Generally we are not hotel people and we far prefer self catering but have to say this hotel really surpassed all expectations. First a bit of background, originally booked and paid for 3 nights in 2019 but had to cancel due to family bereavement. With the sudden onset of Covid and the ensuing madness, we exchanged a few emails with reservations and they were very happy to honour the reservation for a full 2 years, hence the December trip this year as 1st opportunity to travel safely... So to the experience itself.. Completely faultless. The hotel was obviously quiet due to the time of year and the continued covid effect, but that was definitely to our advantage. The staff were consequently not super busy which meant they had that extra bit of time time be all wonderful and attentive and friendly to us and it made such a difference. Really pleasant, especially at breakfast which was faultless on all 3 mornings. We did upgrade to a Guggenheim view room as an additional treat and it was really worth the extra few quid and on top of all that we had the fab wellness spa and gym to ourselves on both occasions we used it. Bizarrely it rained constantly for the entire 3 days in Bilbao, but between the hotel experience and the wider and truly fabulous and exceptionally affordable food and wonderful friendly hospitality of practically every spot we visited,...Generally we are not hotel people and we far prefer self catering but have to say this hotel really surpassed all expectations. First a bit of background, originally booked and paid for 3 nights in 2019 but had to cancel due to family bereavement. With the sudden onset of Covid and the ensuing madness, we exchanged a few emails with reservations and they were very happy to honour the reservation for a full 2 years, hence the December trip this year as 1st opportunity to travel safely...
So to the experience itself.. Completely faultless. The hotel was obviously quiet due to the time of year and the continued covid effect, but that was definitely to our advantage. The staff were consequently not super busy which meant they had that extra bit of time time be all wonderful and attentive and friendly to us and it made such a difference. Really pleasant, especially at breakfast which was faultless on all 3 mornings. We did upgrade to a Guggenheim view room as an additional treat and it was really worth the extra few quid and on top of all that we had the fab wellness spa and gym to ourselves on both occasions we used it. Bizarrely it rained constantly for the entire 3 days in Bilbao, but between the hotel experience and the wider and truly fabulous and exceptionally affordable food and wonderful friendly hospitality of practically every spot we visited, it was one of the best city breaks we've ever had. Can't wait to go back.
Hasta la vista Bilbao and thank you Gran Domine. More