Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

This trendy, design hotel is full of fun features, in the same spirit as its world-famous neighbour – the Guggenheim Museum. It occupies the Iberian Peninsula and is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. It was designed by the renowned artist, Javier Mariscal. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla Its total surface area is 504,788 sq kms Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. The Gran Hotel Domine looks out over the shining steel structure of the Guggenheim Museum – one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. The contemporary design of the hotel follows the innovative spirit of the gallery, with its unique angled windows, curved atrium and tall pebble sculpture. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). Enjoy views of the Guggenheim, River Nervión and green hills beyond from the hotel’s rooftop terrace. In the second half of the 20th century, it has played a catch-up role in the western international community. You can also spend a peaceful moment in the reading corner – part modern art gallery and part comfortable lounge. Continuing concerns are large-scale unemployment and the Basque separatist movement The diversity and contrast that go to mould the character of Spain are likewise in evidence in its cities. For dining, choose between the bar, cafe and on-site restaurant. Celts, Iberians, Phoenicians and, at a later date, the Greco-Roman civilisation laid the first cornerstones of urban settlements which, to this day, bear the marks of their passage through time During the Middle Ages, Arabic, Jewish and Christian cultures, singly and through a process of mutual cross-influence, gave rise to the birth of cities which have come to house an historical-artistic heritage of incalculable proportions Tradition alone does not suffice Modernity too is essential, and this was something certain Spanish monarchs –Charles III for one– managed to successfully apply during their reigns in order to beautify townscapes, like that of Madrid, with parks and landmark monuments, thereby instilling the city with a spirit of renewal. Each one of these impressive venues is built in a distinctive style of the 20th century. It was this element of urban renewal that became even more evident at a later date, in the form of townplans designed to extend and enlarge the leading cities, and the construction of graceful buildings which, in keeping with the shifts and changes in architectural tastes, have helped shape the identity of Spain’s cities over the last two hundred years.