Radisson Collection Bilbao
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Hotel Details
Location
Bilbao
Spain, Europe
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Expert Review: Radisson Collection Bilbao
The Radisson Collection Bilbao, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious and stylish experience in the heart of Bilbao, earning high praise from guests for its prime location, exceptional service, and sophisticated design. Housed in the striking mid-century former headquarters of Banco Hispano Americano, the hotel seamlessly blends its Art-Deco heritage with modern elegance.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Radisson Collection Bilbao is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests describing their stay as "excellent," "unforgettable," and "one of the best hotels" they have experienced. Review platforms consistently show high ratings, with scores of 8.5 to 9.4 overall, and particularly high marks for location (9.6-10.0), cleanliness (9.0-9.5), and staff performance (8.8-9.3).
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Radisson Collection Bilbao. The service stands out, with staff frequently described as incredibly kind, attentive, and helpful, often going above and beyond to assist with recommendations and bookings. The location is repeatedly highlighted as unbeatable, being very central and offering easy walking access to major attractions like the Guggenheim Museum and the Old Town. The design of the hotel, with its elegant Art-Deco style interior featuring marble, natural stone, wood, and a palette of earth tones complemented by gold and blue, is much admired. The rooftop terrace with its stylish open-air bar, vertical gardens, and city views is a significant draw, especially for enjoying drinks and breakfast. Amenities like the fitness center and spa are also appreciated.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Radisson Collection Bilbao are consistently praised for their quality, comfort, and modern design. They are described as spacious, very clean, new, and well-appointed, offering city or inner courtyard views. Each room includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom (often with a big deep bath and good shower), and modern amenities such as tea/coffee makers, electric kettles, irons, minibars, safety deposit boxes, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Some luxurious options, like the rooftop suite, even feature private terraces with sunken hot tubs. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds, good light blockout curtains, and the overall calm and understated modern Basque charm.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Radisson Collection Bilbao is a significant highlight, particularly with the presence of Eneko Basque, a restaurant conceived by Michelin-starred chef Eneko Atxa. This restaurant offers modern Basque gastronomy rooted in traditional cooking, with beautifully presented and technically extraordinary tasting menus. Guests have enjoyed dishes reflecting local flavors and ingredients, accompanied by Basque wines.
The breakfast is also highly rated, served in the rooftop restaurant with a buffet selection that includes local specialties, cheeses, freshly baked breads, pastries, yogurts, fruits, and juices. À la carte hot dishes, such as poached eggs Benedict, and champagne are also available. Many guests enjoy the option of al fresco breakfast on the rooftop terrace, offering views of the surrounding hills.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at the Radisson Collection Bilbao receive overwhelmingly positive feedback. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "incredibly kind and attentive," "friendly and helpful," and "very accommodating." Concierge services are particularly highlighted, with individuals like Pablo receiving specific praise for excellent recommendations and personalized attention. The front desk team is described as providing a warm welcome and being passionate about delivering incredible service.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location in the vibrant Abando district of Bilbao is considered unbeatable. It offers central access, allowing guests to easily walk to iconic attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum (about a 10-15 minute walk), the Old Town, and the Arriaga Theatre. An underground train station (Abando Station) is directly across the street, and there are many restaurants, pubs, and shops nearby. The airport is approximately a 15-minute taxi ride away, and an airport bus offers a direct connection to the city center, followed by a short walk. The hotel also offers wheelchair accessibility in common areas and rooms.
7. Value & Pricing
Many guests find the Radisson Collection Bilbao to offer exceptional value for money, especially considering its luxurious amenities, prime location, and impeccable service. While specific prices vary, it is noted that the hotel can be surprisingly affordable compared to the average hotel room in Bilbao, which stands at around $158. Rates have been observed starting from around US$132.
8. Common Complaints
While the overall sentiment is highly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:
- Pool Access Fee: Several guests have expressed disappointment that the indoor pool and spa facilities require an additional fee (e.g., 20 euros) and often need to be booked in advance, which can be unexpected for a premium hotel. Limited opening hours for the pool have also been mentioned.
- Occasional Cleanliness Issues: A few reviews mention isolated incidents of cleanliness issues, such as dust or hair in the room, and some experiences with slow or missed room cleaning.
- Noise: In some instances, rooms have been described as noisy.
- Limited Dining Menu: While the Eneko Basque restaurant is praised, one review mentioned the main restaurant having a limited menu for dinner.
- No On-site Parking: The hotel does not have its own parking lot; public parking is available but may be a 15-minute walk away.
- Water Bottles: A minor criticism includes the provision of only two small complimentary water bottles for a family of four, with some guests feeling water should be more readily complimentary in a premium hotel.
- Breakfast Explanation: One guest noted that the breakfast layout could be better explained upon arrival.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While the overall sentiment is highly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:
- •Occasional Cleanliness Issues:** A few reviews mention isolated incidents of cleanliness issues, such as dust or hair in the room, and some experiences with slow or missed room cleaning.
