Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

Situated across the street from Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao takes a cue from its famed and luminary neighbor with striking, design-oriented modern interiors, architectural details, and eye-catching art adorning the walls. Created by Spanish designer Javier Mariscal, the property is filled with the artist's works, including large, bright paintings on each of the color-coded floors. The "Cypress Fossil," a cylindrical sculpture made of wire-wrapped stones that stands over 85 feet high, is the focal point of the lobby, rising to the glass ceiling and framed by undulating hallways in this atrium-like space. Modern furnishings throughout feature playful shapes and often add a pop of color to mostly neutral hues. Cow-inspired black-and-white armchairs at the on-site bar are surrounded by thick white columns, while cherry red seating and large comic-like paintings on the walls add vibrancy and color. The curved, steely bar facade resembles the Frank Gehry architecture just across the street. Art lovers and design aficionados naturally gravitate toward this property, though the hotel also attracts plenty of business travelers. Guests should note, however, that though billed as a five-star property, the hotel lacks some of the amenities and little touches to garner the title -- though it offers a solid upscale experience in an inspired, artsy setting.

The hotel occupies a prime location just across the street from Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. It's also a two-minute walk to the República de Abando Park, while Bilbao's other top art destination, the Fine Arts Museum, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. There are many restaurants bars, and shops in the area. The city's main avenue, the Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, is an eight-minute walk away and offers major shopping. The funicular that goes up to Mount Artxanda is a 12-minute walk by way of the striking Zubizuri Bridge. Other attractions, like the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or in under 20 minutes by public transportation. Bilbao's main train station is 17 minutes away on foot or a 12-minute drive, while the bus station is about an eight-minute drive from the hotel. Bilbao Airport can be reached in about 15 minutes by car.

Compared to the architectural theatricality and the design-forward nature of the hotel's public spaces, guest rooms are restrained and don't evoke the same kind of vibe. They're pleasant enough though, with clean-lined blonde wood furniture and a neutral color palette of cream, gray, and brown shades enlivened by piece of colorful art on the walls. Carpeting covers the floors, and all rooms have angular armchairs for seating -- some in lively shades. Large windows fill the spaces with natural light and some rooms offer great views over the Guggenheim Museum -- some of the suites even have private terraces with spectacular views over the neighboring architecture. Guests should note that a number of rooms overlook the interior atrium and don't get natural light.Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no tea/coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with elegant double sinks and Philippe Starck bathtubs (in all but entry-level rooms) separated from the bedrooms by a glass wall (equipped with privacy shades). Most bathrooms also have wet-room style showers alongside the tubs. Other standard bathroom features include heated towel racks, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, toiletries, and fluffy robes and slippers.

The ground-floor Cafe Metropol offers Spanish, French, and English fare for lunch and dinner. A breakfast buffet is available for an extra fee (though guests complain that it's expensive) and includes pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts, cheeses, and coffee and teas. There's also a stylish bar as well as a cafe on-site, plus a lovely terrace offers gorgeous views over the Guggenheim and surroundings and is a nice spot for an alfresco bite or drink. Room service is also available.The hotel has a small but pleasantly sunlit fitness room equipped with a handful of modern machines. Guests can make use of a steam room and sauna, but there are no spa facilities on-site.There are several meeting and event spaces available to rent for a variety of functions. Other amenities include a cozy reading corner that offers a quiet spot where guests can peruse a collection of design and architecture books. Extra services (for a fee) including babysitting, an area shuttle, dry cleaning and laundry, and on-site parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout.