**Sercotel Arenal Bilbao: Your Dream Bilbao Stay Awaits!**
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao: My Surprisingly Excellent (and Slightly Clumsy) Bilbao Adventure
Okay, buckle up buttercups. I'm about to spill the beans on my stay at Sercotel Arenal Bilbao, and let me tell you, it was a ride. The slogan, "Your Dream Bilbao Stay Awaits!"… well, it's certainly ambitious. But did it actually deliver on dreaminess? Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions & Accessibility - The Good, The "Almost" Good, and My Slightly Stumbled Approach
Right off the bat, the location? Spot on. Smack-dab in the heart of the old town (Casco Viejo), it's a total win for exploring. Getting around was a breeze. And speaking of breezy, the elevator, that's a huge plus. Accessibility is generally good. The lobby is spacious, and the common areas were easy to navigate, which made a big difference for me being able to stroll around comfortably. The website promises wheelchair accessibility, and from what I saw, it seems to be mostly true, although I suggest double-checking specific room details if you have specific needs.
*(Accessibility Check: Elevator, Wheelchair Accessible, Facilities for disabled guests - yes, yes, mostly yes!) *
Rooms: The Cozy Nook vs. The "Hmm, Needed More Coffee" Moment
My room? Ah, the room. It boasted all the usual suspects: air conditioning (thank the heavens!), free Wi-Fi (more on that later!), a desk (for pretending to work, heh), and a mini-bar (crucial for emergency chocolate situations, you know?) I had an extra-long bed, which, as a tall person, I always appreciate. Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping off the Pintxos coma.
Here's the thing: It was comfortable, clean (they really do a good job with daily housekeeping, which is a massive plus), and had a certain charm. But… (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) …it lacked a certain "wow" factor. It felt a little…safe. Maybe a bit too neutral? A splash of color or a vibrant piece of local art would have been fantastic. I also had to fiddle with the internet access for a bit, but the free Wi-Fi in all rooms ultimately did the trick.
*(Room Essentials: Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Desk, Extra long bed, Blackout curtains, Daily housekeeping, Internet access – wireless - check, check, check, but could be better!) *
The Wi-Fi Saga: A Tangled Web of Signals and Silent Screams
Okay, can we talk about the Wi-Fi for a sec? It was… temperamental. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms was the big selling point for me, and the promise of it in the lobby and public areas. At first, it was smooth sailing. Then, the signal started fading. And then… nothing. Just a spinning wheel of despair. I ended up roaming around the hotel, desperately hunting for a signal like some kind of digital nomad seeking WiFi Nirvana. I was finally able to get a steady connection, but it took some effort. I'd hoped for better. This could seriously affect those who rely on Internet for working or even video-calling loved ones.
*(Internet Issues: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, Internet access – wireless, Internet - A mixed bag. Could be better!) *
Food, Glorious Food (with a Side of "Where's the Spice?")
The hotel boasts several restaurants, a coffee shop, and a snack bar, which is a huge win. Let’s be honest about the breakfast [buffet]: It was a solid offering. There was your standard continental fare – bread, pastries, fruit, yogurt, etc. But let me tell you, the buffet in restaurant was a great way to start the day with a good meal to fuel up! The options were plentiful, and the coffee was strong. The one thing I was missing was a bit more variety.
There was a vegetarian restaurant and even some Asian cuisine in restaurant options, which were amazing! The food here was great, and there were a lot of options. I also highly enjoyed the bar, this made for a good wind-down or an early start to the festivities!
*(Dining Highlights: Breakfast [buffet], Coffee shop, Restaurants, Vegetarian restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar - Food's a good bet!) *
Relaxation & "Zen Zone?" - Finding the Spa's Soul
The hotel has a fitness center, a spa, and a sauna, a steamroom, and a swimming pool [indoor] which is quite attractive. Now, I'm not usually a spa person, but after a day of pounding the cobblestone streets, the promise of a massage and a sauna was simply irresistible. The spa itself was lovely, with a tranquil atmosphere, though it did seem a bit on the small side. The experience was pretty good, but not mind-blowing.
(Relaxation & Spa: Fitness center, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [indoor], Massage - A solid spa experience but nothing groundbreaking.)
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitized Side of Bilbao
Okay, let's talk about cleanliness and safety. In these crazy times, it's paramount, right? Well, hats off to Sercotel Arenal Bilbao. They take it very seriously. I was impressed with the anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection in common areas, and the room sanitization between stays. There was hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were clearly trained in safety protocol with the staff trained in safety protocol and everyone wearing masks. They've got a first aid kit, and all that jazz. I felt genuinely safe and even a bit pampered. This goes above and beyond and is something the hotel can brag about!
(Safety & Cleanliness: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol - A+ for effort!)
Things To Do & Getting Around – Exploring Bilbao & the Little Things
The front desk was helpful with information on things to do. The convenience store was a handy amenity. They have a taxi service, and the car park [on-site] is a bonus if you're road tripping (though parking in Bilbao can be a bit of a puzzle). I just found it easy to walk to everything.
(Amenities: Concierge, Convenience store, Taxi service, Car park [on-site] - convenient!)
For the Kids & Family Friendly: A Place for Everyone?
The hotel is family/child friendly. I didn't have any tiny humans in tow, but I saw a family with a small kid, and they seemed happy (a good sign!).
(For the Kids: Family/child friendly - seems good!)
The "Dream" Factor: Did It Really Deliver?
So, did Sercotel Arenal Bilbao deliver on its promise of a "dream Bilbao stay?" Well, not quite. It's not a fairytale, folks. But here's the thing: It's a solid, well-located, clean, and mostly accessible hotel with some excellent amenities. It's a great base for exploring Bilbao. The biggest issues honestly were the occasionally spotty Wi-Fi and the lack of a few small details to make it "dreamy".
Final Verdict:
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao is a good choice for a Bilbao adventure. It's not perfect, but it's a comfortable, convenient, and overall enjoyable stay. I'd recommend it, with the caveat that you should be prepared for the Wi-Fi situation! It's a great value and one I'm already eyeing back!
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (minus one star for the Wi-Fi drama and a smidge for the neutral decor)
Escape to Paradise: Kasem Garden Hotel, Surin, Thailand - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your standard, perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is my actual attempt at a Bilbao jaunt, with all the glorious chaos that entails, centered around the Sercotel Arenal Bilbao. Prepare for opinions, rambling, and the very real possibility of me completely losing my train of thought mid-sentence. Here we go…
The Bilbao Blitz: A Messy, Opinionated, and Probably Delicious Adventure
Hotel Base Camp: Sercotel Arenal Bilbao (Let's Hope It’s Not a Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Pintxos of Doom (and Delight)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Bilbao Airport. The "ish" is crucial. I'm notoriously late. Praying the flight wasn’t delayed. Praying my bag made it. Praying I remember which way the "right" exit is. Already stressed.
- 11:00 AM (or Later): Taxi to Sercotel Arenal Bilbao. Check in. Praying the room is clean. Praying it actually exists and wasn't double-booked. I’m a sucker for a hotel with good reviews, but let’s be real, a good bed is my bare minimum.
- 12:00 PM (if I haven’t collapsed from airport exhaustion): Quick recon mission around the hotel. See what's up. Look for the nearest coffee shop that doesn’t serve instant death (aka, bad coffee). The hotel looks… fine online. Let’s hope it’s fine in person, too.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Pintxos Pilgrimage Begins. This is the most important part of the day. Hit the Old Town (Casco Viejo). I’ve got a list of supposedly amazing pintxos bars. I'm already salivating. It's gonna be a mix of "OMG, this is heaven!" and "Okay…this… tastes… like… something.” I’m thinking Bar Charly and Gure Txokoa are first on the list. I’m also a sucker for a good potato tortilla. A good one.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Culture Shock? Explore the Casco Viejo. Get lost. Get slightly frustrated. Try to decipher the (probably) incomprehensible street signs. Admire the architecture (or just gawk, I’m easily pleased). Take about a million pictures that will all look the same.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Guggenheim Anxiety (or Maybe Just Excitement?). Walk to the Guggenheim Museum. I’m secretly terrified of modern art, but I have to see the Puppy. Praying I don’t accidentally trigger a panic attack in front of the enormous spider sculpture.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Guggenheim or Bust (or Budget Limitations). Tour the Guggenheim. Take pictures, act like I understand. Secretly hope I see something that actually, genuinely moves me. Maybe find the cafe and reward myself with a ridiculously overpriced coffee.
- 8:00 PM - Whenever: The Night is Young (and the Stomach is Empty). Back to the Casco Viejo for more pintxos and maybe a glass (or two…) of Rioja. This is where things get interesting. More bars, more food, more… well, more of everything. I’m anticipating some legendary stories (and maybe a slight hangover). I'm thinking El Globo is a good bet.
Day 2: Art, Architecture, and Maybe Murder (Kidding…Mostly)
- 9:00 AM (or whenever I can physically drag myself out of bed): Coffee fix. Desperately needed. Hopefully, the hotel coffee is at least drinkable. If not, I will hunt down the best coffee in town like it's a matter of life or death.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: A Walk on the Wild Side (of Architecture). Head to the Zubizuri bridge. Admire the architecture, take even more pictures. Maybe judge the design of the Calatrava, I’m entitled to an opinion! (Spoiler alert: I’ll probably love it.) Then explore the Ribera Market. Marvel at the fresh produce, the bustling atmosphere. Try not to buy everything.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Time! Pintxos round two? Or maybe a proper sit-down meal somewhere. I've heard there are some good seafood restaurants. Preferably somewhere I can sit and watch the world go by with a glass of Albariño.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Metro Misadventure (or Success – Fingers Crossed). Attempting to use the Bilbao Metro. Praying I don’t get lost, or, worse, stuck in a crowded train. This could go horribly wrong, or be strangely enjoyable. Wish me luck!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Museo de Bellas Artes? Maybe a visit to the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum). I’m torn. On one hand, art. On the other hand, maybe I’ve had enough art for one trip. Decisions, decisions…
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Relaxation Time (or Nap Time). Back to the hotel for a rest. Maybe a quick nap. Need to recharge for tonight’s adventures. Also time to organize photos since I'll probably have 500 from all of Day 1.
- 7:00 PM - Late: Farewell Feast (Maybe). Dinner at a restaurant I’ve (hopefully) managed to research. I’m thinking something traditional, with lots of local specialties. More wine, more laughter, and hopefully, no embarrassing incidents. Prepare for a massive food coma… and a probable lack of sleep.
Day 3: Farewell Bilbao (Sobbing or Smiling, Who Knows?)
- 9:00 AM (If I can see straight): Last-minute coffee. One more desperate attempt to find a good coffee shop.
- 10:00 AM: Final Pintxos Raid! One last, frantic dash to the Casco Viejo for a final pintxos farewell. I'm going to eat ALL the things.
- 11:00 AM: Souvenir Shopping (or Panic Buying). Scramble for last-minute souvenirs. Running around, trying to find something that actually says "Bilbao" and doesn't look like a cheap tourist trap.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the Airport. Time to go home.
- 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Reflect on the trip. Did I enjoy myself? Did I eat enough? Did I embarrass myself? The answers are probably "yes," "definitely," and "almost certainly."
Rambling Thoughts, Imperfections, and Utter Chaos:
- The Food: I am a huge foodie. This trip is primarily about the food. Pintxos are life. Tapas are life. I'm going to eat everything. And then probably regret some of it later, but it will be worth it.
- The Guggenheim: I'm fascinated, mildly intimidated by the Guggenheim. I have a feeling it will be a love-hate relationship. But I must see the Puppy. Must.
- My Spanish: My Spanish is… rudimentary. Expect a lot of charades and frantic hand gestures. I'm banking on the kindness of strangers.
- The Hotel: The Sercotel Arenal Bilbao needs to be comfy and clean. That's my only real demand. Anything else is a bonus. If the breakfast is bad, heads will roll. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- Expect the Unexpected: This itinerary is more of a suggestion than a strict plan. Life happens. Detours happen. Hangovers happen. Embrace the chaos!
Final Thoughts (Before I Pack, Panic, and Forget Everything):
I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’m probably going to overpack. I’m going to eat too much. I’m going to laugh (hopefully). I’m going to get lost. I’m going to love Bilbao. And I’m going to bring back some seriously good stories. Wish me luck!
Escape to Paradise: Karma Chalets & Karisma Spa (Denmark & Australia)
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao: You're Thinking of Going? Okay, Let's Talk! (No Promises I'm Helpful)
So, is this place actually *in* the Arenal? Because I get turned around walking to the grocery store, let alone a whole city...
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, it's *basically* in the Arenal. Like, you stumble out the door, and BAM! You're in the heart of it. Perfect for people like me, who prioritize proximity to pintxos and questionable life choices. I mean, I got absolutely lost *once* trying to find a specific shop, and the only reason it wasn't a complete disaster was because I found a bar. Two bars, actually. Okay, fine, maybe three. The point is, LOCATION is key. Seriously, Bilbao is a maze, and the Arenal is the beating heart. You're golden.
Rooms: Cozy? Cramped? Do I need to sell a kidney to get a decent one?
Alright, ROOMS. They're...fine. Not palatial. Definitely not. I stayed in one, and the views weren't exactly Instagram-worthy (unless you really love seeing rooftops, which, hey, some people do!). Think "functional" rather than "luxurious". My tip? Book ahead, and maybe try to snag a higher floor. You might get a better view. Or, you know, at least not feel like you're watching the pigeons' mating rituals. The space? Well, let's just say I'm not a minimalist. I managed to function, but I wouldn't recommend hosting a yoga retreat in there.
Breakfast: Good? Bad? Do they have REAL coffee? Because I'm a monster without caffeine.
Breakfast. This is where things get... interesting. The *coffee*? Okay, breathe...It's not the best coffee I've ever had, I won't lie. It's not the worst, either. It's that dependable hotel breakfast kind of coffee. You know, that keeps you alive but doesn't give you the existential bliss of a perfectly brewed espresso. But listen! They had croissants. Decent ones! And they had *jam*. And the little scrambled eggs... perfectly fine for soaking up the previous night's revelry. Don't expect Michelin star quality, but you won't starve. I actually overate one morning and felt *utterly* disgusted with myself, right up until the next day when I did it again. It was a cycle.
The Staff: Are they helpful, or do they just look at you like you’re from another planet (which I probably am, given my Spanish)?
The staff... bless their hearts. They are generally *very* helpful. And patient. Especially with my atrocious Spanish. I once tried to order a croissant and ended up accidentally asking for a "dancing pastry." They didn't even laugh, bless them! One guy, I swear, he knew every single thing about Bilbao. Restaurants, transport, even where to find the best (and most secret) pintxo bars. They're a good bunch. Just be nice to them. You know, use your manners. And maybe learn a few basic Spanish phrases. "Hola" and "Por favor" and "Where's the nearest pintxo?" go a long way.
Is it noisy? Bilbao seems like a party town...
Okay, so, YES. It can be noisy. You're in the heart of the action. Especially on a weekend. Think laughing, talking, the rhythmic thump of music (that's the good stuff!), the occasional car horn, and the distant roar of a very, very excited football fan. (Seriously, those Bilbao fans are intense!). I'm a light sleeper and I managed okay. But If you need absolute silence, maybe pack some earplugs. Or, you know, embrace the chaos. It's part of the charm, right? I mean, what's a trip to Bilbao without a little bit of... *vibrancy*?
Location (Again): Is it easy to get around from there?
YES! Okay, I know I raved about the location already, but seriously. Everything is walkable. The Guggenheim? Walkable. The Casco Viejo (Old Town)? Walkable. The metro? Right there! The tram? Close. Even the train station isn't that far. You could practically roll out of bed and be at a pintxo bar within minutes. I probably *did* roll out of bed into a pintxo bar one morning... don't judge! Walking is the best way to see Bilbao. The architecture is amazing, the people-watching is even better, and you'll burn off some of those pintxos.
Any serious downsides? Like, hidden fees or ghosts?
Hidden fees? Not that I noticed. Ghosts? I didn't see any, thankfully. Unless the lingering memory of that *one* particularly potent G&T counts. The only "downside", and this is me being *really* nitpicky, is that the elevators can be a bit slow during peak times. But hey, it's a good excuse to get some exercise (or, you know, take a breather while you're waiting). And the view from the lobby really is just of the street, but come on, you're not going to Bilbao to stare at the lobby, are you?
Would you... GO back? Honestly?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Despite the potentially dodgy coffee, the slightly cramped space, and any lingering potential for noise issues. I’d go back. The location alone makes it worthwhile. I found some amazing pintxo bars that I would gladly revisit! The staff were lovely, the city is incredible, and, well, Bilbao just has a certain something that gets in your soul. Yes, definitely, I'd go back. And I'm already plotting my return. (Don't tell my bank account).
