The Barceló Bilbao Nervión is a big, practical city hotel on the Paseo Campo Volantín, the riverside promenade on the right bank of the Nervión. With 350 rooms it is one of the larger hotels in the guide, and that scale gives it flexibility for groups, families and business travellers. The setting is its main strength: city hall is about two minutes away on foot, the Plaza Nueva and the old town about ten minutes, and the Abando train station about eight, so you can arrive by rail, drop your bags and be in the heart of the city within minutes. The rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with desks and laptop-friendly workspaces, with free Wi-Fi, and the hotel has a gym, a bar, a coffee shop and a restaurant called Ibaizabal that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also offers meeting rooms, a banquet hall and a ballroom, which explains why it so often hosts events and conferences. Breakfast is a buffet at an extra charge, and pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals. For travellers who prefer a straightforward, well-located hotel to a boutique, it is a reliable choice.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at Paseo Campo Volantín 11. Bilbao City Hall is about two minutes on foot, the Pío Baroja tram stop about six, the Abando train station about eight, the Plaza Nueva about ten, the Guggenheim about thirteen and the Plaza Moyúa about fourteen. Bilbao airport is about twenty-one minutes by car. The riverside promenade outside the front door is a pleasant place to walk, jog or watch the city go by.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms have air conditioning, desks and free Wi-Fi, and the size of the hotel means a good range of room types. Facilities include a gym, a bar, a coffee shop, laundry facilities, car rental and a front-desk safe, as well as meeting and banquet spaces. Self-parking is available at a daily charge, and the restaurant Ibaizabal serves three meals a day. Pets are not allowed other than service animals.
Who it suits
Rail travellers, business visitors, groups and families who want a central, no-surprises base, and anyone who likes walking along the river. It is less intimate than the smaller hotels in the old town and less glamorous than the Guggenheim-side luxury properties, so it suits those who value convenience and value over character. It is also a good choice for travellers heading on to San Sebastián by bus or train, since the transport connections are close. Check the rate for your dates, because large hotels often have flexible pricing.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant Ibaizabal
- ✓Bar and coffee shop
- ✓Gym
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Meeting rooms and ballroom
- ✓Self-parking (charge)
- ✓Walk to Abando station
Good questions
How far is the Barceló Bilbao Nervión from the train station?+
The Abando train station is about an eight-minute walk from the hotel.
Is the hotel close to the Guggenheim?+
The Guggenheim is about a thirteen-minute walk, and the old town about ten.
Does the hotel have parking?+
Yes, self-parking is available for a daily charge. Pets are not allowed, except service animals.
