Hotel Melia Bilbao

This is a wonderful hotel with a very nice staff. The room was spacious with a terrace to a beautiful park. The bathroom amenities smell incredible. However, surprisingly, the tv signal would go off and the last day we lacked towels. Concerning was the fact that we were charged 7 mini bar items. Of course when we mentioned this the charges were dropped and we received an apologie but this shoudn't happen. Still, we would go back there and we strongly recommend you stay here.

We chose this hotel as it was located within walking distance of the Guggenheim (7 minutes by the way). While it was a very slight challenge to get our cars parked, from then, all went as smooth as one would imagine for a 5-star hotel, and probably even more.
The rooms were awesome - large, well adjusted, clean, quiet - we felt like kings and queens.
The staff was exceptionnal, really going out of their way to make sure we were satisfied with our stay.
The breakfast was delicious and the sheer amount of different items was sheer blinding.

All in all, an excellent experience and we will definitely come back and consider Melia for our future city-trips. Thanks!

Great location and nice staff who always try their best to help. tho it definitely isn’t a 5 star hotel. The restaurant has mediocre food. A small swimming pool (which is heated). There wasn’t a single handle to hang your swimsuit from. The rooms could be better cleaned, the duvet had holes on it. The breakfast is not working efficiently (long lines for coffee, unclear where to ask for an omelette).

Breakfast issues

I was one of the first guests after an extensive renovation. Not everything was completed yet, but the lobby looked great and my junior suite overlooking the park was wonderful.

The only negative I found was the breakfast. It is simply not the standard that I expect from a luxury five-star hotel. There is a wide spread of food to choose from, but:

1) The location is a function room in the basement. The floor is full of dirty, ugly stains. Carpets should not be used in such busy food places.

2) The food was displayed on a variety of racks, as if they had just taken whatever they could find. See my first photo for the view from my table, very chaotic. It also shows the stains on the floor.

3) The selection of hot food is very small. There is no option to order a freshly made omelet, fried egg or anything. Every four-star Parador beats them here.

4) None of the food on display is cooled. All the hard cheeses had gone sweating every day, and looked very unattractive. See second photo.

5) Finally, I like to finish my breakfast with a freshly made cappuccino. Not possible here, just a few selections from a rather simple machine.

My first impression was that this was a temporary setup due to the renovation, but staff confirmed this was their standard. Well, in my opinion that standard is too low for a luxury five-star hotel.

+ Near the Guggenheim Museum and other locations I had the best breakfast ever! Large room, huge bathroom, great blinds, but a bit outdated. Absolutely perfectly clean Professional
- Some small details only, like the carpet, that is too old.

Everything was fine. The elevator allows for a spectacular view of the interior and a fun experience as well. The mini fridge was packed with goodies. Well equipped working table. The lounge is excellent, a bit expensive though. Everything was clean and the treat was polite. As the climate is a bit unforgiving, they also have umbrellas if you require them in a pinch. Would book again for sure.

5 star hotel close to San Mames Stadium and Metro station. Also has the tram running by it for ease of getting into other areas of Bilbao for restaurants. Lovely setting with nearby park and a view over the river. Comfortable beds and thoughtfully laid out rooms. We were not disturbed by other hotel guests as the building is very solid but be aware that any Spanish city hotel will have city night noise from outside as the Spanish tend to keep late hours!