NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels

This hotel is highly regarded for its unbeatable central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Its signature feature is its prime position, nestled between the historic Casco Viejo and the modern new town, offering convenient access to major attractions and transport links. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and professional staff and the hotel's overall cleanliness. While many appreciate the comfortable beds and modern design, feedback on room comfort and size is mixed, with some finding rooms small and the glass bathroom design lacking privacy. The breakfast also receives varied reviews, with some praising its selection and others finding it limited. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and couples looking to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant atmosphere. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a river or city view, as some rooms face internal shafts, and be aware of the unique bathroom layout.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of modern facilities designed for guest convenience and enjoyment. Many guests appreciate the presence of a well-equipped gym, though some note it is rather small or has limited hours. The highly anticipated rooftop terrace and bar are frequently mentioned, but a recurring point of disappointment is their limited availability, often being closed or operating only seasonally, even on sunny days. In-room amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a fridge, and a coffee maker are widely appreciated, adding to the comfort of the stay. The hotel's unique arcade machines on various floors provide a fun and quirky touch. The lobby bar area is described as stylish and comfortable, providing a pleasant space for relaxation, though some guests find the music volume too high.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. However, feedback on room comfort and design is quite mixed. While some guests find the beds comfortable and the rooms spacious, particularly in upgraded categories, many describe standard rooms as small, tiny, or cramped, with limited storage or desk space. A significant and frequently discussed feature is the glass bathroom design, which many guests find compromises privacy due to visible silhouettes and sound transmission, especially when sharing a room with friends or family. Some also note issues with shower drainage or the lack of comprehensive toiletries beyond basic multi-use soap. Noise levels are also a point of varied feedback; while some rooms are quiet and well-insulated, others report significant street noise, particularly on lower floors.

Dining & Food Quality
Guest feedback on dining and food quality is varied. The breakfast buffet is often described as "good" or "nice," offering a decent selection including fresh fruit, pastries, and hot items like eggs and bacon. However, some guests find the breakfast to be "average" or "limited" in variety, with complaints about cold hot food, industrial pastries, or the quality of coffee. The restaurant receives mixed reviews; some praise the food quality and service, while others find the menu limited, portions small, or the food bland. The bar area is generally well-regarded for its atmosphere and drink selection, though some guests express frustration over early closing times, particularly on weekdays, or occasional unresponsiveness from staff.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring the city. It is ideally situated at the intersection of the historic Casco Viejo and the modern Gran Via, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions. Key landmarks such as Plaza Nueva, the Arriaga Theatre, Santiago Cathedral, and the Ribera Market are just minutes away. The Guggenheim Museum is also easily accessible, typically a 15-20 minute walk along the river. Public transport options are abundant, with a metro station, tram stop, and bus stops located very close by, providing excellent connectivity throughout the city and to the airport. While the hotel does not have its own parking, it offers a discount for a nearby public parking garage, though some guests find this option expensive or inconvenient due to distance.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests commend the attentive service provided by the reception team, highlighting their willingness to assist with queries, provide recommendations, and facilitate a smooth check-in and check-out process. Housekeeping is frequently noted for its efficiency and attention to detail, ensuring rooms are clean and tidy. While most interactions are positive, some guests report isolated instances of unresponsiveness or perceived rudeness from certain staff members, particularly in the bar or when addressing specific room issues. The hotel's dog-friendly service is appreciated by pet owners, though some are surprised by unadvertised additional fees or weight restrictions.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and features that may impact their stay. A recurring point of feedback is the €100 deposit taken at check-in, which some guests find unexpected and can be slow to be refunded. While the hotel is dog-friendly, some reviews mention an additional fee for pets that was not clearly communicated during booking. Several guests reported being assigned rooms with internal views (e.g., facing an elevator shaft or wall) despite booking rooms with city views, leading to disappointment. There are also mentions of accessible rooms being assigned without request, which can lead to issues with bathroom drainage. The hotel maintains a strict policy of no outside guests allowed in rooms for security reasons, and no late check-out options are typically available. The loud music in the lobby and restaurant area is a frequent complaint, as it can be intrusive for some guests.