Introduction
Before boarding the ferry from Bilbao to Ireland, Daisy (my 6kg Shih Tzu) and I had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Known for its contemporary style and upscale ambiance, this hotel provided the perfect pre-ferry stop for us both. Located in the heart of Bilbao, it's a stylish, pet-friendly haven that sets a high standard for luxury stays with your dog.
In this review, I'll walk you through every aspect of our experience, from arrival and check-in to Daisy's experience as a guest. I'll break down the hotel's dog-friendly features, amenities, dining options, and location—plus some practical tips for fellow dog travelers.
Overview of Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao
The Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao is a 4-star luxury hotel and part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. Situated in the vibrant city center of Bilbao, Spain, it offers a perfect mix of modern style and Basque charm. Its prime location places guests within walking distance of key city landmarks, shops, and restaurants.
If you're arriving by car, as we did, you'll be pleased to know the hotel offers valet parking services. We did not use the valet service as it didn't suit our set up with Daisy. I still had to unpack some of her stuff. I pulled up outside the hotel to unload luggage while Daisy stayed with my mom. I then drove about 200-300 meters up the road to park in a local car park. This process was smooth and convenient, especially after a long drive. Once you're inside, you're greeted by sleek, modern design and friendly staff ready to make you and your pup feel right at home.
Check-In Experience
Check-in at Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao was seamless. Since Daisy was with my mom during check-in, I can't provide firsthand details on how she was greeted, but the staff were aware we had a dog with us. Upon reaching our room, we were pleasantly surprised. The sheer size of the room and the wow factor blew us away. We were greeted with beautiful macarons set up in a glass casing. We were provided with slippers and robes. Daisy's favorite part of staying in hotels are the slippers, she will eat your feet for them ha!
A suite that felt like it belonged in an old Hollywood hotel, beautiful macarons under glass, and slippers Daisy would happily steal from your feet.
Dog-Friendly Room Setup
Our room at the Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao was nothing short of incredible. We were assigned a large one-bedroom suite with two bathrooms which felt it belonged in an old Hollywood hotel and a spacious open living area. It felt more like an apartment than a hotel room. This gave Daisy plenty of space to explore, and she certainly made the most of it. From the moment we arrived, she was darting around the suite, investigating every nook and cranny.
Shortly after we got settled, there was a knock on the door. The staff arrived with a dog bed, a bowl, and a bag of treats for Daisy. It's these little touches that make a big difference. Daisy wasted no time playing with the treat bag (rather than eating them) and relaxing on her new bed.
It's worth noting that the room was carpeted, which is something to consider for dog owners. If your dog is prone to accidents, you'll want to be extra mindful. While I'm not certain if all rooms are carpeted or if it's unique to suites, it's something to ask about when booking.
Pet Amenities & Services
The pet amenities at Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao were thoughtful and well-executed. From the moment we arrived, Daisy was treated like a guest in her own right. The delivery of a bed, bowl, and treats demonstrated the hotel's commitment to pet-friendliness.
While there isn't a dedicated pet relief area on-site, there are plenty of walking paths and small green spaces nearby to meet your pup's needs. The staff's attention to detail and kindness toward Daisy made the experience feel personal. They remembered her name, checked in on how she was doing, and ensured she had everything she needed.
Dining With Dogs
One of the most frustrating things about so-called "pet-friendly" hotels is being restricted from dining areas, but the Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao avoids this problem. While dogs are not allowed in the main restaurant, there is a stylish lounge area where you can relax with your pup.
We ordered room service for dinner after a long day of travel. The food was fantastic, though there was a small hiccup with the steak being undercooked. However, the staff were quick to resolve it, and the overall service was excellent. It was provided with butler-like service. The team were phenomenal. It's always a relief to have room service after a 13-hour drive, and the ability to dine with Daisy by my side made it even better.
Before our morning walk we ordered breakfast to the room. We were served with a basket of fresh pastries and breads, juices, eggs Benedict and my mom tried a local dish. We didn't finish the pastries so we brought them with us for our boat trip.
Walkability & Local Attractions
The Hotel Ercilla's location in the heart of Bilbao means you're only steps away from key attractions, including the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo (Old Town), and plenty of waterfront walking paths. This makes it a perfect choice for travelers with dogs, as there's no shortage of dog-friendly walking areas.
We took Daisy on a walk through the charming streets before heading for the port, where she received attention and love from passersby. The hotel's central location will make it easy for you to pop back a dog nap before heading back out. For dog owners, being able to step outside directly onto a bustling street with walkable paths is a major plus.
Steps from the Guggenheim, Casco Viejo, and waterfront paths, Daisy collected plenty of attention from passersby on our walk to the port.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness can be a concern at pet-friendly hotels, but the Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao's standard of cleanliness was impeccable. Our room was spotless on arrival as was the dog bed and bowl that was provided.
In terms of noise, the hotel's double-glazed windows blocked out most of the street noise, which meant Daisy slept soundly through the night—a rare achievement for a puppy in a new environment.
Pet Policies & Fees
Pet Fee: We were informed of the pet fee, which was an additional cost of €20 per night. While some may find this fee a little steep, the service and care offered to Daisy made it well worth it.
Pet Policy: One dog per room is allowed, with no specific weight limit noted. Dogs are welcome in the room but may have limited access to certain common areas.
- Pet Fee: €20 per night per dog.
- Weight Limit: None noted.
- Number of Pets Allowed: One dog per room.
- Other Policies: Dogs are allowed in the lounge area but not in the main restaurant. No dedicated dog relief area on-site, but plenty of nearby green spaces.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spacious suite with ample room for dogs to play.
- Thoughtful pet amenities (bed, bowls, treats) provided.
- Excellent location in Bilbao's city center, close to key attractions.
- Dog-friendly lounge area where you can enjoy snacks and drinks with your pup.
- Amazing room service.
- The team at the hotel were 10/10
Cons
- Pet fee of €30 per night is on the higher side compared to other pet-friendly hotels.
- Unable to dine with your dog in the restaurant.
Final Verdict
Would I stay at the Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao again with Daisy? Absolutely. The central location, thoughtful pet-friendly amenities, and friendly staff made this a great option for travelers with dogs.
