Hotel Miró

Travelers looking for the opportunity to stay across the street from Bilbao’s main attraction, the Guggenheim, without splurging on a room at the Gran Domine (the sister hotel to this one), should look no farther. The impeccably located property is the envisioning of famed fashion designer Antonio Miró, and his signature eye for minimalism is ever-present throughout. The boutique hotel is less business-oriented than its sister property and is immensely friendly towards travelers, families, and small groups alike. The staff here are some of the most helpful and accommodating we’ve found in the entire city and they speak English better than most as well.

room

The 50 rooms at Hotel Miró were designed with a simple and playful aesthetic in mind, with wood trims and lively red accents to break up the blacks and whites. We love the wall-sized windows that allow natural light to flood into the handsome quarters; it helps make them feel more spacious than they really are. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreens, and a comfy pair of slippers. For those envious, up-high views of the Guggenheim, guests will have to upgrade to one of the hotel’s suites.

Suites have fold out sofas to provide plenty of sleeping space for families.

bathroom

Airy and stylish, the modern bathrooms are sure to please with black marble to contrast the clean lines and polished sinks. Standing showers are the norm for most rooms while suites come with separate bathtubs. Exquisite Molten Brown soaps and lathers in every room add a dash of luxury to the experience.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Those who like their privacy should know the sink area of the bathroom is in an open style with the rest of the bedroom, separated by a strip of mirror and glass.

lobby

Unpretentious yet elegant, the open two-story design features Black Markina marble, rich leather furniture, and dazzling front windows that span the entirety of the two-floor foyer in height. As opposed to the modern art found in its sister hotel, Hotel Miró opted instead for a remarkable contemporary photography collection that is befitting to the minimalist intent of the hotel’s design. Guests should make sure not to miss the cozy library upstairs for some quiet time with a book and a coffee.

Guests can rent bikes for three euros per hour.

spa

The hotel houses a tranquil wellness area with jacuzzi, steam room, and massage room with a diverse array of options available. Enjoy a thai, sports, relaxation, or even couples’ massage from the masseuses who make the short trip over from the Gran Domine for each appointment.

gym

Housed in a tight basement quarters, the fitness room is just big enough to do the job but it wouldn’t take more than a couple guests for it to hit capacity. Nonetheless, one can find a studio-cycle, treadmill, and versatile strength machine along with a small array of weights.

dining

Breakfast is the star of the show at Hotel Miró. Served in the chic breakfast room on the lobby mezzanine that overlooks the foyer and boulevard below, the delightful space is as enticing as the menu. Hotel Miró stands out as being one of the few hotels that serves breakfast a la carte, menus and waiters and all, instead of the usual buffets found at other properties. Likewise, the food itself tastes better, locally sourced and freshly made to curate your ideal breakfast experience.

For other meals, guests will have to trek elsewhere (not such a bad thing while in the gastronomical capital of Europe). The courtesy bar downstairs offers an array of snack and drink options to hold guests over in the meantime.

On the weekends Hotel Miró becomes one of the few places in town that serves brunch in its contemporary, trendy manner a la Los Angeles or New York. Can somebody say Mimosas?

drinking

Under a wall-sized print from the hotel’s photography collection, and just aside the courtesy bar, guests will find an honor bar and lounge area that provides guests with an option of sodas, beers, and high-end liquors for some DIY-mixology.