Bilbao and Leon?

Here are a few suggestions you might consider. You can find the full list of recommendations in Rick's current Spain guidebook

IN BILBAO
[$$] Hotel Bilbao Jardines is a fresh new place buried in the Old Town with 32 modern but basic rooms with squeaky floors (Sb-€58, Db-€75, less off-season, breakfast-€5, quieter rooms in back, air-con, elevator, free Wi-Fi, free rental bicycles, Calle Jardines 9, tel. 944-794-210, www.hotelbilbaojardines.com, info@hotelbilbaojardines.com, Marta, Felix, and Monica).

[$$] Tryp Arenal is a chain hotel with simple, business-class rooms and helpful staff in a great location across from the Arriaga Theater (Db-€60-80, breakfast-€8, air-con, elevator, free Wi-Fi, Calle Los Fueros 2, tel. 944-153-100, www.melia.com, tryp.arenal@melia.com)

IN LEON
[$$$] NH Plaza Mayor is the Old Town splurge, with 51 rooms right on Plaza Mayor (some with views for no extra charge--request one). Part of a classy chain, this place offers modern four-star comfort at reasonable prices (Sb-€70-100, Db-€75-120, deals often as low as Sb/Db-€65, breakfast-€15, air-con, elevator, free Wi-Fi, Plaza Mayor 15, tel. 987-344-357, www.nh-hotels.com, nhplazamayor@nh-hotels.com).

[$$] Hostal Albany offers 19 very mod rooms at a good price, just a few steps off the main walking street and cathedral square (Sb-€40-51, Db-€57-68, prices drop Jan-Feb, breakfast-€3, air-con, elevator, free Wi-Fi, Calle La Paloma 13, tel. 987-264-600, www.albanyleon.com, info@albanyleon.com).

[$$] Hostal Boccalino, spacious and practical, rents 35 good rooms at a good price on a stately square facing the monastery (Sb-€35-45, Db-€55-65, Tb-€90, elevator, free Wi-Fi and drinks from cooler, Plaza de San Isidoro 9, tel. 987-223-060, www.hostalboccalino.com, boccalino_3@hotmail.com). They also have 10 comparable rooms above their restaurant in a nearby building (similar prices, same reception, no elevator).

Thanks very much. Any recommendations for where to eat in both places?

On food like great food reasonable prices. Would love seafood. Doesn't have to be fancy prefer funky and fun.