Hotel Ilunion Bilbao

Bed down in a blank canvas

The Guggenheim features work by an array of vibrant contemporary artists, including Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol. But if you prefer something a little less colourful and a little more calming, then you will love the minimalist double and twin bedrooms at Hotel Ilunion Bilbao that are perfect for quiet contemplation. All of the 176 spacious rooms have views of the city and are decorated in soothing shades of blues and greys. Forget distracting flourishes; the emphasis here is on creating a comfortable sanctuary with minimal fuss.

Marvel at industrial installations

Revitalising old warehouse districts with brand-new buildings tends to spark a lot of interest – and that’s certainly what happened when architect Frank Gehry unveiled the titanium, glass and limestone museum in 1997. Inspired by the idea of regeneration, the public spaces in Hotel Ilunion Bilbao have an eye-catching industrial aesthetic and are decorated with exposed lightbulbs and ripped posters to create an urban look and feel. The metallic colour palette – silver, gold and bronze – are reminiscent of some of the museum’s large-scale installations. We couldn’t help thinking of Louise Bourgeois’s “Maman”, a giant spider sculpture that dominates the outside of the museum.

Admire the hotel’s interior for even longer by requesting a late checkout and make the most of the breakfast buffet to fuel your artistic explorations. When the day’s cultural tour is done, enjoy the hotel’s La Kedada Restaurant, which specialises in local dishes.

Make the most of these two tales at Hotel Ilunion Bilbao where contrasts blend seamlessly into a unique and exciting ambiance.