Excellent location in the heart of Bilbao. 2 minute walk to river and Guggenheim plenty of bars,restaurtants and shops near by. Hotel is classic with a sweeping marble staircase large lounge areas. Resturant is not very nice, needs updating. Food and service was good. Room was clean and tidy. Both the room and bathroom were okay but in need of a update. Enjoyed my stay would stay here again a snip at 82euros

Stayed in Carlton for 3 nights in April 2012. It's a great historic hotel in the center of Bilbao, with lavish decor, marble and wood interiors. Huge rooms with great views, we had the one with a tiny balcony overlooking the square. you cant ask for better view really!
The hotel has a small gym with a steam room. breakfast was great, but overpriced at Eur20 pp.
Overall great experience, i would definitely come back!

Stayed in Carlton for two nights in Jan 2013 at a suspiciously low rate of 80 euros per night for a five-star hotel in the center of Bilbao, yet it proved to be everything one would expect from a historic hotel. A bit old and tired but lavish decor, creaky floors, marble and wood interiors and surprisingly spacious rooms ideal for two guests as mine had two queen sized beds put together, two sinks, two wardrobes and a large balcony overlooking the main city square.
Cant say the staff was particularly smiley, the locals are just not super friendly, but all the receptionists were very helpful with giving advice about the best ways to see the town and arranging bookings outside when i had a problem with non-english speakers.
The hotel has a small but well-equipped gym and 24 hour room service with direct line which unfortunately failed to work at the time i was there, so i had to to downstairs and place my order through the receptionist.
The location is great, very close to the Guggenheim museum and the museum of fine arts as well as shops and restaurants

The Carlton is definitely the place to stay Bilbao! Very close to both the Guggenheim (just a few blocks) and the shopping district of Bilbao (which was actually quite good). The service was lovely, and the heritage aspects of the hotel were excellent! The breakfast was wonderful as well.

The room we stayed in had a great view over the circle that the hotel was situated on, and was lovely and spacious, and just right for three people! Would stay again and definitely recommend.