The Artist, Grand Hotel of Art: Bilbao’s new five-star luxury hotel wins over guests with an impeccable artistic proposal
The Artist, Grand Hotel of Art: Bilbao’s new five-star luxury hotel wins over guests with an impeccable artistic proposal
In 2024, the Gran Hotel Domine –an emblem of hospitality for decades in Bilbao– was transformed into The Artist, Grand Hotel of Art. This name change marks a new chapter in the hotel’s history, reflecting its ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in the luxury hospitality industry.
Since its opening, the hotel has been a symbol of elegance, comfort, and first-class service and now, as The Artist, the aim is to take this experience to a new level, exceeding guests’ expectations by offering an unparalleled hospitality experience that combines modern luxury with a deep appreciation of art and culture.
This transformation is part of a comprehensive improvement process in which investments have been made in facilities and services to bring the hotel from a normal five-star establishment to a five-star luxury establishment. From the hotel’s exquisite cuisine to the stunning artwork that adorns its spaces, every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a truly exceptional stay for guests. Among the establishment’s art installations, the impressive sculpture entitled “Fossil Cypress” stands out, designed by the Valencian artist Javier Mariscal. It is a work of art measuring 26 meters in height and weighing 90 tons which occupies the entire vertical space of the building and is made up of a total of 86,432 stones from a river in Italy. Next to “Fossil Cypress” stands the innovative kinetic installation known as “A Million Times 120” by the Swedish studio Humans Since 1982, featuring 120 clocks in constant motion. Likewise, there is the “Tribute to Frank Gehry,” a sculpture representing the Bilbao skyline (also designed by Javier Mariscal) and built with copper pieces from the old roof of the lodge with the intention of recycling and romantically preserving an architectural piece of the building. All of these pieces will undoubtedly surprise guests.
The hotel’s 145 rooms are characterized by their spaciousness, brightness, and elegant, timeless style. Some of them also have views of the Guggenheim Museum – and those incredible views, combined with luxury amenities, impeccable room service, and top-notch technology, guarantee maximum comfort. The hotel also has 14 impressive suites, most of which feature a private terrace overlooking the art gallery designed by Frank Gehry. The warm and cosmopolitan style of the suites, with original paintings by Javier Mariscal, allows for an unparalleled travel experience. And for those seeking the epitome of luxury, the most exclusive option is the Penthouse Suite, which offers 80 m2 of indoor space and 20 m2 of terrace space. The suite includes a bedroom, a spacious living room, a marble-clad bathroom with a rain shower and a bathtub designed by Philippe Starck, as well as butler service.
Gastronomy is another important aspect that has been impacted during the hotel’s renovation process. The establishment has four spaces dedicated to the art of good eating (and drinking): Olio Restaurant, Sixty-One Bar, The Gallery Restaurant, and the Rooftop.
At Olio, chef Abel Corral pays tribute to local producers. His dishes combine authenticity and creativity in his quest to stimulate diners’ senses: quality, local ingredients and seasonal produce are his hallmarks. In addition, in a sporadic alliance with chef Nelson Da Silva of the Basque-French restaurant Les Voisins, Corral and Da Silva have jointly created a menu that exalts the Basque culinary experience to the fullest, each contributing their savoir faire to such succulent preparations as the indulgence of caviar with egg yolk and Álava potato, the fritter with baby squid and lime, the tomato flower with melon and watermelon, and the red mullet, foie, and tarragon.
Sixty-One is able to transport customers to the iconic pubs of London and New York; a welcoming and versatile bar where one can taste signature cocktails accompanied by delicious snacks. Its attractive spaces adapt to the needs and moods of guests, making it the perfect place for leisure and informal meetings – all accompanied by live jazz bands on the second Thursday of each month.
Under the watchful eye of Jeff Koons’s sculpture “Puppy,” diners at The Gallery are treated to top-notch urban cuisine. The kitchen team at The Artist prepares a unique menu for this restaurant every week to delight lovers of modern cuisine.
The Rooftop has the privilege of offering the best views of Bilbao, with a sustainable culinary offering based on quality local ingredients. At the Rooftop, one can enjoy first-class breakfasts, brunch on special dates (a resounding success among both guests and locals), and a drinks and snacks service in the afternoons. This has made the Rooftop the city’s favorite terrace for a relaxing moment with colleagues after a grinding day at work.
The icing on the cake of this renovated hotel is its wellbeing space, managed in collaboration with Henao Wellness Clinic – a leading multidisciplinary clinic run by former soccer player and businessman Aitor Ocio which works in the fields of beauty, medicine, nutrition, and fitness. The space has a 100 m2 gym equipped with Technogym machines, facial and body treatment rooms, personal training services, and yoga classes.
Thanks to all of the above, The Artist has succeeded in exciting the most select and sophisticated clientèle visiting Bilbao – a city which, incidentally, has become a real delight for tourists. A city of contrasts, it was awarded the World City Prize in 2010 and recognized as Best European City in 2018.
The Artist, Grand Hotel of Art
Alameda de Mazarredo 61, Bilbao.
Tel.: +34 944 253 300
