With its mix of historic and eclectic contemporary architecture, Bilbao is an ideal place to upgrade your stay. The best luxury hotels in Bilbao channel the city's past and present with cushy linens and room furnishings, cozy and hip dining spaces, and rooftop terraces overlooking iconic sites like the Guggenheim Museum and La Salve Bridge. And no luxury stay is complete without amenities like wellness centers, spas, cocktail bars, memorable eateries, and the like.

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao

Visited by kimkim staff

Fall into Bilbao's 1970s heyday with unique yet comfy decor (photo courtesy of Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao)

Ercilla Hotel in Bilbao is a historic property that opened in the 1970s, offering a unique fusion of Basque culture and Anglo influences. The hotel provides an excellent base for exploring the city's thriving social, financial, political, and cultural scenes. The vintage rooms at Ercilla Hotel are designed with plush pink velvet, tartan, and houndstooth furnishings, providing an immersive experience of the city's glamorous 70s heyday. You can enjoy sophisticated dining and drinking options, including El Bar Americano, the rooftop terrace bar, La Terraza, and a sushi restaurant owned by the hotel next door.

The hotel's wellness center provides yoga and training classes for those looking to stay active during their stay. However, be mindful that some amenities, such as the rooftop bar and spa, may come with additional costs beyond the room rate. With its proud local family business character and adventurous international spirit, Ercilla Hotel captures the unmistakable glamour of Bilbao. Its prime location, unique rooms, and diverse dining options make it perfect for those seeking a memorable and authentic Bilbao experience.

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Gran Hotel Domine

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Enjoy views of two iconic city sites from your room and common areas (photo courtesy of Gran Hotel Domine)

Gran Hotel Domine, an elegant city hotel in Bilbao, offers luxurious accommodations directly opposite the Guggenheim Museum. Its prime location also puts you close to the Museum of Fine Arts, Maritime Museum, and Ensanche shopping street. The hotel has 145 air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms and suites, some with views of the Guggenheim, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs, bathrobes, and slippers. Indulge in the locally-sourced breakfast buffet on the rooftop terrace, or sample seasonal Basque cuisine at one of the three on-site eateries. For relaxation, visit the Wellness by Domine Spa with a sauna and Turkish bath.

Gran Hotel Domine's elegant design complements its surrounding art scene, making it a perfect base for art and culture enthusiasts. The hotel offers an array of exceptional amenities, including a fitness area with a direct view of the Guggenheim Museum. Start your day with panoramic views of the museum and the Nervión River from the rooftop terrace, and in the evenings, unwind with a cocktail at the Sixty-One Lobby Bar or savor exquisite dishes at the Beltz Restaurant

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Hotel Carlton

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Enjoy cozy meals in an English-style dining room in a historic bunker (photo courtesy of Hotel Carlton)

Hotel Carlton, a luxurious and historic hotel in the center of Bilbao, offers elegance, history, and comfort. Part of the Aranzazu Hotels Group, the hotel has 142 spacious rooms of different categories, including the largest suite in northern Spain. With its central location on Federico Moyúa Square, you'll have easy access to the city's main attractions, shops, restaurants, and museums. The on-site Artagan Restaurant, rooftop terrace (open from June to September), and cocktail bar provide delightful dining experiences.

Designed by Basque-English architect Manuel Maria Smith Ibarra in 1926, Hotel Carlton exudes classic elegance and has been declared an Architectural, Historical, and Cultural Monument by the Basque Government. The hotel's rooms feature classic and contemporary design elements, ensuring a comfortable and stylish stay. Additional highlights include El Bunker, a private bar and former concrete shelter during the Civil War, which now offers an elegant English-style atmosphere for cocktails, coffee breaks, and product presentations.

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Vía Bilbao

Visited by kimkim staff

Photo courtesy of Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Via Bilbao
Photo courtesy of Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Via Bilbao

Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Vía Bilbao, is a chic urban property offering luxurious rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a rejuvenating spa. Located in the vibrant Gran Vía district, you'll enjoy being within walking distance of iconic attractions like the Guggenheim Museum, Azkuna Zentroa, and the Old Town. Indulge in the unique fusion of Basque and Japanese cuisine at the hotel's NKO Restaurant & Bar, created by Michelin Star Chef Eneko Atxa, and unwind at the nature-inspired spa with exclusive treatments.

The hotel's 137 stylish rooms and suites are decorated with soft color palettes and offer high-end amenities, luxurious marble bathrooms, and a range of options, such as family units and a Presidential Suite with a private terrace hot tub. The NKO Rooftop Bar provides a stunning setting with vertical gardens, fire pits, and city views, perfect for sipping creative cocktails or local wine. While the lively neighborhood might result in some street noise for certain rooms, the hotel's exceptional amenities, food, and location make up for it.

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Hotel Melia Bilbao
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Enjoy excellent views from your private balcony (photo courtesy of Hotel Melia Bilbao)

Meliá Bilbao is a luxury hotel with avant-garde architecture inspired by Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Conveniently located near the Guggenheim Museum and the Nervión River, this hotel provides you with an authentic taste of the region through its remarkable dining options, including the Aizian Restaurant serving classic Basque cuisine and the Quatre Restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired pintxos and tapas. The sixth-floor wellness area features two saunas and a partially covered heated pool with mountain views, providing the perfect space to unwind.

The hotel's excellent location allows easy access to many of Bilbao's main attractions, including Euskalduna Palace, Casilda Iturrizar Park, and the Zubizuri Bridge. Meliá Bilbao offers a range of modern and timeless rooms with various city and park views, comfortable designer bedrooms, and marble bathrooms with bathtubs and showers. Some accommodations even include a rooftop area or whirlpool bathtubs. 

Read kimkim's full review of Meliá Bilbao

Map

Map of The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Bilbao
Map of The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Bilbao