Hotel Abando

The big drawback was the noise. We could hear doors slamming, toilets flushing and showers running, as well as guests returning at 03.24 and 04.37 and talking loudly enough to wake us. We’ve noticed the same lack of soundproofing in other Spanish hotels. Maybe people who live in city apartments are just used to hearing one another. Still, the location made getting around easy, with the market, restaurants and Metro nearby, plus a nice walk along the river to the Guggenheim. If you’re arriving by bus, take the Metro to "Abando". The hotel is just around the corner. It was 1.90 euros per person from the machine using a debit card and PIN, and trains came frequently, so we only waited a few minutes. We enjoyed our 4 nights here. Breakfast worked well for us: smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, cheese and bread with extra virgin olive oil and a little salt, then pineapple with yogurt and walnuts. Enzo, one of the receptionists, was especially helpful. He explained the Metro and quickly found us a sports bar after we learned Hotel Abando couldn’t show the Women's World Cup Rugby Final as promised.

I tried to book a room but never received confirmation. When I attempted to start again, the system said there was no availability, so I booked another hotel. Then, 3 days before the original check-in date, I saw a charge on my credit card, too late for a full refund. Getting in touch from the US to dispute it has been nearly impossible. The listed phone number is fake, and so is the supposed live chat agent. It isn’t even AI. Maybe the hotel itself is good, but this was a very negative experience. I’d give it zero if that were an option, but I’m giving it 1.

The staff were kind, breakfast was good, and there are lovely food places close by. My room on floor 5/6 was still unbearably hot even with the AC running full blast. Sound carries badly too, so I could hear everything in the neighboring rooms and corridor.

The location is a strong point, about five minutes on foot from the train station. We booked months ahead and got a good rate, but the place doesn’t feel like a four star hotel, even with a Michelin restaurant on the premises. The rooms feel dated, the beds are hard, and cleanliness could be better. The shower floor seems to slope upward and the drain is slow, leaving some water on the floor afterward. We’re on the third floor and the WiFi keeps cutting out.