Sercotel Arenal Bilbao, Bilbao

Pros

• The hotel is on the edge of Bilbao's Old Town, just a one-minute walk from iconic sites like Plaza Nueva and Arriaga Theater.
• The bright guest rooms feel homey and offer good value for a standard hotel.
• The breakfast buffet offers plentiful choices, including fresh fruit, homemade granola, fresh-squeezed juice, and more.
• The hotel is pet-friendly.

Cons

• Besides the breakfast buffet, you won't find any other meal service at the hotel.
• There's no pool, gym, or spa on-site.
• Guest rooms only sleep two people. 

Authenticity

Enjoy staying in a historical building on a vibrant corner of the city's Old Town. The hotel channels Bilbao's modern spirit while still holding onto its history, as the beautiful, bright-red building was once an industrial structure. 

Location

Arenal Bilbao Hotel is in a busy yet scenic area, across from Areatzako Bridge and on Arriaga Plaza, where you'll find the iconic Arriaga Theater. Just a few minutes of walking takes you to the Bilbao Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and Erribera Market in the Old Town. You'll find plenty of the city's famed eateries steps away, and across the bridge is the riverfront promenade. Follow this scenic stretch, pass the Zubizuri Bridge, and reach the Guggenheim in about 25 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

With 36 spacious, bright, and modern rooms spread across six floors, Arenal Bilbao Hotel caters to all travelers. The Basic room is perfect for couples, offering natural light and tranquility, while the Basic Individual room is ideal for solo travelers, with a cozy and stylish space. Classic rooms provide more space for a comfortable stay, and Superior units add amenities like capsule coffee machines. All are bright and warm with wooden floors and furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and clean bathrooms with colorful tiling. 

Amenities

The hotel has no fitness center or spa, but there's a lounge space for guest use. Next-day laundry service is available. The hotel isn't very accessible, partly due to its location in the Old Town: some tight spaces are challenging to navigate in a wheelchair.

Family-Friendliness

While babies and children are welcome, the hotel isn't particularly family-friendly. Rooms only sleep two people, and extra beds are not allowed. Cribs for babies up to two years old are free on request, but they only fit in the larger rooms. Children aged four and up are charged as adults.

Other Highlights

A continental buffet breakfast is served every morning (for an extra cost). An "early bird breakfast" is available on request (reservation required) from 5 to 7 am on weekdays and 5 to 8 am on weekends. There's no bar on-site, but many are within walking distance of the hotel.