Pensión Méndez I & II
Calle Santa María 13, 1st and 4th fls., Bilbao, Basque Country 48005, Spain
Why We Like It
Walking out the front door and being in the heart of the enchanting Old Quarter never gets old. For the no frills traveler looking to experience Bilbao’s most historic neighborhood in a comfortable and simple setting, Pensión Méndez I and II is a hard bet to beat.
Fodor's Expert Review
Pensión Méndez offers charming budget rooms in an exceptional location within Bilbao’s famed Old Quarter at a great price. The lodging, which overlooks Palacio de Yohn along the picturesque streets of Casco Viejo, is divided between Pensión I and Pensión II. The former is simpler, with shared bathrooms between rooms, while the slightly more expensive (but still great value) Pensión II has tasteful rooms with private bathrooms (we highly suggest the latter).
You Should Know The super friendly family that runs the pension does not speak English, so brush up on some of your Spanish 101 before arrival.
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Room
Rooms are minimalist but clean and comfortable with wood floors and wood trims. Guests can expect complimentary Wi-Fi and TV but AC is lacking. Rooms facing the street have splendid little terraces.
You Should Know Street-side rooms have the views, terrace and natural light but also come with some noise. Back rooms are quiet but are a bit dreary.
Bathroom
Pensión II offers private bathrooms that have all the essentials in a clean cozy space. The Pensión I has shared bathrooms; make sure you are prepared for that before booking.
Tip Bring your own toiletries.
Lobby
There is a small 24-hour reception area in the historic building where guests can get great local tips on restaurants, bars, and things to do around town.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The winding cobblestone streets of Bilbao’s Casco Viejo are a pedestrian’s paradise, and the rest of the city and its museums are easily accessible by the aboveground tram or the immaculate subway system. If you have a car, there is a parking lot that guests can use about a five-minute walk away from the pension.
Restaurants
The pension is right in the heart of Bilbao’s iconic pintxo bar scene. The bars lining the streets of Casco Viejo are just one delicious discovery after the next. Just steps away from the pension is Con B de Bilbao (2-minute walk), a truly local establishment that not only cooks up amazing pintxos at the bar but serves an excellent traditional Basque dinner for those with a bigger appetite. For the quintessential pintxo experience, head to Plaza Nueva (5-minute walk), a stunning neoclassical square with fantastic restaurants and pintxo bars competing for attention around its perimeter.
Bars
Café Bar Bilbao (5-minute walk) is a century-old landmark of the Old Quarter and makes for the best place to drink on a later afternoon or a warm evening. It’s great for both food and drinks and has a terrace under the arcade of Plaza Nueva that makes for some of the best people-watching seats around.
A few blocks the pension towards the River Nervión is Modesto Bar (3-minute walk), a hip and artsy drinking den that collects a diverse crowd of locals and travelers inside.
Quick Facts
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