The Carlton Hotel is not the hippest place to stay right now in Bilbao, but who the pop cares about soon-to-be-wonkatonk places when you can stay in a real Bilbaino institution? The Carlton was the first de luxe hotel in Bilbao and is listed as a historical monument. It was designed by Manuel María Smith, the preferred architect of the local bourgeoisie, in 1919 in an eclectic, English-inspired style. The common areas are sumptuous, with a large central lobby covered by an impressive stain-glassed dome. The rooms were renovated a few years back and are spacious, comfortable and filled with all the necessary amenities. The service is according with the category of the hotel.
Tourists with an interest in history will love to know that this hotel housed the Basque government offices during the Spanish civil war, until Bilbao fell to the rebel fascist troupes in June 1937. The Basque government was then moved to Barcelona. Theme: OtherComparison: more expensive than averageDirections: It is in plaza Moyúa also known as plaza elíptica, within walking distance to the Guggenheim and all the major stores in the city.
