has some of the best budget-friendly hotels in Spain. After visiting properties across the city (and country), kimkim created a list of the top standard hotels. And thanks to Bilbao's mix of modernity, history, and eclectic architecture, even these budget picks offer stylish lodgings and central locations. You won't find as many amenities, but some offer perks like on-site bars, breakfast buffets, lounges, and authentic countryside locales.

Bilder Boutique Hotel

Chic, modern, and stylish rooms (photo courtesy of Bilder Boutique Hotel)

Bilder Boutique Hotel is a charming and historically rich hotel in Bilbao's historic Old Town. Housed within a beautiful 18th-century building, the hotel is just steps away from the lively Plaza Nueva and a short walk from the Bilbao Cathedral and the Guggenheim Museum. The comfortable, trendy, and acoustically insulated rooms ensure a peaceful night's rest. Some rooms offer city views, while suites have additional space and a separate living area. You can enjoy breakfast and drinks in the hotel's cozy bar and lounge area on one of the top floors.

The hotel is ideal for exploring Bilbao, with easy access to the metro, bus, tram, and train stations. Once an 18th-century mansion, the building itself showcases the city's history while embracing modernity. Bilder Boutique Hotel is committed to environmental sustainability, eliminating minibars and artificial lighting in areas with natural light. Just keep in mind that some rooms are interior and lack that natural light, so book early for an exterior unit. And though the hotel offers limited amenities, its unique character, impressive history, and prime location make it a delightful choice for your stay in Bilbao.

Read kimkim's full review of Bilder Boutique Hotel

Casa Rural Lurdeia

Charming countryside rooms with rustic yet comfy furnishings (photo courtesy Casa Rural Lurdeia)

Casa Rural Lurdeia is a peaceful, eco-friendly, adult-only guesthouse located on a farm in the Basque countryside, about 30 minutes from downtown Bilbao. This award-winning hotel offers a traditional and authentic rural experience with stunning views of the Bay of Biscay and organic gardens. Each of the eight cozy rooms has a unique theme based on natural elements and the culture of the Basque Country. You can relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings, including the outdoor terrace, picnic tables, and extensive property with gardens, a pond, and resident birds.

Lurdeia provides a unique stay in a serene environment and is committed to sustainability through its ecological agricultural activities and respect for the natural setting. Access to high-quality, homegrown fruits, vegetables, and poultry products adds to the charm of this guesthouse. While the location is remote, it's still close to local attractions such as the historic Dolmen and the charming coastal town of Bermeo. For eco-conscious travelers seeking a tranquil and authentic stay in the Basque countryside with easy access to nearby cities, Casa Rural Lurdeia is an excellent choice.

Read kimkim's full review of Casa Rural Lurdeia

Sercotel Arenal Bilbao

Stay among Bilbao's history (photo courtesy of Sercotel Arenal Bilbao)

Sercotel Arenal Bilbao is a centrally located hotel in Bilbao's Old Town, offering guests modern, spacious, and bright rooms in a historical building. The hotel is just steps away from iconic sites like Plaza Nueva, Teatro Arriga (Arriaga Theater), and Areatzako Bridge, making it the perfect base for exploring the city's famous attractions. You'll enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, a cozy library lounge, and a business center during your stay. The hotel is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs and cats and providing rooms with natural light and a warm ambience.

The hotel's prime location allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bilbao's Old Town. With eateries, the Bilbao Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and Erribera Market within walking distance, there's always something to discover. Across the Areatzako Bridge, you can stroll along the scenic riverfront promenade and reach the Guggenheim in about 25 minutes. Sercotel Arenal Bilbao offers 36 spacious, bright, modern rooms across six floors, catering to all travelers. From Basic units for solo travelers or couples to Superior options with added amenities like capsule coffee machines, all rooms feature wooden floors and furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and clean bathrooms with colorful tiling, ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay.

Read kimkim's full review of Sercotel Arenal Bilbao

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Amari by Pillow

Photo courtesy of Amari by Pillow
Simple yet contemporary (photo courtesy of Amari by Pillow)

Amari by Pillow is a charming boutique hotel in a historic building steps away from the famous Guggenheim Museum in the heart of Bilbao. This simple, modern hotel offers bright, minimalist rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, desks, minibars, WiFi, air-conditioning, and toiletries. Enjoy relaxing in the cozy lounge, complete with comfortable seating and complimentary coffee and tea.

The hotel's prime location allows easy access to various attractions, such as the riverfront walkway, Puppy Statue, Museum of Fine Arts, and Zubizuri Bridge. Though the standard rooms may be small, opting for a higher-tiered unit ensures more space and comfort. Amari by Pillow's motto, "from home to home," emphasizes the importance of comfort and convenience during your stay. The hotel may not offer breakfast service or additional amenities, but its central location, modern accommodations, and friendly multilingual staff make it a good choice for exploring Bilbao.

Read kimkim's full review of Amari by Pillow

LATROUPE La Granja

Minimalist and contemporary private rooms (photo courtesy of LATROUPE La Granja)

LATROUPE La Granja, a historic and vibrant accommodation in Bilbao, combines the best of a hostel and a hotel within a building that dates to 1891. This combo makes it perfect for families or groups, as you can book rooms with extra beds (often bunk beds) and have access to common areas. Though a hostel might make you think of dorms, the property houses private rooms, each uniquely designed to blend old and new, classic and industrial elements. Enjoy comfortable beds, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with showers and toiletries. The lively bar and two large common areas, La Granja and El Txoko, are perfect for socializing, eating, and drinking, with a shared kitchen available.

Located right on Bilbao's central yet busy Plaza Circular, La Granja offers easy access to many city attractions. The Arriaga Theater and the edge of the Old Town are just five minutes away, while the Guggenheim Museum is about a 20-minute stroll along the riverfront promenade. Although the property is part hostel, the interiors are beautifully decorated, paying homage to the building's history and Bilbao's rich culture. Offering a unique character and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, La Granja gets kimkim's recommendation for families and those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.

Read kimkim's full review of LATROUPE La Granja

7Kale Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy staying in comfy quarters in the Old Town (photo courtesy of 7Kale Bed & Breakfast)

7Kale Bed & Breakfast is a charming hotel in Bilbao's Old Town. Its name is a little misleading: it's not a traditional bed-and-breakfast but a small, boutique accommodation offering daily breakfast for an extra fee. Still, you'll enjoy cozy and welcoming accommodations with private bathrooms steps away from the city's top sites, such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Arriaga Theater. You can choose from standard rooms or upgrade to premium rooms, with additional amenities like air conditioning, smart TVs, and balconies. Start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet in the dining area, or enjoy it in your room if you have a balcony.

The hotel's prime location is in the center of historic Bilbao, surrounded by the city's best eateries, pintxo bars, and monuments. The friendly staff, natural textures, and warm tones throughout the property give it an authentic Basque Country feel. Book early if you'd like to secure a premium room (the only option that includes air conditioning) and plan to spend a little more for breakfast. Still, 7Kale's exceptional service and perfect location make it a good standard option for exploring the local culture and surroundings.

Read kimkim's full review of 7Kale Bed & Breakfast

Casa Rural Mahasti

Charming countryside rooms and beautiful views (photo courtesy of Casa Rural Mahasti)

Casa Rural Mahasti is another option outside the bustle of downtown Bilbao. You'll stay in a charming historic farmhouse in the tranquil Basque countryside, just 20 minutes from the city. With seven cozy rooms, each featuring a bathroom, you can enjoy a peaceful stay with picturesque views of vineyards, fruit trees, forests, and the historic Butrón Castle. The rustic farmhouse features a spacious living room with a fireplace, a library, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining room, providing you with an authentic rural Basque experience.

Although some rooms may not have a private bathroom and the pool is currently under construction, the Mahasti House offers a unique retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in countryside life. Explore the surrounding area through hiking, cycling, or horseback riding and experience sustainable living with the house's vineyards, livestock, and surrounding ecosystem. Bilbao is only about 20 minutes away, Playa de Sopelana is just 15 minutes away, and the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is approximately a 40-minute drive. 

Read kimkim's full review of Casa Rural Mahasti

Hotel Bed4U Bilbao

Simple but comfy room with all the necessary amenities (photo courtesy of Hotel Bed4U Bilbao)

Hotel Bed4U Bilbao is a simple, no-frills property in the bustling Zabalburu area, just a 15-minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum. With its convenient location near Plaza de Zabalburu, you can easily access shops, restaurants, and transportation to the Old Town. The hotel's modern rooms feature the latest entertainment technology, including SmartTVs with Chrome Cast and free high-speed WiFi. Despite its simplicity, the hotel is committed to sustainability and healthy living, offering eco-friendly mobility options, de-plasticization, and healthy breakfast options at its buffet.

While the hotel doesn't offer a full restaurant, it does provide a 24-hour cafeteria and snack bar, as well as a healthy and eco-friendly breakfast featuring local products. You can also enjoy the 24/7 gym, order a picnic, or indulge in snack-type dinners. Although the hotel isn't located in Old Town, its more residential neighborhood allows you to stay outside the main tourist zone and experience the local lifestyle. 

Read kimkim's full review of Hotel Bed4U Bilbao

Map

Map of The 8 Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Bilbao
Map of The 8 Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Bilbao