Occidental Bilbao

This modern hotel is highly regarded for its spacious rooms and the exceptional friendliness of its staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Its contemporary design and well-maintained common areas contribute to a pleasant stay, making it a suitable choice for couples seeking a comfortable retreat, friends exploring the city, and families looking for convenient access to public transport. The hotel's commitment to cleanliness and guest comfort is consistently highlighted. To make the most of your visit, guests recommend utilizing the nearby metro or bus stops for easy city exploration, especially given the hotel's elevated position, and being aware of additional charges for certain amenities.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that enhance the guest experience, including a spacious lobby with a bar area and a pool table, providing comfortable spaces for relaxation and socializing. While the hotel features a gym, indoor pool, outdoor pool, and spa, it is crucial for guests to note that access to these facilities often incurs a significant additional charge per person per entry, and specific items like swimming caps and flip-flops may be required. Some guests found the Wi-Fi to be reliable and easy to connect, while others experienced issues with poor signal or sporadic connectivity. The presence of fast elevators and in-room amenities like coffee and tea making facilities and a fridge are also appreciated.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms and common areas as spotless and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are frequently highlighted, offering ample space for relaxation. A standout feature is the comfortable beds, often described as large and ensuring a restful night's sleep. Large bathrooms with generous showers are also a common positive. While many guests found their rooms to be quiet, some reported noise from adjacent rooms or the street, suggesting varying levels of sound insulation. In-room amenities like blackout curtains are generally effective, though some light may still enter.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives widespread acclaim for its excellent quality and wide variety, offering a comprehensive selection of items including natural orange juice and an omelette station. However, some guests noted that the hot food at breakfast was occasionally lukewarm or cold. Feedback on the hotel's restaurant and dinner service is mixed; while some found the food to be good quality and delicious, others reported a limited menu, long waiting times, or issues with food quality and portion sizes, particularly for vegetarian options. The bar and cafeteria are generally well-regarded for their pleasant atmosphere and good beverage selection.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a point of mixed feedback. While some guests appreciate its quiet area and easy access to the city center, others find it to be a bit out of town and situated on a steep hill, requiring effort for walking back from the old town. However, its proximity to a metro station and bus stops is a significant advantage, providing convenient public transport options that quickly connect guests to the city's main attractions, including the old town and the Guggenheim Museum. Parking is available on-site, but guests frequently mention that it comes with a considerable additional charge.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service and willingness to assist with inquiries and recommendations, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. Housekeeping is commended for maintaining clean rooms. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few guests noted isolated instances where reception staff seemed less welcoming. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme in guest reviews.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that while complimentary water bottles are provided in the rooms upon arrival, they are typically not replenished daily. Some past guests experienced disruptions due to staff protests, which generated noise and impacted the overall atmosphere during their stay. The hotel is part of a loyalty program, and members may receive certain benefits or discounts. It is also important to clarify all additional charges for amenities like the gym, pool, and parking upon booking or arrival, as these are frequently mentioned as unexpected costs by guests.