This was my first stay in a hostel, and to be perfectly honest - I was nervous. We read that this…read moreplace had pretty good reviews on hostel.com but I had also heard that people are reviewing these based on other hostels, not really against "hotel quality" like my American self was used to. So I pretty much figured it was going to be a gamble. But to my luck...we hit the jackpot with Pension Goiko! It was very clean and had new and modern furniture in the rooms and 2 large bathrooms with shower stalls with intense pressure and hot water (which I heard is rare for hostels). They had 2 rooms (one with 4 beds, the other with 3.). It also included free wifi, cereals and muffins in the morning. My traveling buddies (who have both stayed in numerous hostels) said that this was the nicest hostel they had ever stayed in, and I truly lucked out for my first experience and that I shouldn't expect this kind of quality everywhere. My hostel bar is now set pretty high!

I've just came back from 5 days in Bilbao and we decided to stay at Moana Surf Camp ! The place…read morelooks very traditional, "basque country" style, which gives it a very warm and welcoming touch. Outside, you have everything you need to have fun with a skateboard, too bad that period is over for me ;) The owner is very friendly and helpful, although 100% spanish speaking...but after a few minutes, language barrier is barely a problem. Laidback would be a keyword to describe the camp, it's clean and what you get for what you pay is very good. We booked a room for 2, and got a room for 8 for the same price, although very simple, beds, sheets and 1 cupboard. 2 things though : 1 - They could definitely improve the breakfast (have some fresh bread for example) 2 - The camp is situated in Urduliz, 10min drive from the first interesting surf spot (Plentzia or Sopelana)...so you definitely need a car to move around. In all a very cool, relaxed, friendly place to stay for a few days off !

I travel the world. I'm an explorer/adventurer. I hail from Honolulu Hawaii and Montauban France…read more I found this "jewel", after all other hotel options were exhausted, to the north. I was amazed! The front desk staff speak a variety of languages, fluently. They are friendly and professional. All rooms are accessible by stairs or elevator. All rooms have 2 bunk beds with USB connections near the bed with electrical connections as well. WIFI is superb! All rooms have air conditioners as well as a secure door that goes to the balcony. The door can either be opened for entrance/exit to the private balcony or locked and only the top of the door opens for air circulation. Linens and towels can be exchanged daily, if you wish. The WC/shower is SO CLEAN and well lit! Hot water is plentiful. The restaurant serves meals all day and into the night with alcohol available. The prices are well below the value. You are a 10 minute walk to the #13 bus stop that will take you to the tourist area, in only 15-20 minutes. The price for the room was noticeably lower than any other hotel and was better than most. You must stop here! A wonderful experience.

From the owner: UbaAterpetxeaes un albergue alternativo, verde, sostenible, eco-eficiente y abierto a las…read morerelaciones multiculturales, que busca atraer, sobre todo, a jóvenes, familias y grupos de investigación, innovación, cultura y deporte, haciendo especial hincapié en el sector del surf, que tantos turistas atrae a la ciudad.

Speaking of bad hotel rooms, this place takes the cake. Listed as a 2* hotel, this establishment is…read morereally smelly little hostel. Some of the rooms have private bathrooms, but they are utilitarian at best. There is minimal signage in the building, the rooms are located on the 3rd floor. We didn't stay long. One quick look at the room, the odor was overwhelming. The windows offer no relief from the heat, they are screwed shut. They do bring in a wet dog aroma from the dirty Astro turf on the enclosed balconette. There is no Air Conditioning. There also was not an attendant at the desk when we walked back out. Just a little sign saying when the desk staff would be back. They share staffing with another location. (Something I do not believe is allowed in 2* lodging BTW). I wouldn't stay here on a bet. F- and $170 wasted. I was rather surprised given that I understand this is a recommended stay by the Rick Steves team.

Staying right in the middle of Bilbao's Casco Viejo is great. Food, drinks, small businesses and…read moreinteresting sightseeing is all within a few minutes walk. Large rooms with giant bathrooms. Really small towels. Beds were soft, but we endured. Really low price for a quiet, efficient place. Multiple keys for the security of the room was a total nuisance. Special codes for the front door were not explained clearly and we ended up locked out of the building. Parking is at the train station (long walk uphill) and really is inconvenient. Limited access to the hotel as the streets do not allow cars for about 20 hours per day. Communication skills of the staff was marginal. Lots of young folks with only a few with knowledge. Really a hostel with private baths.