Avenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, Bilbao, Spain | (888) 616-5829
Quiet, residential area with distant mountain views
Modern, spacious rooms with air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs
Family rooms have separate sleeping areas
Suites include Bulgari products and jetted bathtubs
Small fitness room with cardio equipment
Restaurant serving all meals, plus a breakfast room with mountain views
Auditorium with a stage and seating for 287
Eight meeting rooms of varying sizes
On-site parking
Free Wi-Fi throughout
On the outskirts of the city, with little to do nearby
Located in the suburbs of Bilbao, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Gran Bilbao is a large, modern hotel with views over a nearby park. Although outside the city center, it's a 15-minute walk to the charming Old Town -- and with both bus and tram stops within a 10-minute walk, shopping, dining, and attractions are easy enough to reach. The hotel's best feature is its large rooms, which feature air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and spacious bathrooms. There are plenty of meeting spaces, and details like floor-to-ceiling windows in the breakfast room make the most of the mountain views. For travelers looking to be closer to the commercial shopping areas of the city, a look at the Hotel Ercilla would be worthwhile.
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Scene
Large, modern hotel with business sensibilities and a bit of bright style
While it's nothing but an unassuming tower block from the outside, inside, the Hotel Gran Bilbao is modern and spacious, with a subtle minimalist style. The wall of windows in the lobby, along with marble pillars and polished black flooring, gives it the feel of an upmarket airport lounge, looking out across to a bridge and mountains in the distance. Sofas and chairs with the occasional pop of color pair nicely with funky pendant lighting to create a space that's actually pleasant for hanging out. That's convenient, as there's a bar area at the far end that will come in handy since there's little nightlife in the immediate area. The ground floor also houses the hotel's restaurant, a large space that uses a wall of windows to make the most of its views. With so many meeting rooms, the hotel is geared toward business guests, though it also appeals to a range of travelers, from young couples to families and mature groups who prefer being outside the lively heart of the city.
Location
In Bilbao's suburbs, a 15-minute walk to shopping and dining in the Old Town
The Hotel Gran Bilbao is located in a residential area on Prieto Indalecio Hiribidea, a bit outside the city's Old Town. It's conveniently placed for those traveling by car, as it's just a few minutes from the highway. Shopping and dining in the old town is a 15-minute walk down the hill, although there's a bus stop outside the hotel and many hop on the bus for the return journey back to the hotel. Alternatively, the number 77 bus heads into the commercial shopping district, Gran Via, with the trip taking about 20 minutes. Getting to the city's best-known attraction, The Guggenheim, or to the St Mames soccer stadium, is easiest by tram, and the Atxuri stop is a 10-minute walk down the hill from the hotel. The ferry port is a 20-minute drive away, while the journey to the airport by car takes about 15 minutes. You could also use the metro and airport bus to reach the hotel, and the trip takes about 40 minutes door-to-door. With heavy luggage, though, the transfers and walking involved won't be ideal.
Rooms
Large rooms and stylish suites with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and air-conditioning, some with countryside views
The spaciousness of the Hotel Gran Bilbao continues to its 202 rooms, which are decorated in a simple, modern style. Suites have an open layout plus dual-aspect windows and a high-end monochrome decor. They're also full of stylish touches, from twinkling ceiling lights and designer wallpaper to dressing rooms and leather sofas. All rooms include minibars, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, safes, and flat-screen TVs as well as free Wi-Fi and wired internet. Superior Rooms and Suites add bathrobes, slippers, and high-end coffee machines. The marble bathrooms are larger than average throughout, and include both toilets and bidets plus shower/tub combos and hairdryers. Superior Rooms have dual-sink vanities and a separate shower with three-point showerheads. Suites feature jetted bathtubs and Bulgari products. Worth noting are the accessible rooms with floor-level showers, and the variety of larger three- and four-bed configurations, which are ideal for families.
Features
A range of meeting spaces, breakfast room with pretty mountain views, and a small gym
The Hotel Gran Bilbao is set-up to welcome business travelers and has 10 event rooms, including a large auditorium with a stage and projector, as well as simultaneous translation facilities for video-conferencing. The on-site underground car park is free for those attending events at the hotel, although there is a daily charge for other guests. There is a small fitness room with a selection of cardio equipment and free towels, plus a lobby bar with TV and plenty of table seating. The breakfast room is light and airy, with great mountain views, and offers a range of continental and hot dishes at an extra cost -- which is less if you book breakfast in advance. The restaurant serves local Basque cuisine with a modern twist for both lunch and dinner, with set and a la carte menus available, as well as room service. Luggage storage and laundry service are useful, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is a plus.
