Avenida Zumalacarregui, 40, Bilbao, Spain | (888) 616-5829
Modern hotel with contemporary-design interiors throughout
Close to metro station and walking distance to Old Town
Seasonal outside swimming pool with loungers and terrace
Access to adjoining heated pool and spa facilities (fee)
Breakfast corner, a la carte restaurants, and bar
Free and fast Wi-Fi available throughout
Breakfast not included as standard
Standard rooms lack minibars
Some rooms prone to traffic noise
On-site parking is expensive
The Occidental Bilbao is an upscale, business-oriented chain hotel located in the more residential eastern district of Bilbao. While certainly not ideal for exploring the city center, the charming Old Town is in walking distance and there's easy access by road. Its 200 rooms are smart and modern, if a little soulless, with large TVs and decent free Wi-Fi -- lower-level rooms can pick up some traffic noise. An outdoor swimming pool is a real bonus over the summer months, though all other leisure facilities are for fee in the adjoining health club. A little farther out is the Sercotel Hotel Gran where for around the same price some rooms feature mountain views, though there's no pool.
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Scene
Business-oriented chain hotel with contemporary-design styling throughout
Previously the Hotel Holiday Inn Bilbao (for just a few years), this hotel transitioned back to the Barceló chain at the start of 2017 when it became the Occidental Bilbao -- with minimal fuss or alterations. Still largely business-oriented, the property is sleek and modern. The heart of the hotel is its open-plan lobby lounge -- a large, low-ceilinged space with plenty of natural light provided by wall-to-wall windows that stretch along either side of the building. Wingback armchairs, velvet couches, and a 21st-century central fireplace also create an inviting, almost homey vibe, popular for casual business meetings. Together with plenty of corporate custom, this hotel does attract the occasional younger weekending couple looking for a more urban and contemporary stay.
Location
Set in mostly residential neighborhood within walking distance of Old Town
The hotel is located in the largely residential neighborhood of Begoña in the eastern side of the of Bilbao. Just off one of the main arterial roads that skirts the edge of the city, its location makes for particularly easy access by car. There's not a great deal in the immediate surrounds in way of dining or shopping, though the nearest metro stop, Santutxu, is a four-minute walk and connects to the bustling and buzzy center in another five. From there the Guggenheim and Museum of Fine Art are within walking distance. Five minutes' stroll away from the hotel is the Begoña Basilica, while Bilboa's charming Old Town (or Casco Viejo) is 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Bilbao Airport is around 15 minutes away by car, while public transport takes about half and hour.
Rooms
Smart contemporary rooms with modern bathrooms and free Wi-Fi
The hotel has 200 rooms, all of which are decorated in smart contemporary styling with simple minimalist furnishings, blond-wood paneling, and wood-veneer floors. The effect is sleek and modern, if a little lacking in warmth. Executive-level rooms are far more spacious (323 square feet/30 square meters) with small separate reception rooms. Road-facing lower-level rooms can be prone to some traffic noise. Amenities include large 48-inch flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities (with two free bottles of water), and electronic safes; minibars are only available in upgraded rooms. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge and offers a good connection. Bathrooms are clean and modern with either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, plus quality hairdryers and hotel-brand toiletries; Executive bathrooms add towel robes and upgraded toiletries.
Features
Seasonal outdoor swimming pool with loungers and poolside terrace
As expected for a business-oriented hotel, the Occidental has several features to add to its convenience and some give guests a chance to decompress -- though not all are included in rates. Part of the open-plan lounge area is the breakfast corner serving a daily buffet of hot and cold items including bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit and juices, plus an station for cooking eggs. Breakfast is not included in the standard rate. The hotel's a la carte restaurant also offers a menu of Basque cooking, and a lobby bar offers drinks and snacks throughout the day until late. A large unheated swimming pool opens over the warmer summer months with loungers, parasols, and an artificial grass terrace. The hotel is also attached to a modern spa, the Club Metropolitan, with heated indoor pools and a range of fitness rooms (a fee for entry applies). On-site parking is available, though for a fairly pricey daily charge. Free and fast Wi-Fi is available throughout.
