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Summary of reviewsHotel URH Palacio de Oriol receives high praise for its splendid location and impressive architecture, making it a favored choice for ferry passengers and those seeking to explore the Bilbao region. Conveniently situated near public transportation, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions such as the Biscay Bridge, along with scenic views of the harbor and estuary that add to its charm.
Breakfast sessions at the hotel are generally well-received for their variety and quality with many guests enjoying the buffet spread and terrace dining experience. However, its cost and occasional organizational issues, particularly during the pandemic, have drawn some criticisms. Dinner experiences similarly evoke mixed feelings; guests commend the food quality and terrace views but note issues with service speed and restaurant availability.
The rooms offer a blend of modern comforts and historic charm with numerous positive remarks on their spaciousness, cleanliness and spectacular views. Some guests, however, highlighted occasional maintenance and noise issues, particularly for rooms facing the train tracks. Cleanliness throughout the hotel receives predominantly positive feedback, although areas like the terrace and certain facilities sometimes fall short of expectations.
The staff at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol are widely praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a smooth and welcoming stay. The reception and dining staff, in particular, stand out for their professionalism and attentiveness. Minor criticisms about some staff interactions do exist but are outweighed by the overall positive sentiment.
WiFi service at the hotel generally meets guest needs with good coverage and reliable connections, although there are occasional reports of inconsistent speeds. The gym, while appreciated for its availability, would benefit from more modern equipment and better maintenance.
Parking is secure and convenient, albeit with some complaints about narrow spaces and a €15 per day fee. For families, the hotel is accommodating with spacious rooms and attentive staff, making it a practical choice for family trips.
In summary, Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol offers a blend of historic charm, modern convenience and picturesque surroundings with excellent access to transportation and local attractions. While aspects like breakfast cost, restaurant service and certain maintenance issues have scope for improvement, its comfortable rooms, attentive staff and overall ambiance provide a worthwhile stay for travelers. Show more
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Categories
Romantic Hotel
This hotel offers a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Its beautiful architecture and serene environment provide a romantic setting.
4-Star Hotel
Located in Santurtzi, Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol offers a historic setting with modern amenities. It is known for its elegant design and comfortable rooms, providing a unique and relaxing experience.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Room Types
Double or Twin Room (1-2 Adults)This air-conditioned room offers free WiFi, satellite TV, a safety deposit box, a small fridge and a private bathroom with toiletries. Most rooms have views of the bay.
Single RoomThis smaller, air-conditioned room offers free WiFi, a safety deposit box, satellite TV, a small fridge and a private bathroom with toiletries. Most rooms have views of the bay.
Superior Double or Twin RoomAir-conditioned and heated, this larger room with free WiFi includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. It is also equipped with a coffee and tea maker, a safety deposit box, and a small fridge. The private bathroom includes toiletries.
Junior Suite with Sea ViewThis suite features a sea view, satellite TV and small fridge.
Premium Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a hairdryer and slippers. The double room features air conditioning, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box along with a terrace. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol enjoys an enviable location that garners high praise from guests time and time again. Strategically situated near the ferry port, it provides excellent access for those traveling by sea, making it an ideal stopover for ferry passengers. Its proximity to public transportation, including the metro, train and buses, ensures that guests can easily explore the broader Bilbao region and beyond.
Nestled by the water, the hotel boasts charming views of the harbor, estuary and sea, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the stay. The surrounding area offers a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere with easy access to dining and entertainment options within walking distance.
Architecturally, the hotel stands out as an imposing palace-like structure, adding a touch of historical gravitas to the experience. Despite its grandeur, the property is praised for being well-integrated into the neighborhood, blending historic appeal with modern convenience.
The location also provides quick routes to key local attractions like the famous Biscay Bridge, local bars and restaurants. The seamless connection to public transport allows guests to reach the city center of Bilbao in approximately 20 minutes and makes exploring nearby destinations like Portugalete and Santurtzi convenient.
Overall, the hotel’s outstanding location, coupled with its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, makes it a perfect base for both ferry passengers and those looking to soak in the rich culture and scenic beauty of the Basque Country.
Breakfast
The breakfast offerings at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol receive mixed reviews from guests, though the majority highlight positive experiences. Many praise the breakfast for being very good, complete and varied with particularly high marks given to the buffet's extensive selection of items and the quality of dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon. Some guests appreciated the pleasant experience of having breakfast on the terrace and found the service to be friendly and attentive.
However, several reviews mention that the breakfast is expensive and, in some instances, not quite worth the price. Criticisms include limited variety, lack of fresh options and issues with the organization, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic where a pre-order system replaced the buffet. Guests noted that during this period, the breakfast service often felt chaotic and the quality of items provided was inconsistent. Despite this, there were commendations on the adherence to Covid measures and the effort to maintain a varied but safe breakfast service.
There were also comments about specific shortcomings such as stale bread, bad coffee and unappealing fruit. Despite these varied opinions, many guests still found the breakfast to offer good value for money and appreciated the overall quality and variety of the food.
Dinner
Dinner at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol evokes mixed impressions. On the positive side, the food quality often receives praise, described as good to exceptional, well-presented and tasty. A three-course dinner for 22 Euros is highlighted as both affordable and enjoyable and guests have appreciated the elaborate dishes served on the terrace. The fixed-price menu and à la carte options, along with good views over the harbor, add to the appeal of dining at the hotel.
However, there are notable drawbacks. Availability is a recurring issue with the restaurant frequently closed, especially on Sundays and for various events like weddings. Service speed and staff demeanor also fall short with several mentions of slow service and unaccommodating restaurant staff. The menu itself is criticized for being limited and pricey with reports of undercooked food and lack of vegetarian options. Additionally, the overall dining experience sometimes lacks atmosphere and guests have found the management of the dining facilities to be subpar.
Overall, while the culinary offerings at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol can be excellent, prospective diners should be prepared for inconsistent service and limited availability.
Rooms
The rooms at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol offer a varied experience, combining modern amenities with classic charm in a historic building. Many guests appreciated the room upgrades to superior or junior suites, highlighting their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. Spectacular views of the river, estuary and harbor were frequently praised, as were the large balconies and terraces in some rooms.
Although the rooms generally received positive feedback for being well-furnished and spacious, some guests noted issues with outdated and deteriorated furniture, insufficient lighting and noisy surroundings, particularly those facing the train tracks. Several reviews mentioned rooms smelling of tobacco or mold and some had humidity issues. Cleanliness and maintenance appeared inconsistent across different stays with some rooms noted for dust and others for being very clean.
The beds were commonly described as large and comfortable with cozy and homely furnishings adding to the appeal. However, in-room amenities like safe boxes and mini-bars were occasionally reported as non-functional or absent. Despite the beautiful and historic building, the overall decor in some rooms was seen as in need of updating.
Views from rooms greatly varied; while many enjoyed expansive and beautiful sights, others were disappointed with small or high windows and in some cases, the view was of industrial areas. The overall condition of the rooms did not always meet the expected four-star standard and there were comments about rooms not matching the promotional photos.
In summary, Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol provides a mix of spacious, comfortable accommodations with scenic views, counterbalanced by maintenance and cleanliness issues in some instances. The historic charm and modern upgrades have potential, but consistency in room upkeep could improve guest satisfaction.
Beds
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol has an overall positive reputation when it comes to the comfort and quality of its beds. Guests frequently describe the beds as extremely comfortable with many emphasizing their large, spacious nature. The rooms themselves are also noted for being large, clean and comfortable, which adds to the overall experience.
A variety of bed sizes are available, including double, queen and super king-sized options, all of which are highlighted for their comfort. Many visitors appreciate the new and large mattresses, contributing significantly to their restful nights. The bedding and pillows also receive favorable mentions for their quality and comfort.
Despite the predominantly positive feedback, a few guests encountered issues such as worn-out or overly soft mattresses and some mentioned discomfort due to spring beds and low pillows. Additionally, there were occasional complaints about bed mobility and noise disruptions from the surrounding environment.
In summary, while not every experience is flawless, the consensus points to Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol offering comfortable and spacious beds that contribute strongly to a restful and enjoyable stay.
Cleanliness
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol presents a mixed picture when it comes to cleanliness. The general consensus leans towards a positive overall cleanliness with numerous reviews highlighting the hotel as extremely well-kept, clean and tidy. Guests frequently compliment the rooms as being very clean, spacious and comfortable with housekeeping services described as friendly and attentive. Some reviewers even noted that the hotel's shared areas and common facilities were clean and well-maintained.
However, there are noticeable criticisms pointing to areas needing improvement. Specific complaints include dirty carpets, stained furniture and unclean windows. The terrace and artificial grass were often mentioned as very dirty and the restaurant area also drew criticism for inadequate cleanliness. Some guests noted dust in the corners of rooms, mouldy showers and outdated facilities in need of rejuvenation.
Overall, while many guests appreciate the hotel's cleanliness, particularly in the rooms and common areas, there are recurring issues in specific spots that indicate room for improvement. The hotel remains a pleasant and comfortable option, especially for those focused on clean accommodations, but attention to certain details would greatly enhance the overall guest experience.
Staff
Nestled in the scenic location of 'Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol', the staff consistently receive high praise from guests. Known for their friendliness and helpfulness, the team at the hotel leaves a lasting positive impression. Receptionists and service staff are described as attentive, professional and accommodating. Guests highlight their experiences with the responsive and competent members of the staff, who go out of their way to assist with any unforeseen events, from providing umbrellas on rainy days to helping with luggage.
The reception team garners particular acclaim for their warm welcomes and efficiency, often resolving room issues promptly and ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out process. Restaurant and bar employees also receive commendations for their pleasant and polite service, contributing to a comfortable dining experience.
However, it is worth noting that there are occasional mentions of less positive interactions with some staff being described as cold or less personable. Despite these isolated cases, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable with many guests appreciating the charming and courteous nature of the hotel's employees.
Ultimately, the staff's exemplary service standards and genuine care for the guests reflect highly on 'Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol', making it a preferred choice for many travelers seeking attentive and friendly hospitality.
Wi-Fi
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol generally provides satisfying WiFi services for its guests. Many reviews mentioned that the WiFi was fast and had a good signal strength with stable and reliable connections available throughout the hotel. Guests appreciated the complimentary WiFi, which was accessible in the rooms and common areas like the stunning lobby.
Some reviews highlighted occasional slow speeds and intermittent connectivity, noting that the WiFi wasn't always sufficient for streaming or downloading large files. Instances of poor WiFi performance led some users to switch to 4G for a better signal. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the provision of secure and free WiFi was a positive aspect appreciated by many visitors.
Overall, the WiFi at URH Palacio de Oriol meets the basic needs of most travelers, although there is room for improvement in consistency and speed.
Gym
The gym at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol receives mixed reviews. While noted for being spacious and clean, the gym's limited amenities and outdated equipment leave room for improvement. It lacks additional fitness classes and could benefit from regular maintenance. There have been instances when the gym was closed and some guests remarked on its small size or complete absence on certain premises. Despite these drawbacks, the availability of basic fitness equipment and the occasional access to an open gym are appreciated by those looking to maintain their workout routine.
Parking
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol provides a range of parking options, primarily centered around a secure underground facility located conveniently beneath the hotel. The parking is notably secure, spacious enough for standard vehicles and appreciated by guests who prioritized the safety of their cars. The hotel also offers large parking lots and dedicated underground spaces, which many found practical, especially for those traveling by car. Despite the convenience, the facility comes with a few caveats.
The parking fee of €15 per day was a common point of discussion with some guests viewing it as reasonable and others considering it overpricing. The spaces within the underground car park are described as quite narrow, making it a tight fit for larger vehicles. Additionally, guests faced challenges with limited parking spots and found the navigation of the garage somewhat problematic. Moreover, the initial difficulty in locating the parking facility was notable in a few reviews.
Despite these minor inconveniences, the overall sentiment towards the parking experience at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol leans positive due to its secure nature and the convenience it provides under the hotel premises. For those willing to pay the daily fee, the hotel ensures a safe and accessible place for their vehicles.
Family
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol seems to provide a generally positive experience for families, as evidenced by multiple reviews. Guests have noted that the hotel is family-friendly and especially well-suited for families with spacious family rooms that accommodate young children comfortably. Families appreciated the proximity to transportation and essential family amenities, making logistics easier during their stay.
The hotel staff was described as polite and very friendly, resonating well with guests needing assistance, such as providing a crib for babies or solving reservation issues efficiently. However, there were also mentions of insufficient cleanliness in certain areas like the gym and overall facilities, which may need attention. Despite these minor drawbacks, the general sentiment points towards a quiet and beautiful hotel ideal for a family trip.
A standout feature is the large rooms with terraces, offering ample space for family gatherings and a relaxing environment. Overall, Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol appears to be a commendable option for families seeking a comfortable and accommodating stay.
4 Star
Visitors have high expectations for Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol given its four-star rating, yet the overall feedback highlights significant dissatisfaction. The hotel is noted for its attractive structure, which many find visually appealing. However, the actual amenities and services fall short of four-star standards. Common complaints include poor maintenance, especially in the showers and insufficient cleaning. Guests have also mentioned loud noises from neighboring rooms and slow service, which detract from the expected comfort and quality.
The hotel's facilities appear to be underwhelming with critiques pointing to inadequate food and drink services, limited amenities and scratchy towels. The experience is often cited as not matching the four-star classification with some suggesting that it feels more akin to a three-star or even two-star hotel. Visitors also find the hotel overpriced for the level of service and quality offered. Issues with poor access and room conditions have led some guests to question whether it should retain its four-star status at all.
While there are instances of regular clients and some find the price acceptable, these positives are overshadowed by the general consensus that significant improvements are necessary. This includes comprehensive interior renovations and enhancements in service quality to meet the expectations of a four-star establishment. Overall, guests recommend considering better-maintained three-star alternatives for a more satisfying stay.
Business
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol offers a myriad of facilities and services tailored for business travelers. Recognized as a business-friendly hotel, it provides essential amenities and tools suited to the needs of corporate guests. The hotel features a business center and conference room, ideal for hosting meetings and work sessions. Furthermore, business-oriented environments and working rooms can be easily switched to suit specific needs with additional optional exclusive assistance available.
The ideal location of the hotel is frequently praised, making it convenient for those visiting Bilbao for business purposes. Business-friendly amenities such as email access contribute to the overall functionality required by business travelers. However, there are notes on certain areas needing improvement, such as the business center and occasional staff shortages affecting service delivery. Despite that, the hotel's setup remains suitable for business trips, particularly due to its strategic placement and array of business tools.
Accessible
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol boasts a mix of modern amenities and areas in need of improvement for guests with disabilities. The accessible rooms are praised for their excellent facilities, making them convenient for those with reduced mobility. Easy access to various parts of the hotel is noted, particularly for outdoor parking, providing a helpful feature when managing luggage.
However, considerable work is required in certain aspects. The hotel layout can be confusing and the main entrance lacks a ramp, presenting a challenge for wheelchair users. The elevator, which has steps leading to it, is not fully accessible and some areas are hard to access, indicating that significant accessibility improvements are necessary. Guests have noted that the hotel is not handicap accessible overall with the shower in the bathtub and other accessibility features requiring development.
In summary, while there are positive elements such as excellent room facilities for disabled people, several accessibility issues need addressing to enhance the overall experience for guests with disabilities at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol.
Honeymoon
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol is highly recommended for honeymoon stays, offering a romantic atmosphere that is ideal for couples. Many guests found it perfect for a honeymoon, underscoring its reputation as a honeymoon-friendly hotel. The charming exterior and impressive interior create a lovely setting, complemented by beautiful views that enhance the romantic experience. This hotel is not only great for special occasions and couple getaways but also leaves guests wanting to return.
Luxury
Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol offers a luxurious hotel experience, characterized by its high-quality setup and high-end amenities. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the building's elegant decor and palace-like appearance, setting the tone for the luxury that awaits inside. The high ceilings and luxurious furnishings contribute to an overall feel of opulence.
The hotel's rooms and facilities are beautiful, well-maintained and of exceptional quality, providing guests with the comfort and sophistication expected from a four-star establishment. The decor throughout the hotel exudes luxury, enhancing the ambiance and making guests feel like they are staying in a luxury castle. Despite some discrepancies between the exterior charm and interior experiences noted by a few guests, the majority of reviews highlight the luxurious atmosphere and features.
This luxurious venue delivers a feel-good factor not only through its elegant decor but also through its high-quality service, promising a memorable stay for anyone seeking a luxurious getaway.
Romantic
Set in a classic castle, Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol offers the perfect combination of romantic atmosphere and picturesque location, making it an ideal destination for couples. Nestled in a beautiful old building, the hotel boasts a variety of rooms and terraces that provide stunning views, including romantic walks along the river and views of the estuary.
The secluded terrace and picture-perfect setting create an inviting ambiance for a romantic getaway. Guests appreciate the hotel's quiet and tranquil environment, which enhances the intimate experience with a loved one. Although there were a few critiques regarding the lack of a welcoming atmosphere and some privacy issues, the overall mood remains romantic and serene, particularly ideal for couples on a honeymoon or celebrating other special moments.
Moreover, the hotel's proximity to the station and local attractions allows guests to experience the local life while still being able to retreat to the romantic and beautiful environment the hotel provides. Despite minor downsides, such as the occasional bad coffee or a room that could use a bit more romantic flair, the hotel remains highly recommended for couples seeking a romantic escape.
Dog Friendly
The Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol stands out as an exceptionally dog-friendly destination, making it a superb choice for those traveling with pets. From the moment of arrival, pets are warmly welcomed with a thoughtful doggy package that includes food, a bowl and a doggy bag. This pet-centric attention to detail continues throughout the stay with rooms prepared to accommodate four-legged guests, featuring pet-friendly amenities like bowls of food and water.
The hotel's location is convenient for pet owners, offering nice walking areas outside and easy access to both old and new towns, making it ideal for strolls with dog companions. Guests appreciated the pet-friendly rooms and noted that their pets were treated very well with staff exhibiting considerable friendliness towards companion animals.
Although there is an additional charge of €20 per dog per night, many guests felt it was a worthwhile expense given the warm welcome and thoughtful provisions for their pets. The comprehensive dog-friendly services at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol make it a favored spot among dog owners, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for both people and their pets.
No, Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol.
Yes, Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel URH Palacio de Oriol.