The Bilbao Aterpetxea hostel is located on the Southwestern outskirts of the city. Although it can be walked to in about 25 minutes from the city center, it's a slightly uphill walk. Consequently, the bus is a safer bet, especially when you have your pack on. Bus #58 rolls right past the hostel grounds, at which point you can't miss the place because it's the tallest structure in the area. At night, the gaudy neon lights atop the building will show the way.
The place is apparently very new and extremely well-kept. From the lobby on up, it's a spotless facility. There are a few common areas, a game room, and some outstanding vending machines. The hot-sandwich machine turns out ham and cheese or bacon and cheese sandwiches for about a euro and a half, and the orange juice machine was a life saver when I was sick. It squeezes refrigerated oranges for you on the spot. Internet is available, although there are only two units, one of which didn't work, and the prices aren't great. Breakfast is included, and is very good by Spanish standards. You get cereal, fruit, pastry, juice and coffee; just get there by 9am.
The main drawbacks are the location and the sterile feel. It truly feels like a hospital, both inside the dorm rooms and out. This seems to contribute to a non-social atmosphere despite the presence of common areas. If you think about it, who wants to hang out in a hospital? There are, however, on-site basketball courts with football goals and picnic areas, which are a very nice touch. Overall a very refreshing place, if a little bland.
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
March 2004
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