Sercotel Arenal Bilbao

"Lovely girl at check in, rooms wouldn't be ready until 3 (standard check in) but when 3 arrived only 1 was ready, took another 25 for the other one to be ready as well. Also we were in different floors - i do not understand that a booking made for 2 rooms cannot have them at least on the same floor, there cannot be only 1 of each room on each floor??? that aside the "basic" room the male on reception kept repeating was reasonably decent. Large enough to keep all the bags without falling over them, large comfortable bed, - window on to internal courtyard (quietness and sleep is more important to me that a view i'll barely look at cause i'll be out) Kettle by my request was put in my room (with thanks), there's a mini fridge filled with items - but room enough to put your own stuff in. bathroom has a walk in shower (plus for this) and a range of amenities - toothbrush, comb, tissues, shower cap! towels were average, shower pressure is average also. the room is quiet, facing an internal courtyard (408) recommend! room was cool with the air con and i slept well. until the last night and it was blowing warm air??? position is fabulous - round the corner from a tapas square, multiple restaurants, cafes and shops and just along the river front - can walk anywhere - including the guggenheim (about 20 min easy stroll) breakfast is interesting - it's timed and you have to give your time the day before..... tho 8am starting on a weekend is quite late, and that's the latest we've had across 3 countries!! the room is small - so u understand the pre booked times. the fresh bread is divine. meats, cheeses, yoghurt, cereal and pastries. Unfortunately as others have mentioned before the hot items are not hot - stone cold i couldn't even stomach the mushrooms as they were congealed!! not sure what to are using to keep them warm but it's not working!!! on the whole i really liked this hotel, would recommend and stay here again given the opportunity"

"This hotel is in an excellent location - in the old town, right by the river and bridge to the new part of town, a minute's walk away from Plaza Nueva and pintxos places. Across the street from a park area. The guestroom was clean and comfy. White walls (no artwork), high ceilings which made it seem more spacious, nice wood furnishings with wood inlay (desk, end tables, entry table). My room had a door to the outside and small balcony. There was a fridge and mini-bar with non-alcholic drinks and snacks, no hot water maker in room. It was a good value, overall. The reception area was clean. Reception staff were not very warm or friendly but helped tremendously when I needed it."

"Good news first—location good & room lovely; however, there’s no kettle in the room‼️ We just stayed in San Sebastián at another one of their hotels & it did have a kettle. Also, no phone to call down to the front desk. Had to physically get dressed & go down to ask if we could get a kettle. JW Marriott of the Marriott hotel conglomerate had a saying, “The customer is always right.” Not true any longer. Corporations can & do come up with every means possible to do away with “customer service.” No phone in the room, no kettle, dispensers for shampoo that do not work, no face clothes, etc. These corporations maintain a skeleton crew at all times to maximize their profits—at the customer expense‼️ If you’re paying megabucks, you’ll get service. If you’re paying to under £200/per room—forgetaboutit. My impression so far of Bilbao is that there is no comparison between here & San Sebastián. It is not as clean, beautiful with gardens/parks/flowers, trash all over the streets of Old Town & vendors hawking their wares on the sidewalks so they don’t have to pay a store lease. All serves to make it tacky. Does not have the affluence of San Sebastián at all. Here to see the Guggenheim & will not return. We did go down to the lobby & the receptionist delivered a kettle for our use for our 2-day stay = thank you."