Carmen is a warm and generous host with a lovely apartment in a residential neighbourhood up the hill from the old quarter. She was very welcoming and provided lots of useful things like a barik card for cheaper transit fares, maps and tourist info, and books on Bilbao's architecture and specialities to look through - as well as friendly conversation. Also, the breakfasts were great! The room was comfortable and everything was very clean. If you want a warm welcome in Bilbao this is the place to stay - Carmen is a true Bilbao ambassador!