Choosing the right hotel is key. The most luxurious hotels in Bilbao allow you to sleep at night knowing you made the right choice. Bilbao is a captivating luxury travel destination known for its distinctive culture, groundbreaking architecture, and vibrant dining scene. It is the fifth largest city in Spain and one of the most unique experiences in the country. The city of Bilbao has one of the most diverserve culinary scenes in Spain, revolving around Michelin star restaurants and hole in the wall pintxo bars.
Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum helped catapult Bilbao into a global leading in art and culture. This Spanish getaway offers cooler temperatures than the sweltering heat of southern Spain. With plenty of trendy bars and restaurants, a great nightlife, and plenty of outdoor activities for adults and kids.
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What Are The Most Luxurious Hotels In Bilbao, Spain?
Bilbao has some upscale and exclusive hotels in the heart of the city. These 5-star hotels are perfect to relax and enjoy while you unwind from a day in Basque Country’s largest city. Here is our list of the best luxury hotels in Bilbao.
Looking for what to see and do in Bilbao? Read the Ultimate Travel Guide To Bilbao
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
The Gran Domine Bilbao is located in the most desirable spot in the city and offers one of the most exclusive stays in Bilbao. Located directly across from the Guggenheim Museum, you can wake up each morning with a beautiful floral puppy outside your window.
With its 145 sound-proofed rooms, wellness center, and Turkish bath you can be pampered and detox all at once. The Gran Domine has several dining experiences where you can’t go wrong. However, the rooftop terrace is the best place to live in the lap of luxury. Enjoy dinner and a cocktail overlooking the Guggenheim Museum and the Nervion River. Additionally, there is live music every Friday.
The Fine Arts Museum and the Maritime Museum are all less than 500 meters away. Doña Casilda Park and Moyua Plaza are also less than a five minute walk from the hotel. Alternatively, you can walk along the Nervion River towards Casco Viejo and explore the rich history of where Bilbao began.
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Radisson Collection Bilbao
The Radisson is located on Gran Via, one of Bilbao’s meat shopping districts. It is located in close proximity to Casco Viejo, the Alhóndiga, Moyua Plaza, and many museums. This five-star hotel is a perfect getaway while on your getaway.
Inside you will find the Radisson has an art-deco design that is then brought to life with Japanese influences.Enjoy every type of accommodation, from individual rooms to their Presidential suite with a hot tub and terrace. The spa will awaken your senses while the gym and pool will ensure you look at your best while exploring Bilbao’s culinary scene.
The gem of dining at the Radisson Bilbao is the NKO Eneko restaurant. The menu is curated by five Michelin star chef Eneko Atxa and features dishes the fuse Basque and Japanese cuisine.
The rooftop patio offers views that overlook the city and the Basque landscape. This patio is known for its cocktails which you can enjoy alongside the vertical garden or tranquil firepits.
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Hotel Melia Bilbao
The Hotel Melia Bilbao has one of the best locations of any hotel in the city. Located alongside the picturesque Dona Casilda Park and offers exclusive stays in premium accommodation. The Guggenheim museum and the Fine Arts Museum are both a short walk away.
Melia is the most luxurious hotel in Bilbao that allows pets. Right next to the hotel is one of Bilbao’s off-leash dog parks. The pool and spa provides views of the Nervion River and mountain views. Alongside the river is the river walk that will take you from the hotel to the Guggenheim and Casco Viejo. Additionally, there is a sauna for you to enjoy.
Built in 2004, this avant-garde hotel is a tribute to Eduardo Chillida, the Basque sculptor. Inside you will find multiple high end restaurants using natural ingredients that highlight Basque cuisine. If you want to get and go there is a buffet breakfast served seven days a week.
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Palacio Arriluce Hotel
Palacio Arriluce is the most elegant and divine hotel in Bilbao. There is a catch though. It is located in the suburb of Getxo. Not to worry, Getxo is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Bilbao. With ocean views, the Bizkaia Bridge and Portu Zaharra in Algorta you will want to explore Getxo anyway.
If you truly are looking for luxury accommodation in Bilbao then this is your spot. Staying at the Palacio ;Arriluce is like staying at a countryside castle. Built in the early 1900s this oceanside masterpiece will take your breath away. Its fusion of modern amenities and ornate design will be found nowhere else in the city. The wellness spa will pamper you while the croquet club shows you are living the good life.
The restaurant pays tribute to famous French painter and designer Sonia Delaunay. The menu is designed by the famous Basque chef Beñat Ormaetxea. The KUPKA cocktail bar is located in the palace’s old chapel. It is a unique place to have a drink and admire the stained glass windows.
Outside, the La Ria pool bar is a great spot to overlook the port and have a cocktail as you watch the sun go on the Cantabrian Sea. Palacio Arriluce is sure to provide you with an opulent hotel experience.
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Hotel Carlton
The Hotel Carlton is located in Plaza Moyua, the city’s main square. This 5-star luxury hotel is elegant and offers all the amenities you could desire. It is in proximity to the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, Gran Via, and Dona Casilda Park.
This hotel is also where teams like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona stay when they are in Bilbao to play a match against Athletic Bilbao, the local soccer (football) team. One thing to keep in mind about the Hotel Carlton is that it does not allow pets.
Constructed between 1919 and 1926 its architecture is in the French Napoleon III style. The front entrance is a large oval with a vaulted glass ceiling, which is held up by large white pillars. The marble floors and Persian rugs are immaculately kept, and you can’t help but feel like you are in the lap of luxury.
The Hotel Carlton offers some very exclusive and unique dining experiences. The main restaurant is the Artagan Restaurant, which is only open for lunch on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
The Carlton Terrace offers one of a kind views of Moyua Plaza and serves lunch and dinner. It is only open from the end of June to September.
The Private bar El Bunker is an English style pub that is in the basement of the Carlton. Used as a bunker during the Spanish Civil War, it is now one of the most interesting places to have a pintxo or a drink. The capacity of this establishment is 35.
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The Most Luxurious Hotels In Bilbao – The Verdict
Bilbao stands as an alluring gem in Spain, captivating luxury travelers with its unique cultural essence, groundbreaking architecture, and vibrant dining scene.
As you embark on your journey, the most luxurious hotels in Bilbao await to pamper you with their opulent amenities, impeccable service, and personalized experiences.