Hesperia Bilbao

The Hotel Hesperia Bilbao makes a striking first impression with its fun facade of colorful windows -- the multi-hued panes add a cheery touch to the riverfront setting. Inside, the atmosphere is less funky and more subdued, with the kind of contemporary, business-friendly look that you'd expect at updated NH chain outposts. Glossy black tile walls and floors paired with a slick chrome front desk are contrasted by shiny, cherry-red accent walls. Modern circular seating provides a place to wait or relax in this steely lobby, while floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate it with light and add a bit of warmth to the cool, dark neutrals. The hotel's bar hosts occasional live music and can be hopping, especially on weekends when people are on city breaks and in town to party. With its plethora of meeting rooms, the hotel attracts many business travelers. It's a solid bet for leisure guests too, as many top sights are within a 10- to 15-minute walk and the immediate area is relatively calm.

The hotel is situated across the street from the Nervion River in Bilbao's Uribarri district. The Zubizuri Bridge is just a three-minute walk from the property. There are plenty of dining options, bars, and shops in the area, and several top attractions are within walking distance. The Guggenheim Museum is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Old Town, and Plaza Nueva are within a 15-minute walk. The funicular that takes guests up to Mount Artxanda is four minutes from the hotel on foot, offering gorgeous views over the city. It's a 14-minute walk to the city's main avenue, Gran Via, which is lined with shops. Bilbao's main train station is 15 minutes away on foot or a seven-minute drive, while the bus station is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Bilbao Airport can be reached in about 15 minutes by car.

Like the hotel's common spaces, guest rooms feature clean-lined contemporary decor, though the dark hues of the lobby are traded for softer shades in the bedrooms. Blonde wood panelling frames the beds like an extended headboard alongside soft gray walls, helping to create a cozy vibe that's surprising for this business-friendly chain. Lime green velvet accent pillows atop all-white bed linens are the only pop of color in the rooms, which are cloaked in various shades of light gray, beige, and dark brown. All rooms have work desks as well as seating, and are illuminated by large windows. We would have liked to see proper duvets on the beds, as they were covered in thin bedspreads when we visited.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms add coffee/tea-making facilities, while Junior Suites have separate living rooms. Both of these categories have river views and colorful windows (though this might not suit all guests). Sleek, modern bathrooms are outfitted with shower/tub combos, bidets, heated towel racks, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries. The Presidential Suite adds a whirlpool tub. While the hotel is generally quiet, party-goers on the weekends can be a little disruptive.

There aren't too many features here, and the hotel is best used as a base for touring the city or handling business trips. Still, there's enough on offer to keep most guests happy. The hotel's La Ria Restaurant serves modern Basque cuisine for lunch and dinner, while the casual La Orilla bar offers drinks and sushi accompanied by river views, plus it hosts live music. A breakfast buffet is available in the mornings (for an extra fee), which includes pastries, breads, cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, and yogurts. Made-to-order hot dishes can also be requested. Early bird breakfast is also available, as is room service. There are eight meeting rooms, the largest of which can fit up to 200 people. Audiovisual equipment is available, and a business center is available. The hotel offers the NH standard Lazy Sundays, which includes late breakfast hours and free late checkout. Other amenities include free WI-Fi throughout the hotel and on-site parking for a fee.