Despite visiting San Sebastián three times, I had never made it to Bilbao—until now. On the tail end of a six-country European EV road trip, I wanted to experience everything this city had to offer. I also wanted a great hotel that was close to it all. That’s where the Hesperia Hotel Bilbao comes in.
When searching for Bilbao hotels near the Guggenheim Museum, I came across the Hesperia Hotel Bilbao. The location, modern design, and EV charging immediately caught my attention, making it the perfect place to stay for my first visit to Bilbao.
This is my Hesperia Hotel Bilbao review along with why it is my pick as the best hotel near the Guggenheim Museum.
BOOK HERE: Search the lowest prices at the Hesperia Hotel BilbaoGetting In and Plugging In – Hesperia Hotel Bilbao Location
Located at Campo de Volantín Pasealekua, 28, 48007 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain, Hesperia Hotel Bilbao is ideally situated along the Bilbao estuary, offering easy access to both the city’s modern attractions and historic sites.
We arrived in Bilbao after an amazing but sweaty visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a breathtaking chapel perched on a rocky island along the Basque coast. The climb to the top involves 241 steps, and while the views of the rugged coastline made it worth the effort, we were definitely ready to freshen up.
EV Charging: Convenient and Hassle-Free
After driving into Bilbao, we quickly located the EV charger at Hesperia Hotel Bilbao, checked in, and took a much-needed shower before heading out to explore the city. Having an on-site charger was a major convenience, allowing us to start the next leg of our journey with a full battery.
On a long European EV road trip, reliable charging is essential, and Hesperia Hotel Bilbao made it incredibly easy with well-functioning chargers in its underground parking. They even blocked off one spot for me which was kind as I have had my share of “ICEing” at other hotels.
Although charging wasn’t included in the room rate, the system was one of the easiest I used in Spain. Leaving Bilbao with a full charge gave me peace of mind for the road ahead, making this hotel an excellent choice for EV travelers.
Hesperia Hotel Bilbao Rooms: A Unique Stay
When I checked into my Hesperia Hotel Bilbao room, I was immediately struck by the modern and artistic decor. The clean lines, warm tones, and stylish furniture created a space that felt both luxurious and inviting—the perfect retreat after a long day exploring Bilbao.
One of my favorite features was the Nespresso machine, allowing me to enjoy a fresh coffee each morning. The hotel also left a thoughtful welcome of tiny pastries, which paired perfectly with my espresso.
Sitting in the enclosed balcony with the windows open, I enjoyed the sights and sounds of the riverfront below—watching people stroll along the estuary and hearing the distant hum of the city waking up was a peaceful way to start the day.
The spacious layout of the room, combined with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, made it feel bright and airy. The modern bathroom, featuring sleek finishes, a rainfall shower, and premium toiletries, added a touch of luxury to my stay.
Exploring Bilbao from Hesperia Hotel Bilbao
Once refreshed, we took a scenic walk along the Bilbao estuary, crossing the Zubizuri Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its sleek white design provided a striking contrast against the cityscape.
From there, we wandered through Casco Viejo (Old Town), exploring charming streets, browsing local shops, and indulging in pintxos at some of Bilbao’s best bars. Big thanks to Mia from my San Sebastian food tour for the recommendations!
After a fantastic meal, we strolled to the Guggenheim Museum to admire its striking exterior at sunset. The golden light reflecting off Frank Gehry’s iconic architecture, combined with Jeff Koons’ Puppy sculpture and Louise Bourgeois’ giant spider, Maman, created an unforgettable scene.
We capped off the evening with an Aperol Spritz at a café overlooking the museum, soaking in the ambiance before heading back to the hotel for a restful night.
Be sure to check out my full Bilbao itinerary for tips and takeaways on what to do in this great city!
Hesperia Hotel Bilbao Nearby Sights and Walking Times:
- Zubizuri Bridge – 5 minutes
- Guggenheim Museum – 12 minutes
- Casco Viejo (Old Town) – 15 minutes
- Plaza Nueva (perfect for pintxos) – 17 minutes
- Azkuna Zentroa (cultural center with a rooftop pool) – 20 minutes
Hesperia Hotel Bilbao Breakfast: A Culinary Highlight
The hotel’s stunning location along the river inspired me to start my morning with a refreshing jog, soaking in the peaceful views as the city slowly came to life. Afterward, I enjoyed a quiet moment on the balcony with a fresh cup of coffee, taking in the crisp morning air before heading down for breakfast.
One thing I always look forward to at hotels is breakfast, and Hesperia Hotel Bilbao did not disappoint. The buffet spread was impressive, but what truly stood out was the build-your-own Gilda station—my favorite pintxo made with anchovies, pickled peppers, and olives.
During my time in San Sebastián, I took a pintxos tour where I was introduced to Gildas, and I quickly became obsessed. The combination of salty anchovies, tangy pickled peppers, and briny olives creates the perfect bite-sized flavor explosion. Seeing a Gilda station at breakfast was an unexpected delight, bringing a taste of my San Sebastián experience to Bilbao. It was a unique and memorable touch that made breakfast here even more special.
Other breakfast highlights:
- Fresh pastries, cheeses, and cured meats
- Hot dishes including eggs, Spanish omelets, and churros
- A great selection of freshly brewed coffee and tea
After breakfast, I took another leisurely walk to the Guggenheim Museum, this time to explore the exhibitions inside. The museum’s impressive collection and Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece made it an unforgettable cultural experience before heading back to check out.
It really was the perfect morning, all made possible by this perfect hotel.
Bilbao Hotels Near Guggenheim Museum: My Top Pick
Reflecting on my stay, I can confidently say that Hesperia Hotel Bilbao is one of the best hotels near the Guggenheim Museum. From its prime location and comfortable rooms to the fantastic breakfast and EV charging, it checked all the boxes for me. When looking for Bilbao hotels near the Guggenheim Museum, Hesperia Hotel Bilbao stood out as the perfect combination of convenience and comfort.
Why I Recommend Booking Hesperia Hotel Bilbao:
- Perfectly located just minutes from the Guggenheim Museum
- Spacious, stylish rooms with unique enclosed balconies
- One of the best breakfasts in Bilbao, featuring a build-your-own Gilda station
- Easily accessible to key attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring
- Reliable EV charging, a must for road trippers like me
For anyone visiting Bilbao—whether it’s your first time or a return visit—this hotel is an excellent choice. I know that if I return, this will be my go-to place to stay.
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