Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao, Bilbao

Kimkim team favorite · 4.5 (2 reviews) · Upscale
Modern, centrally located hotel with a rooftop swimming pool, spa area, and gastro bar

Overview

Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao offers a contemporary, comfortable stay within Bilbao's central Abando district. Guests will find themselves just a stroll away from the city's best art museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the iconic Guggenheim, with easy access to the historic Casco Viejo via a short bus ride. The inviting rooms and suites feature a rich, deep color palette, artistic light fixtures, and modern perks like rain-style showers and Nespresso machines. Other amenities include a rooftop pool, a wellness area with a sauna and steam bath, and a modern gastro bar offering Basque and Catalan-inspired cuisine.

Kimkim's Take

Ash
Ash Merscher kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, May 2023 (Learn more)
Pros
  • You'll stay in a prime location in the city center, within easy walking distance of the Guggenheim Museum.
  • Rooms feel brand new and plushly appointed, with leather and velvet upholstery, parquet floors, and spacious bathrooms.
  • There's a rooftop pool and sun deck to enjoy warmer weather, while a downstairs spa area includes a massage pool and sauna.
  • A casual gastro bar restaurant on the ground floor serves Basque-inspired dishes and small plates, plus an optional breakfast buffet.
  • Families and groups are well catered to here with adjoining room options that include bunk beds. 
Cons
  • Some rooms face the busy avenue, so can get a little noisier.
  • The location in the business and arts district of Abando means you'll be a little farther from the historic Casco Viejo, though a handy bus gets you there in about 10 minutes.
  • The rooftop pool is unheated and seasonal.

Authenticity

Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao opened in 2021, part of the large, family-run Catalonia hotel group. Set in a six-story block along the city's central avenue, this is a modern, business-style hotel—you won't find much local character, but the sleek, contemporary interiors, a casual restaurant specializing in Basque flavors, and a rooftop pool make this a good choice for travelers looking for 4-star comfort within easy walking distance of the city's best museums and parks.

Location

An address on the city's central Gran Vía puts you within the business and arts district of Abando, surrounded by exhibition centers and cultural halls and just a block south of Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar. A 10-minute walk across the park takes you to the Museum of Fine Arts; continue another five minutes north to reach the Guggenheim and the riverside. It's a 30-minute stroll to the Casco Viejo (Old Town), but you can hop on the bus that stops just feet from the hotel to get there in 10 minutes. There's on-site parking for guests, including EV charging stations, and it's a 15-minute drive or 20-minute bus to the airport.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 106 air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, furnished in a contemporary style that incorporates deep, neutral tones, artistic light fixtures, parquet floors, and touches of leather and velvet. Upgrade to a Superior room for the option of a terrace, or opt for the larger Premium to sleep three with an additional sofa bed. Suites feature more space and separate seating areas. Bathrooms are bright and modern, with rain-style showers or deep tub/shower combos, and all rooms include Nespresso machines and free WiFi.

Amenities

On the top floor, you'll find a small sun terrace and a saltwater pool, while downstairs, a wellness area features a sauna, steam bath, pool with water jets, a fitness room, and massage cabins with electric tables. The hotel's buzzy, modern gastro bar is a handy spot to enjoy Basque and Catalan-inspired dishes or a glass of wine with some pintxos, and an optional breakfast buffet complete with gluten-free and vegan options is served daily. Room service is also available.

Family-Friendliness

Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao welcomes children of any age, and those under 12 can stay for free. Family rooms include an adjoining second bedroom with fun bunk beds, but otherwise, you won't find any special amenities for kids. 

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34 944007946
Hotel address icon Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, 73
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website

Traveler Reviews

2 total ratings, 2 with reviews
4.5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.5
Location
4.5
Staff
5.0
Cleanliness & Comfort
5.0
M
Meg V.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 01, 2025
Great room for 3 ppl because the cot had its own room. No views. Breakfast not included. I would have prefered to be closer to old town, though this is close to the Guggenheim. Read more

Great room for 3 ppl because the cot had its own room. No views. Breakfast not included. I would have prefered to be closer to old town, though this is close to the Guggenheim.

Authenticity & Character
modern
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2025
Maisa
Maisa A.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2024
Comfortable and clean with great sleep and wonderful breakfast included. Room service was very good also Read more

Comfortable and clean with great sleep and wonderful breakfast included. Room service was very good also

Authenticity & Character
Staff were helpful and packed us to go box meal for early flight departure!
Location
Very nice location
Staff
Wake up call and to go box meal for early flight departure was much appreciated!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable!
Stayed in October 2025

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34 944007946
Hotel address icon Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, 73
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website