Review: Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao – Introduction and Booking

My trip to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls started with a few days in Bilbao, Spain, where I stayed at Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. I spent two nights at this property, with one paid in cash and the other covered using a Free Night Certificate set to expire. I redeemed my Titanium 45K points certificate and topped it off with 12K points. For the cash night (€150), I used Marriott Gift Cards, which I had purchased at a 25% discount during an Amex offer, allowing me to maximize my savings.

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao – Exterior

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao – Getting There and Check-in

Getting to the hotel from Bilbao Airport (BIO) was simple and budget-friendly. I took Bus A3247, which cost €3, and got off at the second stop. From there, it was just a five-minute walk to the hotel. For those who prefer convenience, a taxi ride costs over €30, though Uber isn’t very popular in Bilbao.

Reception Desk and Lobby area

Upon arrival, I found that the reception desk is one floor lower than street level. Guests can either take the stairs or use the elevator, with assistance from the bellhop if needed. The reception area offered complimentary water, a thoughtful touch for arriving travelers.

As a Titanium Bonvoy member, I received the welcome benefit of 750 Bonvoy points or a complimentary breakfast. I chose breakfast and had the flexibility to try both the buffet and the a la carte options. Additionally, I received a €10 meal credit that could be used at any of the hotel’s restaurants.

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao – Vintage Premium Twin Room

Thanks to my Marriott Suite Night Awards (SNA), I was upgraded from a standard twin room to a Vintage Premium Twin Room—the hotel’s top-tier room, typically priced three times higher than the base category.

Vintage Premium Twin Room

Twin Beds

A notable perk in the Premium Twin Room is two dry-cleaning items. However, I discovered that this benefit only applies if you book the room outright—an upgrade does not qualify for this service.

The boutique-style room was spacious and tastefully decorated with modern wall paintings and a coffee table with magazines.

• The huge bathroom featured a full bathtub, a separate shower, and dual sinks. It was stocked with toiletries, including a shaving kit, dental kit, and shower cap.
• All the towels, slippers, and bathrobes were embroidered with the hotel’s name, adding a personalized touch.
• The beds were extremely comfortable, and the room had a giant-screen TV and ample closet space.
• A well-stocked mini-bar was available (at an extra cost), though no microwave was provided.
• The room included an ironing board, iron, and a complimentary coffee maker with pods.

Spacious Bathroom

Bathrobe

Room mini-bar

One minor downside was that the room lacked a view. However, the terrace restaurant on the top floor more than made up for it with its breathtaking city views.

La Terrace Restaurant

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao – Dining Options

La Terrace Restaurant – Located on the 13th floor, La Terrace offers panoramic views of Bilbao. The hotel’s central location makes the views spectacular, and I appreciated the cityscape as much as the food. I ordered the Txuleta Meat Burger, a local specialty, cooked medium for my meal. Served with fries, it was one of the best burgers I’ve had in Spain. While the restaurant does not offer desserts, the view alone makes this a must-visit spot.

Txuleta Meat Burger

Bar Americano – Located on the main level near the reception desk, Bar Americano boasts an extensive collection of spirits, catering to scotch, tequila, and vodka drinkers alike. The menu offers a variety of food options, though prices are on the higher side.

Breakfast Options – Buffet and A la Carte

Breakfast was served from 7 AM to 11 AM on the third floor. The buffet was extensive, offering:

• Hot foods: Scrambled and sunny-side-up eggs, quiche, sausages, bacon, fried mushrooms, fried vegetables, and made-to-order omelets.
• Cold foods: Assorted cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, and yogurt.
• Breads and desserts: A wide selection of bread, cakes, donuts, and pastries.
• Drinks: Multiple juice options and self-serve coffee machines, with the option to order cappuccinos on demand.

Breakfast Buffet Area

The service was excellent, and the buffet was well worth it. For those looking for a gourmet breakfast, the a la carte menu at Bar Americano (available from 7 AM to 1 PM) is one of the best I’ve encountered at a Marriott property.

Menu highlights included:

• Poached eggs with caviar
• Scrambled eggs with truffles
• Poached eggs with salmon
• Avocado toast with poached eggs

Scrambled Eggs with Truffle

Poached Eggs with Caviar

Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs

Since I had Titanium status, my breakfast was complimentary. Given that my meal included four main dishes, four espresso drinks, and two juices, the bill would have been over €150 if paid in cash—making this an exceptional value for elite members.

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao – Other Services and Facilities

The gym is on the second floor and offers basic workout equipment, including treadmills, elliptical and rowing machines, stationary bikes, and free weights. Complimentary towels, bottled water, and apples were available. Though the gym is not extensive, it is adequate for a basic workout. No pool or sauna is available at this property.

Hotel Gym

Takeaway

If I had to rate Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, I’d give it a 9 out of 10. The hotel is in an excellent central location, and the boutique-style rooms, though small, are well-designed and comfortable. The breakfast options were outstanding, and the view from the terrace was breathtaking. Marriott’s elite recognition was strong, offering great Titanium perks such as an upgrade, meal credits, and premium breakfast options. The few drawbacks were that the laundry service was not included with the upgrade, and the top-tier room lacked a view, which was disappointing. However, these minor flaws were far outweighed by the overall experience. I would stay here again on a future trip to Bilbao.

✈️ Bon Voyage!

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