The 6 Best Historic Hotels in Bilbao
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, a restored historic hotel that opened in the 70s, offers a unique fusion of Basque culture and Anglo influences. Ercilla Hotel's proud local family business character and adventurous international spirit capture the glamour of 70s Bilbao, featuring plush furnishings, wood paneling, and midcentury decor to channel this timeless heyday. The hotel's prime location provides an excellent base for exploring Bilbao's thriving social, financial, political, and cultural scenes.
As for meals, you'll have your choice of two eateries, El Bar Americano and La Terraza, and the property also owns the 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, a renowned Japanese cuisine establishment located next door. Relax on the rooftop terrace with music or at the wellness center offering yoga and training classes.
Located in a bustling shopping area, the hotel is just down the street from the Indautxu metro station, a five-minute walk from the Txabarri Palace, and about a 10-minute walk from Casilda Iturrizar Park and the Guggenheim Museum. The rooms feature a mix of unique fabrics that channel the hotel's 1970s grand opening, and some offer urban vistas of Bilbao through bow windows. The bathrooms showcase historic stonework and exclusive Ercilla products designed to evoke the woodland allure of nearby Gorbeia National Park.
While some amenities may come with additional costs, Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao's sophisticated dining options, wellness center, and rich history make it an unforgettable stay.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao
Hotel Carlton
Hotel Carlton, a luxurious and historic establishment, offers an elegant and comfortable stay right on the city's central plaza, Federico Moyúa Square. Designed by Basque-English architect Manuel Maria Smith Ibarra in 1926, the hotel was declared an Architectural, Historical, and Cultural Monument by the Basque Government thanks to its French Second Empire style architecture. You can choose from 142 spacious and elegantly decorated rooms, including the largest suite in northern Spain. The on-site Artagan Restaurant and Bar Grill and the rooftop terrace provide delightful dining experiences with unbeatable views.
The central location of Hotel Carlton makes exploring the city's main attractions, including the Guggenheim Museum, Puppy Statue, and Zubizuri Bridge, fairly easy, as they're all within a 10-minute walk. In addition to its stylish rooms, the hotel also features unique highlights such as the private bar El Bunker, a former concrete shelter during the Civil War that now serves as an elegant English-style bar for cocktails and coffee breaks. If you're looking forward to those rooftop views, keep in mind that the terrace is seasonal, open from June to September.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Carlton
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Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Hotel Tayko Bilbao, an industrial-chic hotel in the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), offers a unique blend of traditional and modern elements as the fourth building in Spain to be built in the concrete style. The hotel's architecture is a prime example of modern, industrial design, perfectly complementing the city's vibe and telling its story. You can also experience authentic Basque culture in the property's two restaurants supervised by Michelin-star Chef Martin Berasategui. Other amenities include a gym available 24/7 and a cozy attic chill-out corner.
Situated on the main riverfront boulevard and Mesedeetako Bridge, the hotel offers easy access to attractions like Teatro Arriaga (Arriaga Theater), Bilbao Cathedral, Erribera Market, and Plaza Nueva, all just minutes away on foot. Choose from rooms with fluffy linens, wooden furnishings, and neutral tones, plus modern amenities and L'Occitane toiletries. Some rooms offer river views or balconies, while others face a quiet inner courtyard.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Bilder Boutique Hotel
Bilder Boutique Hotel offers a charming and historically rich experience within an 18th-century building in the heart of Bilbao's Old Town neighborhood. Once a mansion, the hotel has witnessed the city's evolution and now combines modernity with tradition. Its prime location on historic Correo Street allows you to immerse yourself in the city's unique spirit. This trendy hotel is just steps from Plaza Nueva and close to other city attractions such as the Bilbao Cathedral and Guggenheim Museum. If the 20-minute walk to the museum is a bit too long, you'll be a short stroll from public transportation, including the Zazpikaleak metro stop.
The comfortable, soundproofed rooms ensure a peaceful stay, with exterior rooms featuring city views. All feel warm and inviting, and many are spacious, with desks and sofas. Minimalist in design, the hotel's standout feature is its cozy breakfast lounge and bar with arched windows and antique furnishings. Enjoy breakfast and the views that come along with it. Additionally, the hotel is committed to environmental sustainability, eliminating minibars and artificial lighting in naturally lit areas.
Read kimkim's review of Bilder Boutique Hotel
Casa Rural Mahasti
Casa Rural Mahasti is a charming and historic accommodation in the Basque countryside, a 20-minute drive from Bilbao. This rustic farm offers picturesque views of vineyards, fruit trees, forests, and the nearby Butrón Castle. With seven cozy rooms, each with its bathroom, you can experience authentic rural Basque life while enjoying modern comforts. The house features a spacious living room with a fireplace, a library, a fully equipped kitchen, and a rustic dining room. Unwind on the porch or terrace, take a dip in the pool, or explore the surrounding area through hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
In some rooms, the farmhouse offers a blend of original period furniture and contemporary amenities such as hydromassage bathtubs and private balconies. The property is committed to sustainable living, maintaining its vineyards, livestock, and surrounding ecosystem. During your stay, immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of rural life while enjoying authentic txakoli from the farm's white grape harvest, and create lasting memories in this unique and picturesque setting.
Read kimkim's review of Casa Rural Mahasti
LATROUPE La Granja
LATROUPE La Granja is a historic and vibrant hostel-meets-hotel built in 1891 by local architect Severino Achúcarro. The property, which once housed the mythic Café La Granja, combines a unique character that reflects Bilbao's rich culture and history with modern rooms featuring a blend of old and new, classic and industrial elements. Though there are shared dorm-style rooms, this isn't your average hostel. There are plenty of private room options, and there are two large common areas, La Granja and El Txoko, perfect for socializing, eating, and drinking, with a lively bar and kitchen available.
The hotel is conveniently located on Bilbao's Plaza Circular, providing easy access to the city's attractions, such as the Arriaga Theater and Old Town, both just across the river and the riverfront walk that can take you to the Guggenheim Museum in about 20 minutes. The rooms offer various options to suit your needs, from private double or twin rooms to larger family options with bunk beds. Each room is designed with comfort, space, and style, featuring amenities like desks, air conditioning, and private bathrooms with showers.
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