Pension MendezvsHotel Ripa
Both properties are recommended by professional travelers. Overall, Pension Mendez scores marginally better than Hotel Ripa. Pension Mendez comes in at #25 in Bilbao with positive reviews from 2 publications such as Fodor's, Rough Guide.
Pension Mendez
 Fodor's
 Rough Guide
Santa Maria Kalea 13, 48005 Bilbao
From $48/night
- Free Internet
 - Concierge
 
 "This may be the best value in town, with small but impeccable and well-appointed rooms." Full review
 "Comfortable and clean rooms, simply but adequately furnished... Good value for anyone simply looking for a place to sleep. Those in Mendez II are slightly better, with en-suite bathrooms. Cash only." 
Hotel Ripa
 Lonely Planet
Calle Ripa, 3, 48001 Bilbao
From $44/night
- Free Internet
 - Business Center
 - Flatscreen TV
 
 "If you can snag a room with a river view then this is a good catch, but otherwise it lacks creative energy." Full review