Hotel recommendations for pre-Camino stay in Bilbao

[Sweetbaboo]

In April, flying into Bilbao from USA with friend before starting Camino Norte. Staying a couple days before taking transportation to Irun and beginning our journey. Any suggestions? Prefer a hotel. This is my 4th Camino, first time Norte for my friend so we are not in a huge hurry just need a breather from the flight over.

 

[jsalt]

Hi, I can recommend Hotel Ripa for a basic no-nonsense budget hotel. On the river, close to the old historic centre. Safe area, walked back there alone late at night. Lovely walk from the hotel alongside the river to the Guggenheim.
The view from my window:

 

[Sweetbaboo]

Lovely. Exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you so much.

 

[Tandem Graham]

Without the view of Hotel Ripa, but a very friendly and affordable hotel just behind the Cathedral (dedicated to Santiago) is Estrella Ostatu (not sure about my spelling). We felt so at home there that we have been back twice!

 

[hecate105]

And look out for the 'azuleos' (tiles) depiction of 'Guernica' near the old hospital if i remember rightly - unmissable piece of local history...