Comment
On arriving to reception was informed that owing to an issue with their on-line booking system the previous evening, the Hotel was over booked and I was being put-up at an alternative hotel "Bilbao Grand Hotel". This was not up for discussion, basically take it or leave it. The alternative accommodation was not of the same standard and it was located many Km's away from the city centre which meant having to get taxi's to come and go, furthermore I was awoken the following morning at 05.30 by the noise from the traffic (the motorway is just across the way from the hotel) as the bedroom window would not close properly. On reporting this issue when checking out I was informed that I should have reported it earlier

Top Tip
Don't use Hotel Grand Bilabo, as it is located many km's away from anything of interest, plus noise from passing motorway traffic can be very disruptive

Comment
There should be warnings issued to guests about the great difficulty of reaching the hotel during the building works going on on the roads outside; it took us over three hours to get from the ferryport into the hotel carpark, and we ain't stupid!

Top Tip
Eat tapas (pinxtos)at any of the bars/restaurants rather than booking expensive meals; even in northern Spain full meals don't start till 9pm. Remember you're in Rioja country - any wine is superb. Guggenheim & Belles Artes wonderful, but so is exploring the city being rebuilt around you. Wonderfully stimulating place, Bilbo!