Spain’s ‘masterpiece’ art hotel has 5 stars and lots of buzz – here’s my verdict

Metro Checks In to The Artist – Grand Hotel of Art, a 5-star hotel in Bilbao, Spain.

Anyone who has watched A Night at the Museum knows the thrill of a building that comes alive after hours.

Sleeping amongst masterpieces can be inspiring, exhilarating – and a little daunting.

Swap the dinosaurs for imposing sculptures, and you land on something close to sleeping at The Artist (minus the cheeky monkey).

Not far from the Guggenheim, the modern and contemporary art museum that redefined this once-industrial city, it’s hard to tell when the visit starts and ends.

One second you’re looking at a 43-foot-tall flower dog by Jeff Koons, and the other you’re surprised by a kinetic sculpture with 120 clocks in the lobby. Where do I get my ticket?

Proudly independent, this boutique hotel has been gathering plenty of buzz lately – and it’s well deserved.

In October, it was awarded One Michelin Key in the Michelin Guide 2025, a distinction that puts it firmly on the radar of travellers interested in craft and character.

What’s the vibe? Paint us a picture

The lobby opens onto an 85-foot column titled ‘Fossil Cypress’, by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal.

Set beside a fountain, its 86,432 stones rise through the atrium like a colossal prehistoric artefact, filling the entire building vertically.

From there, the lifts glide past colour-blocked floors, each one marked by a different palette and a quick flash of Mariscal’s paintings. The interiors are bold but playful, with a mix of furniture from different eras.

By the time I reach my room, the excitement settles into a warm welcome: a tray with bites of chocolate cake and a handwritten note.

Ok, what are the rooms like at The Artist?

The hotel’s 145 rooms feel spacious, with warm hues and solid wood accents balancing the modern design.

My Deluxe room had two full-body mirrors (a rarity these days), generous luggage space, and a 49-inch smart TV with an HDMI connection, which allowed me to catch up on streaming.

The marble bathroom was a mix of delight and disappointment. I loved that the freestanding bathtub sat in front of a glass wall (with an electric blind for privacy), allowing natural light to brighten a space that’s usually gloomy in hotel rooms.

The sturdy hairdryer didn’t let me down, and the bathrobes were an elegant touch.

However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the wooden slats in the cramped shower and bath area, which were very slippery and revealed signs of wear very easily.

Not all rooms have a Guggenheim view, but I wouldn’t let that put you off, since there is a huge rooftop available to all guests (more on that in a moment).

If you’re willing to splash out, though, choose a suite with a private terrace. You may end up never leaving the hotel.

And, as they say, luxury is in the details. Having a big umbrella available for sightseeing was a God-send during my winter trip.

The turndown service made me feel like a real VIP, from classic handmade chocolates to a delightful pillow spray by The White Company.

What about the facilities?

If you are travelling to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim, one of the best places to admire the building is on The Rooftop of The Artist.

Located on the seventh floor, it’s where breakfast is served each morning. There is a well-curated buffet, with fresh fruit, healthy yoghurt bowls and a generous bakery corner.

A special mention for the chocolate-dipped croissants that may offend some French guests, but were oh-so-delicious.

Guests can also order from the à la carte menu, with egg dishes, pancakes and tostadas included. There’s something magical about starting your day with this iconic museum gleaming in the morning light.

The wellness centre includes a fitness area, a small sauna, and a Turkish bath, with the option to book treatments in advance. The spa is overall teensy, but it was a good space to unwind after a day on Bilbao’s hilly streets, and entry is included in the stay.

I enjoyed the practical touches, too: the reception staff provided knowledgeable recommendations about the city, marking them on a map for me upon arrival, and a 24-hour room service meant I never felt peckish.

Can you eat and drink at The Artist?

Yes, and with four locations, you’re spoilt for choice. Besides serving breakfast, The Rooftop also offers brunch with a view on weekends (£70) and tapas in the evening.

At ground level, The Gallery is a bistro overlooking Koons’ Puppy, serving a daily menu of Basque dishes with international touches.

Nearby, Sixty-One is the not-so-secret lobby bar, where Alex Adan and his team stir expertly executed cocktails, with energetic service and playful surprises.

I tried a refreshing Platinum – with pisco, pineapple and an unexpected side of gummy bears. It’s a quiet and sophisticated space on most evenings, which transforms into a live jazz venue on the second Thursday of each month.

And last but not least, OLiO. Named after the common raw material for both painters and chefs – oil – the restaurant serves dishes with modern flair, clearly aiming for more Michelin recognition.

The dishes celebrate the Basque culinary experience with well-placed French influences. My highlights were the langoustine with Basque pork and bizkaina sauce, the pigeon with grapes and corn purée, and the tender mushrooms with cured duck and fig leaf oil.

How much are the rooms at The Artist in Bilbao?

Rooms start from £200, based on two sharing on a room-only basis, and are priced depending on the view.

Being able to admire the Guggenheim at all times comes at a price. There are nine room types: Smart, Superior, Deluxe, Premier, Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites, Studio Suites, Premier Suites and one Penthouse Suite.

A three-night spring stay for two in a Superior room with city views starts at £660, according to Trivago.

Martina Andretta was a guest of The Artist, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ L.V.X. Collection. However, don’t expect us to sugarcoat anything – our reviews are 100% independent.

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