Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Abando, Bilbao's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the gloriously messy, beautifully imperfect world of the Hotel Abando in Bilbao! Forget pristine brochures and robotic reviews – I'm here to tell you the TRUTH, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (or at least, my highly subjective version of it, lol).
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Abando, Bilbao's Hidden Gem! (My version)
Let's get one thing straight: Bilbao is AMAZING. And if you're heading there, you NEED a good hotel. I’ve heard whispers, read murmurings, and finally, I experienced the Hotel Abando. And, friends, it's… well, it’s complicated. In the BEST possible way.
First Impressions (or, The Elevator Ride of Panic)
Okay, so accessibility. I'm a bit wobbly on that front (more mental than physical these days, but still…). The website says the Hotel Abando is accessible. And it is, technically. But. The elevator…it felt like a sardine can after a particularly boisterous tapas tour. Tiny. Still, it worked. And the staff, bless their hearts, were super helpful, opening doors for me, making sure I was okay. Plus, the elevator did eventually deposit me on the right floor. So, win? Look, I'm a sucker for a well-placed accessibility option. And they definitely have them. Good score on the accessibility front, even if the journey feels like a Tetris puzzle at times.
Rooms: My Fortress of Solitude (Mostly)
My room! Oh, my room. The Wi-Fi [free], naturally, was the first test. And bam! Instant connection. Bless. After a long day of walking around, the internet is definitely a blessing. I really needed to update my statuses that the hotel has Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. I love the Desk, Laptop workspace, Shower, and the oh-so-useful Additional toilet
Now, about the little things. The Bathtub was pristine, calling for a long soak. The Bathrobes! Luxurious and fluffy, perfect for post-spa lounging (more on that later). The Blackout curtains saved my life (and my sanity). And the Mini bar? Well, let's just say it contributed to my overall happiness. (The Refrigerator helped keep things chill.) If you prefer an extra long bed, you can make it possible with Extra long bed. I appreciated the Umbrella.
One minor quibble: My room had Soundproofing. Amazing, right? Except I could still hear the faint, rhythmic thump of someone's workout music through the wall. It was like my own personal, slightly off-beat soundtrack. Minor, but noticeable. Still, the Soundproof rooms are still very useful! And it had a Mirror - essential for making sure I still look presentable and Closet, Slippers, Linens, Toiletries, Towels, Hair dryer, Safety/security feature, Alarm clock, and Coffee/tea maker made my stay even better.
Sanitation Station (and the Worrying of Cleanliness)
Okay, let's talk about the C-word. Cleanliness. In these times, it's paramount, right? The Hotel Abando takes it seriously. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. They are taking it seriously. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. They had Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. I felt genuinely safe. The Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher helps me to feel safer. I was even slightly reassured by things like Doctor/nurse on call and First aid kit (just in case my tapas-induced clumsiness kicked in).
Dining: A Fiesta of Flavors (and Occasional Confusion)
Okay, the food. This is where things get REALLY interesting. The Hotel Abando has a whole host of options: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Holy moly, right?
The buffet breakfast was the bomb. The Breakfast [buffet] was seriously impressive. I felt like, wow, it's like a buffet. I'm used to a buffet. It's a good thing. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a game changer. There were all these things, including the Bottle of water. They had Alternative meal arrangement. I didn’t try Happy hour. And, oh boy, the Desserts in restaurant! All this in different types of Restaurants! I skipped the Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant.
The bar? I'll be honest. I spent a LOT of time at the bar. The Poolside bar had a good drinks. Maybe too much. There was also Room service [24-hour] so that's good.
One little hiccup: I ordered room service (after a particularly enthusiastic exploration of the pinxtos scene). A slight language barrier led to a minor mix-up. Let's just say I ended up with a plate of something I think was calamari. It was an adventure.
Relaxation Station: Sensory Overload (in the Best Possible Way)
This is where the Hotel Abando REALLY shines. The spa. Oh, the spa. Okay, deep breath.
The Spa itself is a sanctuary. They offer Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool.
I had a massage, and it was transformative. I'm telling you, the therapist worked wonders. This is the part where I started seriously thinking about just camping out and never leaving.
They have a Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor] as well. It was a bit chilly when I saw it, but I will definitely try the pool next time.
The Fitness center and Gym/fitness were there, but I didn’t have time to check them out as I was busy relaxing.
Things to Do (Besides Eating and Napping)
Bilbao itself is a treasure trove. And the Hotel Abando is perfectly positioned to explore it.
- Guggenheim Museum: YES. Go. Now. A must-see.
- Old Town (Casco Viejo): Tapas, tapas, tapas! And charming streets.
- Vizcaya Bridge: A truly unique experience.
- Anything and Everything: You can find it all around the hotel.
The hotel also has some cool amenities itself, including Business facilities, Gift/souvenir shop and On-site event hosting, if you are up to it.
The Negatives (or, Where I'd Like to See Improvement)
Look, no place is perfect. And the Hotel Abando isn't either.
- Elevator: Still a squeeze. (But hey, it works!)
- Minor Service Hiccups: Everyone was lovely, but occasionally there were small delays or misunderstandings.
- Gym? I didn’t check it - honestly, the allure of the spa was too strong.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely. Yes. Without a doubt. Despite the occasional quirks, the Hotel Abando is a gem. It's luxurious, comfortable, and well-located. It offers a fantastic spa experience, delicious food (especially the breakfast!), and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Plus, they have their act together on the cleanliness front, which is HUGE.
Here's my offer (because you deserve it!):
Don't just visit Bilbao. EXPERIENCE it.
Book your stay at the Hotel Abando using the code "BILBAOBLISS10" and receive:
- 10% off your entire stay!
- A complimentary welcome drink at the bar! (because let's be honest, you'll need it after travelling!)
- A guaranteed upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability!)
This offer is for a limited time only, so don't miss out! Dive into luxury, embrace the imperfections, and discover the magic of the Hotel Abando. You won't regret it. And tell them I sent you. (They might give you extra tapas. Or not. It's Bilbao. Anything's possible!)
Escape to Paradise: Mermaid Beach Resort, Vengurla Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because planning a trip, especially to a place like Bilbao, Spain, in a decent hotel (Hotel Abando, I’m looking at you!), is always a hilarious, chaotic mess. Here's my attempt at an itinerary, but honestly, expect this thing to go off the rails the second I step off the plane. This is gonna be messy. This is gonna be real.
Bilbao, Spain: Operation "Get Lost and Love It" - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Or, How I Became Best Friends with a Luggage Carousel (Maybe)
- Morning (Around 8:00 AM – Let's be real, I'm probably still groggy): Touchdown at Bilbao Airport (BIO). The moment of truth. Did my checked bag make it? Pray to the travel gods, people! I swear I saw a woman today who thought the conveyor belt was a free ride. I might have gotten on it. Let's not dwell on this.
- Transportation: Taxi to Hotel Abando. Okay, so I've tried to pre-book a transfer. I've heard the taxis are plentiful, and efficient. I'm also a cheapskate so let's find the cheapest way. Google said the 48 is just right after figuring out the "abando-indautxu"
- Check-in at Hotel Abando (Hopefully Before Noon): Pray the room is ready. My biggest fear? Arriving, being told my room isn't ready, and having to wander aimlessly looking like a sad, jetlagged sloth. I've been planning this for weeks, and the hotel is apparently in the heart of Bilbao. Should be easy to get around.
- Afternoon (Around 1:00 PM - Lunch!): Okay, fuel the machine. Find a pintxos bar. No pressure, but this is a non-negotiable. I've read about all these places and they are amazing. The locals are probably judging my tourist-ness. I need a place that's got a good vibe, and hopefully, some English speakers. I'm planning on just wandering around.
- Afternoon (2:00 pm – 4:00 pm): The Guggenheim, baby!. I have a mental block on art, so this is more of a "take pictures and pretend to get it" kind of deal. I'll be honest, I'm mostly going for the Instagram clout. But still, the architecture is stunning. Let's just hope I don't spend my entire time there trying to figure out how to get the perfect shot.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (6:00 PM – Onward - the "Tapas Crawl"): This is where things get blurry. My plan is a loose one: find a cluster of pintxos bars (old town is the best) and just… go. Order one of everything, drink a glass of wine at each stop, and try, try, to remember where I've been. The goal is to become a pintxos connoisseur by the end of the night. Might happen, might not. Expect plenty of "oops, I dropped my phone" moments.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and Chocolate?):
- Morning (9:00 AM-ish): Wake up. Regret potentially. The morning starts with a desperate search for a good, strong coffee and a pastry to at least make the day slightly more bearable. I also have no idea what time I'll be getting up.
- Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): After coffee, the Casco Viejo (Old Town) awaits. This is where I'll be getting properly lost. Narrow streets, cute shops, and hopefully, a few hidden gems. I’m picturing myself as a proper explorer, but realistically, I’ll probably end up wandering in circles, completely disoriented, and slightly hangry.
- Lunch (Around 1:00 PM): A proper sit-down meal, this time. I'm thinking seafood paella or something of the region's finest.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Doña Casilda Park. Because sometimes you just need to chill. I might just sit on a bench and people-watch, soaking up the Bilbao atmosphere. This would be a great place to have a nap if my jet lag hits.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Another pintxos crawl is on the agenda.
- Evening (8:00 PM, maybe earlier…):Dinner and maybe a show. Bilbao is famous for its theatres, so I'll plan on finding a restaurant, maybe try a dance, before heading back to Hotel Abando to sleep it off.
Day 3: So Long, Bilbao (or, Maybe Not):
- Morning (Still a Mystery): Pack. Cry a little.
- Morning/Early Afternoon: Depending on my flight time, maybe a last-minute stroll through the market.
- Lunch: Just a quick bite.
- Afternoon: Goodbye, Bilbao! Taxi to the airport, head back to the conveyor belt.
- The End (But Hopefully, Not the End of My Travels): The airport! Wait for my flight.
Things That Will Absolutely Go Wrong (And that's Okay):
- Language Barriers: My Spanish is… rudimentary. Expect lots of pointing, miming, and embarrassing pronunciation fails.
- Getting Lost: I'm a master of the art of getting lost. GPS will be my only friend.
- Over-Spending: "Just one more pintxos…" Famous last words.
- Jet Lag: I’ll spend half my time fighting off sleep.
- My Internal Clock: Still won't match the time.
This itinerary is a suggestion. I'll probably change it on the fly. Honestly, that's the point. Embrace the chaos, go with the flow, and expect to have an amazing time. Bilbao, here I come!
Danny's Pool View Paradise: District 1 Luxury Awaits! (Ho Chi Minh City)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Abando, Bilbao's Hidden Gem! (Or, Well, Maybe...) - FAQs, My Brain Dump Edition
So, is this Hotel Abando *really* a hidden gem? I mean, I see the ads...
Okay, *hidden gem* is always a bit of a sales pitch, isn't it? It depends on your definition. It's not like you need a secret handshake to get in. But... Bilbaíno locals? They seem to know. Tourists? Less so. I'd say it's more of a "well-kept secret" gem, guarded by a doorman with a smile that could melt glaciers. He also knows everyone's name, which is mortifyingly impressive. And a little unnerving. Like, *how* does he remember all that?! Is he secretly a mind-reader? I digress...
Alright, alright, let's say it's *slightly* known. What's the vibe like? Is it pretentious?
Pretentious? Ugh. That's my biggest fear in life. Luckily, no. Not really. It's got that classic luxury feel, all polished wood and chandeliers, but it's... warm. Like, the staff actually seem happy to be there. I'm talking genuine smiles. Not the "we're paid to smile" kind that you can smell a mile away. They actually, like, *talk* to you. They ask you how your day was. It's weirdly comforting. One time I was hopelessly lost with my suitcase (Bilbao's cobblestone streets are evil, I tell you!) and a bellhop practically *carried* it for me. I offered a tip, but he just gave me this knowing look and said, "Enjoy your stay." (Spoiler alert: I did).
The rooms? Are they Instagram-worthy? And more importantly, comfortable?
Instagram-worthy? Oh honey, yes. Think marble bathrooms, plush robes, the works. But *comfort*... that's where they win. I'm a sucker for a good bed, and the Abando's beds? *Heavenly*. Like, I legitimately considered never leaving. I mean, I *dreamt* of the bed. The pillows were like clouds, the sheets, silk... (probably not silk, but my brain told me so). And the soundproofing! Bilbao can be a lively city, but in those rooms? Silence. Blissful silence.
Now, there was this *one* tiny thing. The first room I got... the air conditioning was a bit… *spirited*. Like, it was blasting out arctic air on level 1. I felt like I was living in a walk-in freezer. Called down, they switched me in like 5 minutes. So smooth. Zero complaints. But even then, I felt bad for the guy who was the first to see my frozen face.
The location? Convenient for exploring Bilbao?
Location, location, location! Hotel Abando nailed it. You're practically in the heart of everything. Guggenheim Museum? A breezy walk. Casco Viejo (Old Town)? Short stroll. Train station? Right there. Seriously, you could stumble out of the hotel, trip over a churro stand, and probably still make your train. Excellent. And the view from some rooms? Spectacular. I swear, one room had a view of the Guggenheim that nearly made me weep. Okay, maybe I was tired. But still.
And the food? Breakfast specifically? Because breakfast is crucial for a good trip.
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Okay, here's a secret: I'm a breakfast snob. I judge hotels *entirely* on their breakfast spread. And Hotel Abando? They passed with flying colors. The buffet? Magnificent. Freshly squeezed orange juice (essential!), a mountain of pastries (those croissants!), perfectly cooked eggs, local cheeses, Iberian ham that practically sings... AND... wait for it... *a churro station*. Yes. Fresh, hot, crispy churros made to order. I may or may not have eaten approximately six every morning. Don't judge me. And, now that I think about it, how *did* I fit into my clothes by the end of the trip? That's the mystery I will bring to my grave.
What about the service? Any horror stories?
Horror stories? No. Nothing even remotely close. The staff are truly phenomenal. They anticipate your needs before you even realize you have them. Once, I left my phone charger in the room. I was already halfway to the airport, panicking, when I got a call from the hotel. They'd found it. Offered to send it to my next destination. No charge. Just... pure, unadulterated helpfulness. And the concierge? Absolute gold. Guided me to the best pintxo bars, secured impossible dinner reservations, and even gave me insider tips on avoiding the tourist traps. Worth their weight in gold, those people! Okay, maybe not gold, because that would be weird. But you get the idea.
Okay, I'm tempted. But... is it crazy expensive?
Alright, let's be real. It's not cheap. It's *luxury*. But honestly? For the experience, the service, THE CHURROS... it's worth it. I’ve stayed in places that cost *way* more and were nowhere near as good. Look for deals, travel off-season, and be prepared to justify the expense to your bank account. (I’m still working on that part, by the way). But if you're looking for a treat-yourself kind of trip? Treat yourself! You deserve it. (And who knows, maybe I'll see you at the churro station!)
Is there a gym? Because I feel I am going to need one after those churros.
Yes, there is a gym. It’s decent. Like, it has the machines and the weights and the, you know, *gym* paraphernalia. But after those churros, getting there felt like climbing Mount Everest. I went once. Briefly. And I am going to be completely honest here. I did not use it properly. I kind of, um, wandered around, pretended to use some stuff, and then retreated to the room. The bed. The comfortable, churro-inspired bed. Maybe next time. Maybe. Don't judge.
Anything else? Any little details that made it specialRoam And Rests
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