History
The first hotel opened in Benidorm
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Hotel History
The birth of an iconic hotel
Origin
A passion turned into reality
Don Pedro Cortés made a living travelling the seas enrolled in the company that would give its name to his establishment, Navieras Bilbaínas. Working as a steward aboard several ships, he discovered countless places, becoming fascinated by one in particular: Valparaíso, in Chile, which made him wonder if someday Benidorm could become such an idyllic place. And this is what drove him to open the hotel. With the savings he had accumulated over years of working for Navieras Bilbaínas and with the help of his wife, Angelina, he began building the first hotel in Benidorm in the 1920s, which he would name Bilbaino out of gratitude for the treatment he received from the company.
Early years
Golden Age
Between 1926 and 1930, the first official inauguration took place, which was attended by the mayor of the town. In any case, the notable thing about that golden era was the way the hotel was run. “We have tried to maintain a personalized treatment, adapting to each era, but obviously it has nothing to do with those early years, in which all the service came to the door to welcome or say goodbye to the guest,” explain the managers of the Bilbaíno Hotel.
A period of conflict
The war
El Bilbaíno also experienced the war. “It was already open when the uprising took place, and of course, at that time there were guests, especially business people from Alcoy and people from Madrid who were given shelter”. After the conflict, the hotel continued its journey, receiving personalities such as Jorge Negrete.
Reconstruction
Postwar
Already in the 40s, the hotel continued its journey. The gatherings of “the vital forces of the town to discuss its future” and the marquee are remembered. Slightly above the ground, it was built with wood on the beach and in it, coffees, refreshments were served and the band played for dancing. To this day, during stormy weather, two of those posts, which were railway sleepers, can still be seen.
Evolution
From the 60s to the present day
In 1963, the hotel was first leased to Pascual Pérez, who maintained the established style, although updating it to the new times. The former owners took over the management in the early 80s and until 2004, the date on which it was rented again, but always betting on personalized treatment and the comfort of its guests.
