Known for its down-to-earth, authentic character, there aren’t many luxury properties in San Sebastián, meaning its mid-range selection is where you’ll find the city’s best hotels. Kimkim staff traveled to the Basque gem and visited over 30 of its accommodations, and by far, the mid-range hotels were the most impressive. Save a little money while enjoying perks like historical buildings, sea views, outdoor pools, on-site dining, and more.
## A Comprehensive Guide to San Sebastián’s Finest Hotels
San Sebastián, a jewel on the Basque coast, beckons with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and world-renowned gastronomy. To truly experience this captivating city, choosing the right accommodation is paramount. This guide delves into some of the best hotels San Sebastián has to offer, providing detailed descriptions and insights to help you select the perfect home base for your unforgettable Basque adventure.
## Axel Hotel San Sebastián
**Axel Hotel San Sebastián** presents a chic and decidedly modern accommodation option exclusively for adults, nestled comfortably in the very heart of the city. Its enviable location places it a mere ten-minute stroll from the famed **La Concha Beach**, allowing for spontaneous dips in the ocean or leisurely sunbathing sessions. Furthermore, the hotel is conveniently positioned just a short walk away from the historic **Old Town**, ensuring easy access to the city’s cultural core and culinary delights.
The hotel’s design aesthetic is strikingly stylish, boasting a color palette that harmoniously blends blue and copper tones, creating a visually appealing and contemporary ambiance. Axel Hotel San Sebastián features a total of 100 comfortable rooms, each meticulously designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Some rooms offer the added luxury of balconies or terraces, providing private outdoor spaces to soak in the city’s atmosphere. Essential amenities are standard across all rooms, including air conditioning for climate control and complimentary WiFi to stay connected.
One of the hotel’s standout features is its rooftop terrace, a haven for relaxation and socialization. The terrace boasts a bar serving refreshing beverages, a sun deck perfect for basking in the Spanish sunshine, and an inviting outdoor pool where you can take a refreshing dip while enjoying the impressive city views. Imagine yourself sipping a cocktail by the pool, gazing out over the rooftops of San Sebastián – a truly unforgettable experience.
Beyond its prime location and stylish design, Axel Hotel San Sebastián also distinguishes itself with a generous daily breakfast spread, offering a wide array of options to kickstart your day. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel also provides a wellness center equipped with a gym for maintaining your fitness routine, a sauna for detoxifying, a Turkish bath for a traditional spa experience, a Jacuzzi for soothing your muscles, and a range of massage treatments to melt away any stress.
While the rooms are undeniably cozy and well-appointed, some guests might find them a bit standard for a 4-star property. However, this minor point is easily overshadowed by the hotel’s unique design and vibrant atmosphere, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Basque Country. Coupled with its unbeatable proximity to famous attractions and enticing eateries, Axel Hotel San Sebastián stands out as a fantastic choice for discerning travelers seeking a stylish and centrally located base in San Sebastián. The overall experience is one of sophisticated urban relaxation, making it a memorable stay.
## Hotel Arbaso
**Hotel Arbaso**, an elegant 4-star establishment, resides within a meticulously preserved 14th-century building located directly in the center of San Sebastián. This unique setting allows the hotel to offer a luxurious stay characterized by a seamless blend of historic charm and contemporary amenities. The hotel’s location is exceptionally convenient, situated just across from the majestic **Cathedral of the Good Shepherd** and a mere five-minute walk from the golden sands of **La Concha Beach**. This prime positioning ensures that guests enjoy easy access to the city’s most significant and desirable attractions.
The rooms at Hotel Arbaso are exceptionally well-equipped, designed with comfort and convenience in mind. A particularly appealing feature of some rooms is the presence of balconies and bay windows, which offer captivating views overlooking the iconic cathedral and the bustling city streets. These architectural details add a layer of character and charm to the accommodations, enhancing the overall experience.
Beyond the comfortable rooms and stunning views, Hotel Arbaso provides a range of facilities aimed at enhancing guest well-being and enjoyment. Guests can maintain their fitness regime at the on-site fitness center, unwind in the relaxing saunas, or cozy up in the inviting spaces near the fireplace, perfect for cooler evenings. The hotel also boasts two noteworthy culinary establishments: the in-house **Narru Restaurant** and **Narru Bar**. These venues serve a delectable selection of local and international cuisine, promising a memorable dining experience.
Hotel Arbaso serves as a showcase for the authenticity of San Sebastián, reflected in its beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find elements of oak, marble, and iron, adding to its visual appeal and historical significance. These materials have been carefully integrated to create an atmosphere that is both elegant and evocative. Its privileged location on **Calle Hondarribia** provides guests with the convenient opportunity for a short walk to the vibrant **Gros District**, the popular **Zurriola Beach**, and various essential transportation stations. This accessibility allows for seamless exploration of the city and its surroundings.
The hotel caters to a variety of preferences by providing a diverse range of room styles. Each room is equipped with essential amenities, including air conditioning for personalized climate control, a minibar stocked with refreshments, a tablet for convenient information access, complimentary WiFi for staying connected, and a smart TV for entertainment. Additional highlights include a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts, electric bike rentals for exploring the city in an eco-friendly way, and private transport services for hassle-free travel. Hotel Arbaso truly offers a comprehensive and luxurious experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of San Sebastián.
## Lasala Plaza Hotel
**Lasala Plaza Hotel** stands as a beacon of style and sophistication, perfectly positioned next to San Sebastián’s picturesque port. The hotel prides itself on offering exceptional sea views that captivate and inspire, complemented by top-notch amenities that ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay. Its prime location is undoubtedly one of its greatest assets, placing guests squarely in the center of the historic **Old Town**, providing easy access to the city’s stunning beaches and its rich collection of historical sites.
The hotel’s design pays a heartfelt tribute to San Sebastián’s unique culture and its enduring seafaring history. This dedication is evident in numerous thoughtful design elements, such as the reception desk shaped like a boat keel, and the oar-shaped braided copper plaques that adorn the walls. These details provide guests with a sense of place, connecting them to the city’s vibrant past and present.
Lasala Plaza Hotel offers a variety of room types to cater to diverse preferences, including luxurious suites and well-appointed units with breathtaking sea views. All rooms feature elegant French neoclassical-inspired designs, contributing to the hotel’s sophisticated and refined ambiance. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly comfortable.
One of the undeniable highlights of Lasala Plaza is its expansive rooftop terrace. This elevated oasis provides a refreshing pool, a gourmet restaurant, a sun deck perfect for soaking up the sun, and panoramic views encompassing the vast sea, the bustling port, the inviting beaches, and the entirety of the beautiful city. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal while gazing out over this spectacular landscape – a truly unforgettable experience.
Beyond its stunning views and luxurious amenities, Lasala Plaza also offers a range of health and beauty treatments at its partnered spa, allowing guests to indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel also boasts an on-site restaurant, **Jarana Taberna**, where guests can savor contemporary Basque cuisine crafted with the freshest local ingredients. The hotel’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and its active support of local culture further contribute to its overall appeal. Lasala Plaza is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination that immerses guests in the very best that San Sebastián has to offer.
## One Shot Tabakalera House
**One Shot Tabakalera House** presents a chic and contemporary hotel experience located within the historical **Tabakalera International Centre for Contemporary Culture** in San Sebastián. This unique hotel provides a distinctive blend of historical significance and modern design sensibilities, making it a truly unforgettable place to stay.
Guests can enjoy access to a range of facilities designed to enhance their stay, including a well-equipped fitness room for maintaining their exercise routine, a relaxing sauna for unwinding after a long day of exploring, and occasional photography exhibitions that showcase the hotel’s commitment to art and culture. Its central location provides easy access to the heart of the city, the main train station, and the lush greenery of **Cristina-Enea Park**. This ensures that guests can easily explore all that San Sebastián has to offer.
A particularly innovative feature of One Shot Tabakalera House is its “buffet in jars” breakfast concept at **El Eskondite Tabakalera**. This approach provides an eco-friendly and safer dining option, minimizing waste and ensuring hygiene. The concept has received positive feedback and demonstrates the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The hotel boasts 34 stylish rooms, each carefully designed with attention to detail. The rooms feature selected furniture, adding to their aesthetic appeal, as well as high-profile extra-comfort mattresses, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Wooden floors add a touch of warmth and elegance to the rooms. Executive, duplex, and premium rooms offer additional amenities, such as plush robes, comfortable slippers, and cozy sitting areas, providing an enhanced level of comfort and luxury. All rooms feature spacious rain showers, adding a spa-like touch, while some premium rooms also feature a separate bathtub, allowing guests to indulge in a long and relaxing soak.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the cultural atmosphere of the hotel by exploring the temporary art exhibitions that are often on display. Alternatively, they can maintain their fitness regime with the on-site facilities, ensuring that their well-being is catered to during their stay. One Shot Tabakalera House offers a truly immersive experience that combines culture, history, and modern comfort.
## Catalonia Donosti
**Catalonia Donosti** offers a luxurious and elegant stay in the heart of San Sebastián. This unique hotel is set within a meticulously refurbished 17th and 18th-century convent, seamlessly blending history with modern comfort. Perched atop **San Bartolomé Hill**, the boutique hotel boasts 128 spacious rooms, providing guests with a variety of options to suit their needs, including rooms with breathtaking sea views, luxurious suites, and convenient family rooms.
The hotel’s interior design is heavily inspired by English aesthetics, incorporating rich materials such as plush velvet, sleek marble, and gleaming copper accents. These elements combine to create an atmosphere of sophistication and refinement. Guests are invited to indulge at the hotel’s stylish bar and gastronomic restaurant, where they can sample exquisite Basque cuisine. Alternatively, they can relax and unwind on the rooftop terrace, which features a refreshing outdoor swimming pool and offers panoramic views over the iconic **La Concha Beach**.
The hotel’s historical setting is one of its most significant charms. Protected elements of the original convent, such as the north facade, the elegant bell tower, and the central body of the church, have been carefully preserved, adding to the hotel’s unique character. Despite its hilltop location, Catalonia Donosti remains conveniently close to the city’s major attractions, including the magnificent cathedral and the golden sands of La Concha Beach.
Catalonia Donosti’s rooms and bathrooms are designed to be warm and welcoming, offering a comfortable retreat after a long day of exploring the city. In addition to the rooftop terrace, the hotel features a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts, convenient on-site parking for those traveling by car, and a luxurious spa complete with a range of amenities designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
## Hotel Villa Favorita
**Hotel Villa Favorita** stands as a historical boutique hotel, ideally situated on the famed La Concha promenade in San Sebastián. Occupying the last surviving 19th-century villa on **La Concha Bay**, this elegant establishment offers a unique and memorable experience. The hotel’s spacious, smart rooms are equipped with centralized iPad control, allowing guests to easily manage their in-room environment. Many rooms also feature stunning bay views, providing a constant reminder of the hotel’s prime beachfront location.
Guests can select from a variety of room categories, catering to diverse preferences and needs. Some rooms offer the added luxury of private terraces, while others feature panoramic bay windows, providing even more breathtaking views. Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that the hotel is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants, **Villa Favorita** and **Amelia**. These restaurants serve exquisite seasonal and sustainable dishes, prepared with the freshest ingredients sourced from local producers. The hotel takes immense pride in its farm-to-table gastronomy, ensuring that guests enjoy the very best that the region has to offer.
The prime location of Hotel Villa Favorita on La Concha Beach promenade places guests in one of the most desirable areas of San Sebastián. While the beach and boardwalk can sometimes be busy and noisy, the hotel’s unique ambiance, its harmonious blend of classic and contemporary decor, and its close proximity to the historic **Old Town** make it a top choice for discerning travelers.
## Saiaz Getaria Hotela
**Saiaz Getaria Hotela** presents a charming and historically significant accommodation option in the form of a Gothic tower hotel. Nestled between **Gaztetape Beach** and the **Old Town** of **Getaria** on the picturesque Basque Coast, the hotel offers stunning sea views, a delicious breakfast, and a cozy fireside lounge, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
While not located directly in San Sebastián (the city is approximately a 30-minute drive away), Saiaz Getaria Hotela provides a unique experience in a more rural seaside setting. Guests will have the opportunity to stay within the hotel’s historic Gothic tower, characterized by its thick stone walls and antique furnishings, creating a sense of stepping back in time. Despite its historical setting, the hotel provides contemporary comfort, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing stay.
The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of Getaria’s charming center and its two beautiful beaches, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration. With a total of 17 units available, guests can choose between rooms located within the Gothic tower or open-wall rooms featuring large windows overlooking the sea. Superior double rooms and junior suites provide more space, making them particularly suitable for families. Saiaz Getaria Hotela’s facilities include a café/bar serving a range of beverages, a buffet breakfast to start the day, and a 24-hour reception for added convenience. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s terrace, living room, and cafeteria, all of which offer stunning sea views.
## Parador de Hondarribia
Another compelling option situated outside of San Sebastián is the **Parador de Hondarribia**, a beautiful hotel housed within a historic 10th-century castle. Located in the charming town of **Hondarribia**, approximately 30 minutes from San Sebastián, this hotel is ideally suited for those seeking to explore the stunning Cantabrian coast and immerse themselves in its rich medieval history.
The castle’s interior is adorned with breathtaking tapestries designed by the renowned Rubens and has played host to a number of notable historical figures, including Emperor Carlos V, Felipe IV and V, and Velázquez. Guests can enjoy comfortable and elegant rooms, each equipped with modern amenities and offering captivating views of the surrounding area.
While the Parador de Hondarribia does not have a full-service restaurant, it offers a delightful buffet breakfast and a gastronomic cafeteria, where guests can savor local products and artisan pastries. The hotel also features grand halls offering panoramic views of the **Plaza de Armas**, a charming inner garden perfect for relaxation, and terraces overlooking the sea and the rooftops of the Old Town. For those seeking a unique accommodation option steeped in history and situated in a beautiful location, the Parador de Hondarribia is an excellent choice.
## Room Mate Gorka Hotel
**Room Mate Gorka Hotel** presents a contemporary boutique hotel experience nestled in the very heart of San Sebastián. Its prime location on the picturesque **Gipuzkoa Plaza** provides guests with easy access to the city’s most desirable attractions. The hotel’s central location allows guests to easily reach major sites, including **La Concha** and **Zurriola Beaches**, the vibrant **Old Town**, and the architectural marvel of the **Good Shepherd Cathedral**, all within a comfortable walking distance.
The historic building features large, bright, modern rooms, each elegantly furnished to create a comfortable and stylish environment. The hotel also offers a range of facilities, including a 24-hour gym for fitness enthusiasts, well-equipped meeting rooms for business travelers, and a stylish bar with a terrace, perfect for enjoying a relaxing drink. Guests can indulge in a delicious buffet breakfast, served until noon, catering to those who prefer a leisurely start to the day.
The hotel’s seamless blend of history and modern comforts provides an authentic San Sebastián experience. Original elements of the building, such as its ornate iron balconies, grand colonnades, and intricate stained glass windows, imbue the property with a unique charm. While rooms facing the square offer the best views, it’s worth noting that they can sometimes be subject to noise. Despite this, Room Mate Gorka Hotel ensures a comfortable and memorable stay, offering spacious rooms, upgraded units with separate lounges, luxurious king-size beds, and an extensive breakfast buffet to cater to diverse tastes.
## Villa Soro
**Villa Soro**, a charming hotel located in San Sebastián, is set within a beautifully renovated 19th-century heritage villa. The hotel strikes a perfect balance between a welcoming family atmosphere and modern comfort, creating a truly delightful place to stay.
The historical property offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience, including a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts, complimentary bikes for exploring the city, a tranquil garden terrace with an outdoor bar, and a restaurant, **Eguzki Soro**, which serves delectable regional Basque cuisine. The hotel’s spacious rooms seamlessly blend modern and historical elements, featuring cozy countryside decor and fun tiled bathrooms, adding to the hotel’s unique character.
Located in a tranquil setting surrounded by picturesque gardens, Villa Soro is conveniently located just a 10-15 minute walk from San Sebastián’s city center. This proximity provides easy access to the trendy surf neighborhood of Gros and various other attractions. The hotel’s historic charm is evident throughout, with period touches such as elegant fireplace lounges, a beautifully carved oak staircase, and stunning stained glass windows. Villa Soro also showcases artwork by renowned Basque artists, maintaining a strong connection to the local culture.
## Abba San Sebastián Hotel
**Abba San Sebastián Hotel** presents a modern boutique hotel experience housed within an early 20th-century Baroque palace. Its location on the **Paseo de Francia**, a historic walkway in San Sebastián, provides a perfect base for exploring the city’s charming Belle Époque history.
Located just five minutes from the vibrant **Old Town** and other significant sites, the hotel offers a variety of room types, each decorated in a refreshing blue and white color scheme. Some rooms also feature private terraces situated on the building’s corners, providing a private outdoor space to relax and unwind. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s rooftop terrace for sunset drinks, a fitness center for maintaining their exercise routine, a tranquil garden, a shared lounge for socializing, massage services for relaxation, and a bar offering a range of daily breakfast options.
While the hotel does not have a full-service restaurant, its convenient location places it close to a diverse range of dining options in the Old Town. It’s worth noting that the three lowest room categories are smaller in size, so guests seeking more space may want to consider upgrading to a higher room category.
## Hotel de Londres & de Inglaterra
**Hotel de Londres & de Inglaterra** stands as an elegant and historic beachfront hotel, ideally situated on La Concha Bay. This iconic hotel, with over 150 years of rich history, uniquely blends Belle Époque architecture with modern refinement, offering a truly memorable experience.
The hotel boasts 166 rooms, offering nine different types of accommodations to cater to a variety of needs. With options for families and larger groups, there is something to suit every traveler. The hotel’s **Mari Galant Brasserie** serves exquisite Basque gastronomy, while the **Swing Bar and Terrace** offer an intimate setting for enjoying a coffee or cocktail while taking in the breathtaking beachfront views.
Located directly on the promenade along La Concha Bay, the hotel offers a lively atmosphere with convenient access to the beach, shops, and eateries. The **Old Town**, **San Sebastián City Hall**, and the cathedral are all just a seven-minute walk away. Inside, the rooms seamlessly combine classic architecture with modern finishes, featuring warm and welcoming neutral colors, luxurious marble bathrooms, and various upgrades such as sea views, private balconies, or relaxing Jacuzzi tubs. Guests can indulge in fine dining and traditional Basque cuisine at the Mari Galant Brasserie or unwind at the cozy Swing Bar and Terrace while enjoying the picturesque views of La Concha Bay.
## Zenit Convento San Martin
**Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín**, a historic hotel located in the heart of San Sebastián, is conveniently situated just two blocks from **La Concha Beach** and the bustling promenade. The hotel is housed in a former 1887 convent, featuring a beautifully restored chapel that adds to its unique character.
The hotel offers modern facilities to ensure a comfortable stay, including a rooftop terrace providing stunning views, a refreshing swimming pool, a sun deck for soaking up the sun, and the **Sukaldean Restaurant**, which serves both Basque and international cuisine. The hotel’s rooms are spacious and modern, featuring trendy furnishings, contemporary amenities, and some offering outdoor terraces and separate living rooms.
The location is ideal for exploring San Sebastián’s main attractions, including the **Paseo Marítimo** and La Concha Beach, the iconic **Good Shepherd Cathedral**, the vibrant **Old Town**, and the working **fishing port**. It’s worth noting that the seasonal swimming pool and rooftop are only open from late June through September, and standard rooms on the ground floor lack views and can be subject to noise.
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