Written by Jan Henderson. 

Spain is a country that has a special vibe all its own. From Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona, delicious pintxos in San Sebastián through to the majesty of Madrid and the ceramics of València, there is so much to see and to do. And then there is Bilbao. Situated in the Basque country of Spain’s north, Bilbao is a town of art and culture and home to the outstanding Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry. Bilbao’s Guggenheim is an architectural icon that draws crowds to its doors night and day, rain or shine. The building – made from titanium, glass and limestone – glitters in the sun and the rain and is a spectacular building that dominates the edge of the city and the Nervión River.

To really enjoy Bilbao it is advisable to spend time to take in the sights, walk the cobblestone streets and wander through the museum at a leisurely pace. It’s best to stay in the centre of things and the Miró Hotel is perfectly situated just minutes from the museum and Bilbao’s Golden Mile and main shopping area.

The Miró Hotel was the first boutique hotel in Bilbao and offers only 50 rooms for guests. Albeit small, the attitude of the hotel is grand, with every convenience for guests at hand and an interior that is stylish and contemporary.

As part of the Design Hotels group, the Miró Hotel is an established property and much sought after by those who visit Bilbao. Service is a top priority at the hotel and the visitor is made to feel very much ‘at home’ from the moment of arrival to the time of departure.

Style is integral to the hotel and fashion designer Antonio Miró was commissioned to design the hotel with Pilar Líbano creating the interiors. Together, the duo has succeeded in constructing a hospitality venue that is calm and relaxed, as well as visually impressive. The colour palette is warm and subdued with creams, white and browns, while the furnishings are contemporary. There is an eye for detail in the choice and composition of objets and furniture that is sophisticated and interesting, and comfort is assured.

The room offerings cater for all requirements. There are five suites with 13 deluxe, 26 double and six smaller ‘Urban Smart’ rooms. Each has impeccable amenity and the inclusion of double-sided mirrors and white leather sofa adds a touch of design glamour. There is a courtesy bar for residents that is located on the ground floor of the hotel, and drinks and snacks are provided free of charge throughout the day. This is a place to relax, read and rest those weary legs after a day of sightseeing.

As a boutique hotel, the Miró also provides special amenities that raise the bar in the hospitality stakes. Guests are invited to enjoy the benefits of the Wellness Suite for a massage and treatments and Acqua Wellness for a steam bath or hydro massage in the tub or shower. There are also meeting rooms available, should work be on the agenda and these areas can accommodate up to 35 people. Breakfast is served in a designated area on the mezzanine level and the location affords views of the outside street that leads to the Guggenheim at the end of the city block. The choice of breakfast fare includes local products that are free range and organic – all presented in the Spanish style and utterly delicious.

In keeping with Bilbao’s reputation of outstanding architecture and appreciation of the arts, those who oversee the Miró have curated their own art collection of contemporary photography. With more than 40 pieces from some of Spain’s best photographers, the large-sized images have been placed in the public spaces within the interior of the hotel and guests have the opportunity to enjoy a visual feast that delights the eye and stretches the mind!

The Miró Hotel is exactly what a fine hotel should be, with style and comfort at the heart of its offering. To visit Spain is excitement, to visit Bilbao is essential and to stay at the Miró is a delight.

mirohotelbilbao.com/en