Hotel Miro

Drawing from its location between The Guggenheim and The Museo de Bellas Artes, The Hotel Miro has a fresh, artistic feel. The decor is largely white, which highlights the striking artwork throughout both the communal areas and guest rooms, and the large windows let in plenty of natural light. Wood and marble floors soften the look, while the addition of brown leather armchairs and standard lamps in the lobby lounge areas creates homey spaces for kicking back after a day of sightseeing. As with all city-center hotels, there is a constant stream of guests checking in, but despite its open plan layout, practical glass doors and curtains allow some coziness, and the library reading room on the mezzanine level is a nice little hideaway with some fascinating books on Bilbao and its surroundings. The hotel is favored by couples and business people, on the whole.

The Hotel Miro is in central Bilbao on Mazarredo Zumarkalea, a two-minute walk from each of the city's best museums, and five minutes on foot from the Zubiarte shopping center, one of the city's top retail destinations, with over 60 stores. There's a convenient car park opposite the hotel and the Guggenheim Tram stop is a five-minute walk away. There are several restaurants and bars in the immediate area, including the well-received Bistro Guggenheim at the museum itself. The tram journey to the charming Old Town -- popular for its boutique shops, bars, and restaurants -- takes about 10 minutes. It's a longer 10- to 15-minute walk to the Moyua Metro stop, in the Gran Via area. The bus stop for the airport is five minutes away on foot and gets there in less than 15 minutes. 

The air-conditioned rooms are uniform in style, continuing the modern look with crisp white bedding and furnishings. Red velvet cushions add a splash of color, and tech amenities include iPod docking stations, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. All rooms also include safes, minibars, free bottled water, and CD/DVD players, with a selection of free discs at the front desk. Some of the most basic Urban Smart Rooms only have 15 square meters of space (161 square feet), and have frosted windows that impeded views. However, more expensive rooms have bigger floor plans, and the best have views of Gehry's iconic Guggenheim.  

Double rooms can also be set up as twins, and extra beds are available in some larger rooms. Nice touches include flip-flops and universal plug adapters. Suites offer free hot drink service in-room and evening turn-downs. Bathrooms are sharp across the board, with dark marble counter tops and walls, plus hairdryers and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Most have stall or walk-in showers, though higher categories have separate soaking tubs. The Master Suites feature open layouts, including the bathroom, creating the feel of a stylish studio apartment. They include extras like Nespresso coffee machines and free shoe shines, as well as huge 48-inch flat-screen TVs.

The Hotel Miro has a spa with a hydromassage bath, steam room, and a range of treatments, plus a fitness room with cardio machines and weights that are fine for a basic workout. Bikes are also available for rent. Unfortunately, there is no restaurant on-site, and the breakfast includes only a selection of breads and jams and yogurt or fruit, that's pricey and disappoints many previous guests. A range of hot and cold dishes, including eggs, are available for even more money. Downstairs, the lobby lounge area has plenty of homey leather armchairs, work tables, and a public PC with a printer. There are two meeting rooms suitable for up to 35, and the hotel can be booked out for events. Hotel Miro's forte is perhaps not in its facilities, but in the details. Things like umbrellas by the door, a cozy library stacked with books on Bilbao, free towels and water in the gym, and complimentary Nespresso machine and fruit juices in the lounge give the hotel a personalized edge.