Hotel Ercilla

Calle Ercilla 37-39, Bilbao, Basque Country 48011, Spain

Why We Like It

Though past its golden age, the Ercilla is a historic institution in its own right and nails the concept of a modern hotel in both its décor and amenities, and it’s location is one of the best of any hotel in town. A trendy atmosphere, clean functional rooms, and just enough grace and style allow the Hotel Ercilla to stand out amid other competitive hotels in the city.

Fodor's Expert Review

The landmark Ercilla Bilbao first opened in 1972 and was one of the original engines of the city’s iconic revitalization. The smart, business-forward hotel used to be the place to see and be seen, but a new wave of post-modern properties have kicked the Ercilla Bilbao down a notch on the totem poll. Unfortunately, the staff doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo; the haughty attitude may leave some guests feeling undeserved. Nonetheless, the hotel’s exquisite style, comfort, and amenities have adapted well to the times and the central location will always be hard to beat.

Tip The hotel has a superb specialty in organizing events, conferences, and banquets, with capacity for more than one-thousand-people, much more than most any other business hotel in the city.

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Room

The basic rooms offer stylish but tight quarters and feature the hotel’s signature red accents to contrast the otherwise black and white space. Guests will find a bit more breathing room in the Standard-level rooms and above. True to its business-savvy reputation, newspapers of your choice will be delivered to your door when staying in 'Le Club' level rooms.

You Should Know Lower level lodgings facing the notoriously busy street can be noisy. If you’re a light sleeper, try asking for a room up on a higher floor.

Bathroom

Eye-catching marble floors and walls plus a full bath top off the tastefully modern bathrooms. Besides your standard essentials already in the washroom, the hotel happily provides a nice assortment of toiletries that you might need should they have slipped your mind while packing.

Lobby

The lobby exhibits all the elements of the modern hotel: clean and sharp design, smooth jazz radiating throughout, suited service, and themes of its signature deep red accenting the sprawling space.

Tip You can rent bikes from the hotel for a very reasonable hourly fee.

Spa

Though there is no spa at the property, the hotel provides a la carte massage and beauty services that can be taken in the privacy and comfort of your room.

Gym

Access to the spacious fitness room is complimentary to all guests. A range of aerobic exercise machines, medicine balls, and free weights provide enough for a diversity of workouts.

Dining

Hotel Ercilla houses the newly renovated Bermeo restaurant where guests can take breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A chic cosmopolitan design that feels more London than Bilbao befits the menu that fuses local ingredients with innovative international flair.

Tip Large business parties can reserve Bermeo as their own private ‘txoko,’ the traditional intimate gathering space where people gather to cook, eat, and socialize in the Basque Country.

Drinking

One highlight of the hotel’s amenities can be found 12 floors up at Le Club, a stunning rooftop bar and lounge serving up drinks day and night. Cool neon-blues and spacious chill-out areas across the wood-decked space create a hip atmosphere for guests to see the city from a fresh vantage point.

Tip For those who like the feel of a little exclusivity, the 'Le Club' level rooms give guests access to a special area of the rooftop terrace for a more intimate cocktail experience.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Located in the nerve center of Bilbao’s commercial center, the hotel is within walking distance to Bilbao’s museums plus some of the best pintxo bars and nightlife in the city. For trips to Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), the 30-minute saunter may be attractive on a nice day, but a quick hop on the Metro is the best bet.

Here's a tip: The hotel offers airport transfers by its private drivers, and for guests who really want to get around in style, Chauffeur Services with English-speaking drivers are available to arrange.

Restaurants

The more carnivorous eaters looking for a divine eating experience must make the trip to Goizeko Izarra (5-minute walk), a steakhouse specializing in chuleta—or txuletón in Basque–enormous cuts of steak cooked in traditional Bizkaian style. But no stop in Bilbao is complete without heading to Casco Viejo for a txikiteo, or pintxo crawl. Try starting at Plaza Nueva (15-minute Metro), a neoclassical square with both classic and modern pintxo bars lining the perimeter.

Bars

Within striking distance of the hotel on foot, the three pedestrian-only blocks of Calle Ledesma (7-minute walk) are a haven of restaurants, pintxo bars, and pubs. You’ll know you’ve reached your destination when you the overflowing throngs of locals and travelers alike spill out of each venue onto the boulevard as far as the eye can see.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 94-470–5700