The dAAr Arquitectura firm has completed the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Radisson Collection Gran Vía Bilbao, a five-star hotel that redefines urban renewal and the hospitality offerings of the Biscayan capital. With 137 rooms, suites featuring terraces and jacuzzis, two event halls, a spa, and a gym, the project stands as a benchmark for contemporary luxury and sustainability in Europe.

Promoted by Millennium Hospitality Real Estate and Radisson, this complex emerges from a need to transform a neoclassical monument built in 1945, designed by Manuel Galíndez for the headquarters of the Banco Hispano Americano, into a five-star hotel that connects with its surroundings. The renovation involved functional segregation to respect the historical heritage, façade restoration, and a complete reconfiguration of interiors, always adhering to principles of efficiency and sustainability. Key actions included selective demolition, structural reinforcement, a new vertical communication core, and a panoramic terrace that houses the restaurant-bar.

One of the highlights of the project is achieving the LEED Platinum and LEED Innovation certification, an international acknowledgment for the highest standards in sustainable construction. DAAr Arquitectura has utilized lightweight structures like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and polycarbonate, advanced insulation, and high-efficiency carpentry, along with the restoration of original materials and the optimization of energy efficiency to reduce consumption and carbon footprint.

The aesthetic and dialectical proposal merges renewed Art Deco with Japanese essence and a Bilbao identity. The interior is organized around an elegant and sober lobby, with “overloaded minimalism,” a large fireplace, and a library among wooden lattices. An internal atrium provides natural light and fluidity between areas; the rooms, in blue and gray tones, stand out for their custom furniture and golden details, while the 300 m² terrace offers views over the city and spaces for events.

The hotel features an author cuisine restaurant offering Basque-Japanese dishes, a wine cellar, and an outdoor terrace that visually connects with the lobby, becoming a venue for celebrations. In the basement, the multipurpose halls integrate with the lobby via wooden enveloping, and the wellness area (spa, massages, and gym) completes the offering for a comprehensive luxury experience.

The Radisson Collection Gran Vía Bilbao has been highlighted by The Times as one of the “14 best hotels to visit in Bilbao,” emphasizing its sustainable luxury and creativity in the heart of a vibrant city. This recognition reinforces Bilbao’s position as a European destination for cultural tourism and contemporary architecture and places DAAr Arquitectura among the leaders in heritage rehabilitation and the creation of unique hospitality spaces.

The intervention establishes DAAr Arquitectura as a reference in heritage rehabilitation and high-level hospitality projects. The Radisson Collection Gran Vía Bilbao embodies a vision for the future that preserves historical memory, fosters sustainable mobility and enhances the traveler’s experience, positioning Bilbao as a strategic axis for cultural, gastronomic, and architectural tourism in Europe.