In the last 15 years, Bilbao has become one of Spain’s top tourist destinations. Famous for the Guggenheim Museum and the Euskalduna Palace, Bilba is also a busy city, known for its Basque cuisine, modern festivals and eclectic nightlife. For travelers to Bilbao, who want to see the city but can’t afford an expensive hotel, no worries. Bilbao is also home to wonderful budget hotels that offer traditional Spanish hospitality and accommodation for a cheap price.
Iturrienea Ostatua – An absolutely wonderful traditional Spanish budget hotel, the Iturrienea Ostatua is located near the Casco Viejo metro station, making trips around Bilbao easy from here. It’s also slap bang in the middle of the old town area of Bilbao, and surrounded by restaurants, cafes and small shops.
At the Iturrienea Ostatua, you’ll be charmed by its wonderfully Spanish design – lots of hardwood, oak beams, stone walls and even a lovely courtyard- and thrilled with guest rooms featuring paintings by local artists and designed around lovely antiques. But, don’t expect, because of its old world charm it also comes with old world comfort – far from it. Everything at the Iturrienea Ostatua is modern and convenient.
Each of the hotel’s 21 guest rooms features an en suite bath, with shower, which are very large and extremely clean. Rooms have a television with satellite programming, a telephone and fast, free Wi-Fi internet.
Room rates don’t include breakfast, but it’s only 3 euros, and is served from 8am every morning until 12:30 pm, so if you had a late night the night before, there’s no need to worry about missing it. As of June 2012, room rates begin at $49 a night. Cheap for this lovely standard of accommodation.
You’ll find the Iturrienea Ostatua at Santa Maria, 14, 48005 Bilbao.
Hotel Ripa – The first thing you notice upon arrival at the Hotel Ripa in Bilbao is how colorful it is. The second, how cheap this delightful budget hotel can be and why it’s known as one of the best budget hotels in Bilbao.
Situated near a Metro station, it’s also close to Bilbao’s old city area so easy to walk from the Hotel Ripa to much of what Bilbao has to offer.
Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable and feature an en suite bath with shower, TV with satellite channels, telephone and a private balcony. Rooms also have free Wi-Fi internet, as does the rest of the
hotel.
If you’re traveling with children, baby cots are available and kids under the age of 10 can stay in a room with you in an extra bed the hotel will provide. Pets are also allowed free of charge. Just let them know in advance.
Single room rates begin at $50 a night.
The Hotel Ripa is located at Ripa, 3, 48001 Bilbao.
Hostal Don Claudio – Another wonderful budget hotel, the Hostal Don Claudio isn’t really a true hostel as you won’t find any bunk beds here or shared rooms, only private guest rooms offering comfortable, clean accommodation at a wonderfully cheap budget price.
At the Hostal Don Claudio, each guest room features either a shared bath (for rooms under $50 a night) or an en suite bath (for rooms from $51-$64 a night). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and guest rooms have TV with cable channels, a work desk and a small sitting area.
The hotel offers free coffee, tea and pastries throughout the day, you can rent bikes nearby and cycle around the area or, if you want to go into Bilbao (which is about 5 minutes away by bus or train), the train station is a minute from the hotel and there’s a bus stop nearby.
Staff is friendly, and the hotel is located in a more residential area ie: typically Spanish and not full of tourists, so if you love an authentic experience, you’ll adore the Hostal Don Claudio.
Room rates, as of June 2011, start at $44 for a single room with shared bath and toilet. $51 for room with a private bath.
The Hostal Don Claudio is at Hermogenes Rojo Nº 10, 48013 Bilbao.
Photo – Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao – copyright MykReeve, Creative Commons