Our Favorite Hotels in San Sebastián From a Local (2024)

We have been lucky enough to not only travel through San Sebastián on multiple occasions as tourists but have lived in this incredible city as well. So we have become well acquainted with the hotel options throughout the city.

And let me tell you…there are some incredible hotels throughout San Sebastian that allow for a dream vacation in one of the most beautiful European cities in the world!

There are several distinct parts that make up the city of San Sebastian each with their own vibe, character and pace. So we have included our favorite hotels in each part of the city to give a selection when picking where you want to stay.

Every single one of these spots will allow for a wonderful stay in San Sebastian. We tend to prefer unique, charming, and one of a kind hotels when traveling which allows you to really appreciate the unique feel of each location and not like you are in some large chain hotel that could be anywhere in the world.

So without further ado here is a list by area of our favorite hotels in San Sebastian…

1. Old Town and the Romantic Area:

Old Town is made up of world class gastronomy and boutique shopping in the heart of the city. The Old Town in San Sebastián has narrow streets, beautiful historic buildings and picturesque charm.  Walking through Old Town makes you feel as if you are back in time and allows you to glimpse the old and unique history that makes up San Sebastián. There are pintxos bars on every corner, one of a kind boutiques with hand made local products, and not one but two beautiful cathedrals.

When you stay in Old Town you are only minutes from the ocean, a short walk to the river Urumea and at the base of Mount Urgull , one of the defining features of San Sebastian. There are always a lot of people here (tourists and locals alike), as well as regular celebrations at the Plaza de Constitution, so this is not the spot if you are looking for a quiet or laid back vibe. This is a great place to stay if you want to be in the middle of all the action and activity!

Favorite Hotels in OLD TOWN, San Sebastian:

Hotel SANSEbay:  The very first time I visited San Sebastián it was just me and my 15 year old daughter and this hotel was where we stayed.  It is a boutique hotel located in Old Town and right on the harbor.  You wake up to gorgeous views of La Concha bay and the staff is friendly and personal.

The rooms are modern and bright and there is a small cafe in the lobby that serves coffee and some of the most delicious fresh baked Basque bread!  

When you exit the hotel you are in the middle of all the action right in Old Town, and just a few steps from great shopping, incredible pintxos and at the doorstep of Mount Urgull and the harbor. This is a perfect hotel if looking to stay in Old Town, San Sebastián.

Prices range from $100/night in the low season to $350/night in the high season

ATRI HOTEL: This hotel is RIGHT in the middle of Old Town and set amongst the cobblestone streets of San Sebastián, only steps from the Santa Maria del Coro basilica and in the middle of all the action!  This is the hotel you want to stay in if you want to be in the heart of Old Town and amongst all the activity.

The rooms are bright and modern and full of Basque charm.  The bottom floor houses the incredible Amama restaurant which features some of the best Basque food. One of the best parts of a stay at the Atri hotel is the breakfast with views of the Basilica.  Staying at the Atri hotel allows for a very authentic Experience in San Sebastián in a bustling location.

Prices range from $125/night in the low season to $350/night in the high season.

Hotel Aldamar: This lovely family run boutique hotel is a gem located on the outside of Old Town. Only minutes from the river, beach and all that Old Town has to offer Hotel Aldamar is a great option when staying in San Sebastián at a reasonable price. It does not have many of the amenities of larger hotels but the local and personalized charm is what sets it apart and we love that it is family run.

Prices range from $60/night in the low season to $250/night in the high season.

Lasala Plaza Hotel: This hotel is an exceptional place to stay in Old Town. It has sweeping views of La Concha bay, an incredible rooftop bar and pool and in the middle of Old Town with easy access to shopping and amazing gastronomy. You can pay a bit more for Seaview rooms which is well worth the extra expense and we highly recommend. The staff is very helpful and the rooms are comfortable and bright.

Prices range from $120/night in the low season to $340/night in the high season.

El Centro:

El Centro is the well,… in the center of town just like the name suggests. El Centro is full of newer (not to be confused with modern) and elegant European buildings. I love walking through El Centro and appreciating the traditional architecture and details on the elegant wrought iron balconies. El Centro has excellent shopping (fewer boutiques and more chains), restaurants, cafes and the beautiful Buen Pastor Cathedral. The streets are wider than in Old Town and things are more spread out and less dense in El Centro.

You are centrally located and just a short walk to Old Town, La Concha Beach, and the river. You can also cross the river and in just a few minutes be on Zurriola beach in Gros, another popular part of San Sebastián. El Centro is the spot to stay if you are looking to be in the heart of everything but with fewer crowds than Old Town. This is the place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the city with easy access to all San Sebastian has to offer.

2. Where to Stay in EL CENTRO, San Sebastián:

Villa Katalina: This boutique hotel located right next to the beautiful Buen Pastor cathedral is a perfect choice when staying in El Centro in San Sebastian. It is central to everything, a 10 minute walk to the beach and attached to a fantastic restaurant that serves delicious fresh and local food. The rooms are cozy and you can request one with a balcony and view of the cathedral…highly recommend.

Prices range from $80/night in the low season to $350/night in the high season.

Hotel Arbaso: This is a beautiful and elegant boutique hotel located in a great location.  There is the remarkable Narru restaurant on the first floor that serves world class farm to table meals.  Be sure to take part in their breakfast which is delicious. Hotel Arbaso is in the heart of El Centro, only minutes from the beautiful Buen Pastor cathedral, close to shopping and about a ten minute walk to the beach.  The architecture of the building is the baroque style with the silver accents that never cease to impress me.  Each room is slightly different with rich colors and decor that are both modern and warm.  

Prices range from $120/night in the low season to $360/night in the high season.

Catalonia Donostia: This hotel is interesting because most people don’t even know it exists. It sits in the middle of the city, but it is situated up a hill and in a way that you walk right past it. It has a bigger, less boutique and old world feel as the others but it has great views of the city and you can take an elevator down to the street and be in the middle of El Centro and all the action within a few minutes. It also has a pool on the roof which is pretty unusual for San Sebastian. It is a 8 minute walk to the beach and a ten minute walk to old town.

Prices range from $100/night in the low season to $220/night in the high season.

Hotel Room Mate Gorka: This is another lovely boutique hotel in a great location. It is located right next to Plaza Guipuzcoa which is a beautiful park and a historically significant part of the city with beautiful buildings. There are great cafes and shopping close by and easy access to the river, beach and Old Town. The rooms are open and bright and it is locally owned and the staff is lovely .

Prices range from $99/night in the low season to $250/night in the high season.

Hotel Maria Christina:  If you are looking for a much larger, luxury hotel with all the amenities located in an incredible location in San Sebastian then this is your spot.  With higher price points, but worth every penny, Hotel Maria Christina offers dream accommodation when visiting San Sebastian.  Located in El Centro, and right on the beautiful Urumea river the location of this hotel is exceptional.  The hotel offers old world charm and romantic ambiance. The rooms are decorated in the style of Belle Epoque (Golden Age) and make you feel like you are in a different part of the world and in a bygone era.  Hotel Maria Christina provides a dream luxury stay in the city of San Sebastián and is a perfect choice if looking for amenities and luxury in the middle of all the action.

Prices range from $300/night in the low season to $700/night in the high season.

La Concha Beach:

La Concha Beach stretches the entire length of San Sebastián from the beautiful City Hall to Pico del Loro (Parrots Beak) and the regal Miramar Palace that sits up on the hill .   The promenade is punctuated by the recognizable and elegant lamp posts and iconic white railing that are unique to San Sebastián. The beach and promenade allow for expansive views of the ocean and city and is one of the prettiest settings in all of Europe.  

You can walk to Old Town, El Centro and up over the hill into Antiguo (a quieter part of town) in minutes. There are always people on the promenade and beach regardless of the season and a lot of ocean activity such as sailing, surfing and swimming. This is a great place to stay if you want to be right on the ocean taking in the views, but close enough to all the action.

3. Where to Stay in LA CONCHA, San Sebastián:

Hotel Londres: This hotel is right on the promenade with sweeping views of La Concha beach. It is a fantastic location only minutes from Old Town and El Central. The hotel itself has old world charm and a comfortable restaurant just off the lobby and has been serving San Sebastian for over 150 years.

Prices range from $180/night in the low season to $280/night in the low season.

Nobu Hotel: Ok so when most people hear Nobu they think of super luxury or sushi.  But the Nobu brand is also known for world class hotels with great service and this hotel is no exception.  This hotel was just recently completed and as of the date of this post has not even been open a year.  It is located right on La Concha bay with some of the best views in town. You are set up from the street so you get to take in the view and activity from the balcony all day or night if you choose.  Be sure to have your coffee out on the balcony or sip one of their amazing custom cocktails while taking in the San Sebastian sunset. There is the world class Nobu restaurant on the ground floor and it is a charming boutique hotel with only 17 rooms that creates a one of a kind stay in San Sebastián.

Prices range from $400/night in the low season to $1000/night in the low season.

Hotel Villa Favorita: Located right on the promenade Hotel Villa Favorite is in a league of its own.  The rooms are spacious and bright and most have a private balcony right on La Concha beach.  This hotel lets you experience the magic and expansiveness of San Sebastian in a remarkable location.  The Michelin star restaurant by Paula Airaudu located in the hotel serves up fresh natural works of art for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Be sure to get room service at one point and enjoy the views from the privacy of your own balcony.   The hotel is adults only and you can easily walk to old town and El Centro and watch people going for their morning swims in La Concha Bay.  Hotel Villa Favorite truly is a one of a kind hotel in San Sebastián and a favorite of me and my husband.  

Prices range from $1000/night in the high season to $200/night in the low season.

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martin: Located just a few hundred meters from La Concha beach and the promenade Hotel Zenit Convento San Martin is a one of a kind experience when staying in San Sebastián. This hotel is a converted convent using stones from the Igeldo quarry and the inside is stunning with dramatic ceilings and architecture. The rooms are beautiful, bright and modern and there is a great gym and a swimming pool as well. There is also the incredible Restaurante Sukaldean which is a must when staying at the hotel.

Prices range from $280/night in the low season to $1000/night in the low season.

Gros: 

Gros is the younger and cooler part of San Sebastián, full of trendy restaurants, surf shops and Zurriola beach (a popular surf spot).  There is always a lot happening in this part of town and it is an incredible spot to take in the sunset and watch the locals surf, socialize and sip cocktails while catching up with each other. Gros is not as elegant as El Centro or historic as Old Town, but it has its own charm full of amazing food, a spectrum of shopping options, and access to the beach.

There is also the Kursaal Convention Center, an iconic building, located at one end of Gros that hosts the San Sebastian International Film Festival each year and fantastic musicians all year long. Gros allows you to experience the unique culture that is San Sebastian, but with easy access to the river, Zurriola beach and El Centro. This is a great place to stay if you want a more casual vibe.

4. Where to Stay in GROS, San Sebastián:

Abba Hotel: This hotel is located on the river in Gros and is not only a fantastic location but a beautiful old building.  It is within walking distance of the train station, Zurriola Beach and a short walk across the bridge into El Centro.  One of my favorite parts of this hotel is the panoramic view from the rooftop terrace.  If you are visiting in the winter the picturesque Christmas markets are set up along the river and you can walk with a hot chocolate in hand while you check out the local Basque vendors.   

Prices range from $100/night in the low season to $250/night in the high season.

Hotel Arrizul Beach: Hotel Arrival is a no frills hotel that is clean and bright and in a great location. It is right across the street from the Kursaal Convention Center which is the location of the famous San Sebastián film festival every year. It is a two minute walk to the beach and steps to the river. The rooms are simple and you can step outside your door to dozens of dining options, boutiques and surf shops.  Be sure to try the famous Basque Cheesecake they serve at the Loaf, located one block from the hotel.

Prices range from $100/night in the low season to $170/night in the high season.

Hotel Arrival Congress: This hotel is related to the one mentioned above but located several blocks away. The hotel is located in a historic building in the middle of Gros. It is surrounded by local shops, cafes and just minutes from the river and the train station. The rooms are clean and bright and there is nice morning breakfast buffet.

Prices range from $100/night in the low season to $170/night in the low season.

Antiguo:

Set slightly apart from the busier streets of San Sebastian, Antiguo which means old world is a charming and slower part of the city.  Antiguo is rich in history (it is the oldest neighborhood in the city), with easy access to Mount Igeldo and Onderreta Beach. There are fewer tourists in this part of town with many local boutiques and cafes. Staying in Antiguo allows for a more authentic experience of San Sebastian, but in a beautiful setting right by the beach and set amongst beautiful old buildings.

If you stay here it means you would have to walk 15 minutes along the beach to get into Old Town and El Centro but this is the prettiest walk in the city so it is time we’ll spent. This is the place to stay if you want a little less touristed vibe in a slower and more intimate part of San Sebastián.

5. Where to Stay in ANTIGUO, San Sebastián:

Hotel La Galeria:  This hotel is a hidden gem that is one of my absolute favorite hotels in San Sebastián.  The rooms are old world Spain and not the traditional luxury and super spacious rooms that most hotels across the world try to emulate.  They are smaller with traditional Spanish furnishing that have an authentic vibe. The building itself is beautiful and represents the historical and unique architecture of Basque Country.  But what really sets the hotel apart is the location!  A stones throw away from Ondaretta beach, Hotel La Galleria in my opinion is in the perfect location.  It is a one minute walk to the beach, a three minute walk to the charming and very authentic old town of Antiguo and a fifteen minute walk into downtown San Sebastian.  Hotel La Galleria is a real gem of a hotel in San Sebastian.

Prices range from $100/night in the low season to $300/night in the high season.

LETOH LETOH San Sebastián: A recent remodel of a historic building hotel Letoh Letoh is located on the main street in the quiet part of Antiguo. The rooms are modern but in an old reformed building with a very welcoming staff.  This is a true authentic Basque neighborhood where I could sit and people watch all day.  It is minutes from the beach and just a short walk to the famous comb of the wind (El Piene del Vient0).  There is a good restaurant on the first floor and a rooftop balcony with great views.  

Prices range from $100/night in the low season to $300/night in the high season.

Outside the City:

Part of the magic of San Sebastian is that the lush, green rolling hills and more rural settings are just minutes from the more densely packed city. Within just a few minutes drive you can find yourself in a tranquil and beautifully natural part of the greater San Sebastian area. These rolling hills give you a glimpse into the remarkable landscape that make up Basque Country. There are family farms, large Basque homes, hiking trails and stunning views.

There are a variety of lodging options just outside the city of San Sebastian that provide a peaceful and bucolic stay while visiting San Sebastian. Staying outside the city does however, require a car so factor this into your plans. This is a great place to stay that allows easy access to San Sebastian but in a more remote and quieter part of San Sebastian.

Akelare: This hotel is exceptional. Set up on the cliff just to the west of San Sebastián with breathtaking views Akelare is more of an experience than a hotel. Everything about this hotel is breathtaking from the views, to the world class spa, to the Michelin Restaurant and stunning architecture.

Prices range from $350/night in the low season to $500/night in the high season.

Hotel Restaurant Usategieta: Is a rustic hotel set in the scenic and green rolling hills of Basque Country. Locally owned and surrounded by nature, personal touches and solitude Hotel

Iriarte Jauregia Hotel: A bit farther out (25 minutes) from San Sebastián sits this gem of a hotel in the rolling verdant green hills of Basque Country. Built in the 17th century and in the middle of nature this hotel is an experience like no other. You are surrounded my animals, orchards and beautiful farms and they serve locally sourced amazing cuisine. This is a stay like no other and provides you with a quiet and serene experience in the heart of Basque Country.

When is the Best Time to Travel to San Sebastian?

During the summer months prices and crowds go through the roof in Europe… and San Sebastian is no different.  If you can avoid traveling to San Sebastián in June, July and August I HIGHLY recommend it.  If you must travel during this time it will still be a lovely experience, but the costs will be higher and you will have to contend with a lot more people and crowds.  The winter months can be quite rainy and not always the best for exploring (although still wonderful), but the fall and spring are a perfect time to travel to San Sebastian with lower prices and a lot less tourists!  

Where to Stay in San Sebastián in 2024 (from a local)…

One of my favorite things about traveling is appreciating the unique amenities, ambiance and hospitality of hotels all over the world.  And San Sebastian has some incredible hotels with one of a kind character and charm.  

We have put together a list of where to stay and the best hotels in San Sebastián in 2024.  We have included our favorite hotels in the different areas listed above allowing for a diverse selection regardless of what part of town you choose to stay in.  All these hotels are very different and range in price, location and style, but there is something for everyone on this list!

In Conclusion…

It is so fun to share some of our favorite hotels in San Sebastián. Any one of these hotels will allow you to have an amazing trip and enjoy all that San Sebastián has to offer.  Wishing you a fantastic visit to San Sebastián and be sure to let us know what you enjoyed most!

Want some help planning the perfect trip to San Sebastián? Please feel free to reach out as we are more than happy to help you plan your ideal trip to San Sebastian with our trip planning services.

Looking for the best airfare to Europe? Be sure to check out our post on the Best Airlines to Fly From the United States to Europe.