We stayed at the Novotel Barakaldo for a long weekend at the end of May 2008 as an economical base for a family of 4, close to Bilbao. The hotel is modern and our room was clean, but more compact than most Novotels we have stayed in before. There was limited storage space and the open hanging area (instead of a wardrobe) was very narrow. We regularly stay in Novotels as they have a kids stay free policy and in most cases have rooms that sleep 4 people, so our kids are used to sharing a sofa bed, but in this Novotel, the sofa bed was very narrow and it was a tight fit for them (they are 8 and 11). Otherwise, the room was OK, had a large double bed, a modern bathroom (with a bath and a separate shower cubicle), flat screen TV and effective double glazing so we were not aware of the motorway outside. Breakfast was fairly standard for a Novotel, but all hot food (e.g. eggs) were cooked to order, so took a little time to get 4 omelettes made. The hotel is about 15-20 minutes walk from the Ansio metro station to get into the centre of Bilbao. By metro it was about EUR1.45 for a single ticket into the city centre or EUR4.00 for a day ticket (no child reductions) but it was quick, clean and efficient. One evening, we took a taxi from the old town back to the Novotel and it cost EUR16.00 so offset against a good deal on the accommodation (GBP55.00 per night for 2 adults and 2 children including buffet breakfast) it was a cost effective solution for a family room in the Bilbao area. Although out of town, the hotel is situated on a retail park, with a supermarket (closed on Sunday) close by in the direction of the BEC exhibition centre and Ansio metro station. In the opposite direction, there are retail units (mostly outlet stores), a couple of sports stores, an IKEA and a cinema (there may have been some other shops/supermarkets, but we didn’t explore any further in that direction). We used public transport all weekend and also went to San Sebastian which was just over an hour by bus from the Termibus bus station in Bilbao which is connected to the metro. The bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian was just over EUR9.00 per person each way (plus the metro between Ansio and the city centre). We flew to Bilbao and a taxi between the airport and the hotel was about EUR25 each way. The only downside was the internet access was expensive, with a minimum charge of 30 minutes, which was more than enough time to check-in for our flights home.

My stay in Bilbao was for a meeting with a client, i have booked on Novotel.com, after looking for other websites...and I prefered to stay near the airport, because I have arrived late at night, and the meeting place wasn´t far away. As the visit was so quick (24h) that I didn´t have time to visit Bilbao city center.. but I should say the hotel was perfect for me...because it is quite modern, warm decoration. The reception people were always smiling ... But concerning the location the question is I have rented a car at the airport.., so no problem for me but ...I guess the hotel is not perfect for some people who want to go to Bilbao city center without a car... oh, I have seen there is an outdoor pool... again I haven´t tried, because neither enough time nor hot weather...

Hotel moderno y comodo.A nuestra llegada el trato fue exquisito.Si llegas por la noche encontraras aparcamiento facilmente, imagino que a pleno dia es mas dificil.Me parecio bastante caro el parking (14 euros al dia). El desayuno muy completo y bueno. La habitación inmensa. Nos toco una de las 5 que hay habilitadas para minusvalidos y alli se podia jugar al fronton. La cama muy confortable y la insonorizacion es perfecta. Desde la pagina www.accordhotels.com puedes hacer la reserva al minimo precio garantizado y si la haces con tiempo y sabiendo que no vas a cancelar es realmente ventajosa. La relacion calida/precio es inmejorable.Esta muy cerca del BEC y de una parque comercial increiblemente completo. Totalmente recomendado sin ninguna duda.

The Novotel Bilbao Barakaldo is located just off the main motorway leading to the Bilbao Ferry Terminal at Santurzi. While it's not the most attractive location, next to the motorway and Mega Park retail complex, it does provide an oasis of calm in which to relax after a long drive from Spain's Costas. The hotel seems relatively new and has a stylish public areas on the ground floor. The rooms are a good size, with separate shower and bath, and extremely comfortable beds. There is a secure underground car park which is worth the 14 Euros overnight charge if you have a car laden with luggage and holiday purchases. It's not the most obvious entrance as you have to follow the one-way system round the retail park to reach the rear of the hotel. However, we parked up in the road alongside the hotel first and the helpful reception staff gave us directions. Breakfast was a substantial continental buffet which filled us up for the day. It's worth booking via the Novotel website as I worked out the breakfast inclusive rate was better value than room only. Great value for 79 Euros for two. The local metro station, Ansio, is only a short walk away and it provides fast access into Bilbao city centre to visit the Guggenheim. Not the sort of place to stay for a holiday, but perfect for an overnight stop when you have a car, or if you are attending an event at the nearby Bilbao Exhibition Centre.