Hotel Melia Bilbao, Bilbao
Luxurious hotel with avant-garde architecture, a Basque eatery, and a wellness area with a pool
Overview
Kimkim's Take
- The hotel's avant-garde architecture, a tribute to the work of Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, makes it one of the city's most outstanding works of architecture.
- Its unbeatable location, within a 10-minute walk from the iconic Guggenheim Museum and the Euskalduna Palace, provides easy access to many of Bilbao's main attractions.
- The Aizian Restaurant, led by the famous chef José Miguel Olazabalaga, offers classic Basque cuisine, providing a delicious dining experience.
- For a different style of cuisine, head to the Quatre Restaurant for Mediterranean-inspired pintxos and tapas.
- You can relax in the spa area with its saunas and partially-covered heated swimming pool with views.
- There's also a bar in the lounge and a 24-hour gym.
- Though the building pays tribute to an iconic sculptor, some might find the hotel to feel blockish rather than artistic.
- The hotel is pretty big with over 200 rooms, so it doesn't have a small boutique feel.
Authenticity
Meliá Bilbao looks like a large block from the outside, but it pays homage to Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida with its avant-garde architecture. The hotel prides itself on offering guests an authentic taste of the region through its remarkable dining options that feature classic Basque cuisine and fine ingredients.
Location
Meliá Bilbao has an excellent location on the riverfront park, just a few minutes from Euskalduna Palace and Casilda Iturrizar Park. You'll be five minutes from Eskudi Plaza, then another five from the Guggenheim Museum and its Puppy and Spider sculptures. Take the riverfront walkway and you'll reach the Zubizuri Bridge in just 20 minutes, or cut through the city and reach Plaza Nueva in the Old Town in 25 minutes.
Rooms & Bathrooms
Meliá Bilbao offers a range of modern and timeless rooms with various city views and views of Doña Casilda Park. The rooms come with comfortable designer bedrooms, king-size or single beds, and marble bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. Some rooms, like the Presidential Suite, even include a spectacular rooftop area, while others feature terraces, whirlpool bathtubs, and lounges.
Other Highlights
The hotel is home to Aizian Restaurant, led by renowned chef José Miguel Olazabalaga, which offers a unique take on traditional Basque flavors. Additionally, the Quatre Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired tapas and Basque pintxos. You can also enjoy the Q Lounge, a cozy spot for drinks and light dishes. Meliá Bilbao features a wellness area on the 6th floor with two saunas and a partially-covered heated swimming pool with stunning mountain views.
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