Hotel Boliña
Calle Barrenkale 3, Guernica, Basque Country 48300, SpainWhy We Like It
The location is the best in Guernica and the authentic restaurant & bar downstairs is a nice amenity to the otherwise bare bones but easy-on-the-wallet hotel.
Fodor's Expert Review
Guernica is a political and cultural center of Basque heritage just outside of Bilbao and infamous for being the tragic target of civilian aerial bombings in 1937 during the Spanish civil war, as portrayed by Picaso’s eponymous painting. Today, the town is vibrant and full of life and well worth a visit while in the Basque Country. Hotel Bolina is a budget-friendly option in the center of town with small and simple rooms that get the job done for a night or two for the low-maintenance traveler.
Tip The hotel is along the Camino de Santiago; pilgrims looking to save some money will find it a comfortable place to rest for the price.
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Room
There are 11 double rooms and five singles at the hotel, cozy and unfussy with wood floors and muted walls. All are equipped with TVs, mini-bar, and wi-fi. Don’t expect anything other than the essentials here, folks.
Tip There is one double room with an extra single bed for larger parties.
Bathroom
Cramped but clean, with standup showers and tile walls that could use a refurbishing.
Lobby
There is a small reception area on the street level adjacent to the restaurant. It’s just for coming and going, but the hotel café substitutes as a nice place to hang out at the hotel.
You Should Know There is no elevator in the three-floor hotel.
Dining
Facing out to the old-town street on the ground floor is a surprisingly delicious and authentic traditional Basque restaurant. Tables are set outside during the warmer months while a myriad of pintxos are stacked atop the long bar inside.
Drinking
A classic wooden bar in the café provides all the essentials for the thirsty: great local wines, Spanish beer on tap, and a plethora of alcohol ready to be had day or night.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The town of Guernica is small and concentrated making it very pedestrian-friendly once here. Guests will have to figure out their own parking if they are driving here. Travelers without a car will be happy to know Guernica is easily accessible by train or bus from Bilbao. For explorations to the countless coastal attractions in the vicinity, a car is needed.
Restaurants
Restaurante Sasoie (2-minute walk) is one of the best restaurants in the Guernica enter and serves creative pintxos and great grilled meats. Castillo De Arteaga Restaurante (15-minute drive) is a sensational modern Basque gastronomy restaurant housed in the courtyard of a neo-gothic castle restored by Napolean III.