After staying in several hotels across Spain and France, Hotel Ercilla was one of the standout…read moreproperties of our trip. It's the kind of hotel that gets the fundamentals right while adding thoughtful touches that make you want to come back.
The location couldn't have been better. Set in the elegant Indautxu district, it's just steps from Gran Vía's shopping, Plaza Moyúa, Azkuna Zentroa, and countless cafés and restaurants. We also walked to the Guggenheim Museum and Casco Viejo without any trouble. Bilbao is a wonderfully walkable city, and this hotel puts you right in the middle of it all.
From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely welcomed. The doormen were warm, professional, and quick to help with our luggage. Inside the lobby, complimentary water and sweets were a nice touch after a day of sightseeing. Another thing we really appreciated was that every member of staff we interacted with spoke excellent English, making everything effortless.
Our room on the sixth floor overlooked the front of the hotel and was both elegant and comfortable. The bed was excellent, the room was spotless, and the bathroom felt surprisingly luxurious. I especially loved the premium toiletries and the heated towel rail, which is one of those little details you don't realize you'll appreciate until you have it.
The lobby is more than just a place to check in. There's a stylish restaurant and bar where you can enjoy breakfast, coffee, cocktails, or simply relax. I also noticed a dedicated workstation with power outlets, making it a great choice for business travelers or anyone needing to catch up on work.
What impressed me most wasn't one single feature. It was how consistently good everything was. The location, the comfort, the staff, the amenities, and the overall atmosphere all came together to create a stay that exceeded our expectations.
Bilbao has many excellent hotels, but Hotel Ercilla would be my first choice on a return visit. If you're looking for a hotel that lets you experience the city almost entirely on foot while providing exceptional comfort at the end of the day, this is it. Five well-deserved stars.