We chose the Barceló Bilbao Nervión for our four-night stay in Bilbao, and overall, it proved to be a comfortable, well-located base for exploring the Basque city.
Before arriving, we completed the hotel’s online check-in, which made the arrival process incredibly quick and efficient. Within minutes we were settled into Room 535 on the fifth floor, easily reached by one of the hotel’s three fast and reliable lifts.
Unfortunately, after unpacking we discovered that whilst the Wi-Fi worked perfectly in the corridor and public areas, it refused to connect inside our room. Reception were genuinely puzzled, explaining that there were routers positioned throughout the exceptionally long corridors and that there should have been no issue. Assuming our room’s central location might be the cause, they kindly moved us to Room 625. Although this room was much further from the lifts, it offered a slightly better layout. Sadly, the Wi-Fi problem persisted, and despite their best efforts, the hotel couldn’t identify the cause.
To compensate, they offered us either complimentary breakfast each morning (normally €17 per person) or the option of pursuing a complaint with the hotel’s head office after our stay, and we accepted the breakfasts. We also mentioned that the empty minibar fridge wasn’t particularly cold. We were told it was designed only to keep contents cool rather than chill them, but the hotel again responded positively by delivering a bucket of ice every evening at 5.30pm, together with two large complimentary bottles of water. This was much appreciated, especially as only two small bottles were provided on arrival.
Despite these issues, there was plenty to like about the hotel.
Our room was spacious, with two comfortable single beds pushed together, plenty of pillows and individual duvets. The duvets were rather thick however, and with no top sheet provided, we found ourselves relying on the air conditioning overnight to stay comfortable. Room 625 was slightly better configured, with a long desk and two comfortable swivel chairs, making it a more pleasant space to relax. The wardrobe offered ample hanging space and shelving and included an iron, ironing board and safe.
The bathroom washbasin was open plan and screened from the bedroom, but with a separate enclosed shower and toilet. While this layout may not appeal to everyone, it suited us perfectly. The shower was excellent, with powerful hot water, and there was plenty of towel hooks and shelf space for our toiletries. The hairdryer and mirror were also particularly good.
The complimentary breakfasts were excellent. The restaurant was large and well laid out, and even at busier times it never felt crowded. The selection was extensive, with hot dishes including tortilla, quiche, several varieties of sausage, bacon, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, scrambled and fried eggs. There was also a generous selection of cold meats, cheeses and smoked salmon, alongside an impressive range of breads, pastries and cakes. Tea and coffee were available from several machines, so there was never much of a wait. The only thing we felt was missing was a wider choice of fresh salads.
Although we didn’t dine in the restaurant during the evenings, we thoroughly enjoyed the hotel’s bar. It was a spacious, welcoming area with a variety of seating, including comfortable sofas, dining tables and high tables suitable for working on a laptop. Service was consistently friendly and efficient, and prices were very reasonable, especially compared with London. A bottle of white wine cost around €23, while the bar menu offered some tasty options. The patatas bravas were perhaps closer to chunky chips topped with spicy sauce and mayonnaise than the traditional Spanish version, but they were delicious nonetheless, as was the club sandwich.
The hotel’s greatest strength was its location. Situated on the banks of the River Nervión, it was perfectly positioned midway between Bilbao’s Old Town, packed with bars and restaurants, and the iconic Guggenheim Museum across the river. The funicular railway was virtually behind the hotel, providing easy access to spectacular city views. The surrounding back streets were full of small cafés and bars frequented mainly by locals, offering excellent value for money, and there was also a nearby Carrefour Express supermarket where, rather astonishingly, bottles of wine started at just €2.09.
Although our stay wasn’t entirely without problems, what impressed us most was the way the staff responded. They genuinely tried to resolve every issue and were generous in offering compensation when they couldn’t. Combined with the hotel’s excellent location, comfortable accommodation and very good facilities, we left with positive memories and would certainly consider returning when visiting Bilbao again.
