Hotel Ercilla Lopez de Haro

This boutique hotel opened in 1990, and although some corners of the property are starting to look a bit tired, it doesn't detract from the arty atmosphere. The hotel occupies the building that once housed the local newspaper, El Hierro, with an attractive facade featuring oval windows, handsome red brickwork, and an elegant arched entrance. Stepping inside, a bright and rather flamboyant lobby complements original architectural details, with patterned rugs, antique wood furniture, and a grand centerpiece chandelier. Modern artworks and seating add some contemporary flair. The quirky vibe continues through the hotel's black-and-white-striped hallways, and in Le Club lounge that evokes part gentleman’s club, and part bohemian lounge. Clientele tend toward the more well-heeled vacationing couple, and the hotel is also no stranger to the occasional VIP -- it was famously where Frank Gehry made his home while designing the iconic Guggenheim Bilbao. Some initial sketches of the museum were done on the hotel's letterhead stationery. 

The hotel is located on a relatively quiet street in the center of the buzzing Basque city of Bilbao. It's a five-minute walk to Gran Via, the city's main thoroughfare and shopping street, and Plaza de la Convivencia and Zubizuri bridge is just five minutes on foot in the opposite direction. There are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants within a short stroll, and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is less than 10 minutes on foot. The Moyua metro station is also a five minutes' walk and connects to the Old Town (or Casco Viejo) in a few minutes -- alternatively it's about 15 minutes on foot. The Moyua bus stop is a couple blocks away and connects to Bilbao Airport in just 15 minutes. 

Decor continues in an eclectic vein, although less so than the hotel's common spaces. Some will find it swish and edgy, and others may see it as mismatched and a little pretentious. Headboards have silky, platinum fabric and antique black frames, modern armchairs are covered in vintage prints, and there are sleek, glass and chrome tables. Painted crown moulding adds a touch of elegance. Marble-clad bathrooms are chic, with multi-jet shower/tub combos that have adjustable rainfall showerheads, bidets, hairdryers, and Anne Semonin branded toiletries.

Amenities are high-end, and include large flat-screen TVs (two in suites), well-stocked minibars, iPod docks, Nespresso machines (first three coffees are free), robes, slippers, and free, reliable Wi-Fi. 

Street-facing rooms have minimal traffic, but some guests note hearing noise from neighbors. Also, views to the rear are uninspiring, looking out to unkempt courtyard and other buildings. The hotel has four room types -- standard, superior, deluxe, and executive junior suites -- plus one suite.

The hotel has a restaurant and busy bar and lounge, but features are otherwise limited. The bright and breezy restaurant serves a continental buffet breakfast, which is expensive and isn't included in the rate, and a high-end a la carte dinner nightly. Guests also have exclusive access to Le Club -- with its striking decor, original fireplace, and leather armchairs it makes for one of the more interesting spots for breakfast or a late-night drink. Indoor parking is also available, though for a pricey daily fee. There's no fitness center, though guests are given deals at the nearby S'Thai spa.