Holiday Inn Express Bilbao By Ihg

This hotel serves as an exceptionally convenient gateway for travelers utilizing the nearby airport, primarily distinguished by its complimentary and frequent shuttle service. It is particularly well-suited for those with early morning flights or late arrivals, offering a stress-free transition to and from the terminal. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff as a major asset, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The breakfast is frequently praised for its quality and early availability, catering to diverse schedules. While the rooms are generally found to be clean, feedback on comfort and condition can be mixed. This hotel is an ideal fit for business travelers seeking efficiency, families needing practical airport access, and sightseers who plan to explore the region by car. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to confirm your shuttle booking in advance, especially during peak times, and be aware that some rooms may experience noise from adjacent areas or the nearby highway.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's shuttle service to and from the airport is a standout feature, operating frequently and providing immense convenience for guests. While generally efficient, some guests have reported occasional delays or difficulties in booking, so advance confirmation is recommended. The Wi-Fi connectivity is largely reliable, though a few guests experienced inconsistent coverage within their rooms. The lobby area offers a modern and comfortable space for relaxation, often featuring a convenient lobby bar for drinks and light refreshments. Additionally, vending machines are available for snacks and beverages, though some guests encountered issues with them dispensing items correctly. Parking is provided on-site, which is a significant advantage for those traveling by car, although it can sometimes be crowded due to shared space with rental car services.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is generally positive, with many rooms described as tidy and well-maintained. However, some reviews indicate concerns regarding room condition, mentioning instances of dampness, mold along shower perimeters, or a dated appearance in certain areas. The beds receive mixed reviews; many guests find them comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, while others describe them as hard beds or note issues with pillows being too firm. Noise levels are a recurring point of concern, with numerous reports of thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms, hallways, and the adjacent highway noise to be easily heard, impacting sleep quality. Furthermore, the air conditioning system is frequently cited as problematic, often being loud, ineffective at cooling, or only providing heat. In-room amenities like kettles and TVs are generally present, but bathroom conditions, including drainage and water temperature fluctuations, are sometimes highlighted as needing improvement.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service is a consistent highlight, widely praised for its variety and quality. Guests appreciate the extensive selection of fresh and tasty options, including warm pastries, coffee, and traditional items. The early breakfast availability, starting as early as 5 AM, is particularly valued by those with early flights, ensuring they can grab a meal before departure. While the breakfast buffet is generally well-stocked, some guests noted that hot food items could run out quickly during busy periods. The on-site restaurant, often operating independently but adjacent to the hotel, receives mixed to negative feedback. Many guests found the food quality to be subpar and the prices to be high, with limited menu options. The lobby bar also offers a restricted menu, typically including items like pizza, which some guests found expensive and unappetizing.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's primary advantage is its airport proximity, being just a short five-minute drive away. This makes it an exceptionally convenient choice for travelers with early morning departures or late-night arrivals. The complimentary shuttle service is crucial for airport access, as walking to the terminal is not safe due to the lack of pedestrian paths along the highway. While ideal for airport connections, the hotel is not centrally located for exploring Bilbao's city center on foot. Guests typically rely on the shuttle to the airport, from where public transport (buses) can be taken into the city. Parking is available on-site, which is beneficial for guests traveling with their own vehicles or rental cars, though spaces can sometimes be limited due to high demand.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly staff, helpful staff, and professional staff. Guests frequently commend their attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, from providing local information and travel advice to resolving room issues. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as efficient, though some guests experienced delays during peak times. The shuttle drivers are often singled out for their pleasant demeanor and efficiency in transporting guests to and from the airport. While the majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated instances of unresponsiveness or perceived rudeness from certain staff members have been reported, particularly regarding phone inquiries or specific service types. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing attentive service significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
Several guests reported being assigned accessible rooms without prior request, which, while beneficial for those with mobility needs, caused inconvenience for others due to specific bathroom configurations. The hotel is noted to be undergoing or has recently completed refurbishment in certain areas, with some guests observing updated corridors and rooms without carpeting. The pet-friendly policy is appreciated by guests traveling with animals, although finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be a challenge. Issues with vending machines incorrectly charging or failing to dispense items were mentioned by a few guests. Some reviews also highlighted discrepancies with booking details or credit card charges, suggesting a need for guests to carefully verify their reservations and payments upon arrival and departure.