The Best Hotels in San Sebastián in 2024 (From a Local)…

Best Hotels in San Sebastián in 2024 From a Local

We have been lucky enough to travel through San Sebastián many times, taking advantage of its remarkable and diverse hotel choices. And now that we live here we get to appreciate even more the different areas of the city and best hotel options available.

San Sebastian truly is one of the most exceptional European cities we have ever had the pleasure of visiting.  One of our favorite things about San Sebastián is the variety of different areas that compose the city.  Each of these areas have their own individual personality and character.  While these unique parts of the city are only a few minutes from each other, it feels like you are in a distinctly new location in each part of town.

The city is broken up into the following main areas…

Old Town and the Romantic Area: This area is made up of world class gastronomy and boutique shopping in the heart of the city. The Old Town in San Sebastián has stunning historic buildings and incredible charm.  Walking through Old Town makes you feel as if you are back in time and allows you to glimpse the old and incredibly rich history that makes up San Sebastian.

El Centro: Full of newer and elegant buildings, El Centro has excellent shopping, restaurants and is just a short walk to the beautiful la Concha beach and beautiful Buen Pastor Cathedral.

La Concha Beach: La Concha Beach stretches the entire length of San Sebastián from the beautiful City Hall to Pico del Loro (Parrots Beak).   The promenade is punctuated by the recognizable and elegant lamp posts and iconic white railing. The beach and promenade allows for expansive views of the ocean and city and is one of the prettiest settings in all of Europe.  

Gros: Gros is the younger and hipper part of town full of trendy restaurants, surf shops and Zurriola beach.  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.

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, with easy access to Mount Igeldo and Onderreta Beach. There are less tourists in this part of town with many local boutiques and cafes.

When is the Best Time to Travel to San Sebastian?

During the summer months prices and crowds got 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.  The winter months can be quite rainy and not always the best for exploring, but the fall and spring are a perfect time to travel to San Sebastian with lower prices and a lot less tourists.   

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 the best hotels in San Sebastián in 2024.  We have included our favorite hotels in the five 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!

Best Hotels in San Sebastián in 2024 (from a local)…

OLD TOWN:

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.  

The rooms face the ocean and offer incredible views of La Concha beach. 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 in the middle of Old Town, and just a few steps from great shopping, incredible pintxos and at the doorstep of Mount Urgull which is a beautiful park and meaningful historic location in San Sebastian.  If you are looking for a perfect hotel in San Sebastian with an ideal location for access to everything this hotel will not disappoint!

Prices range from $350/night in the high season to $115/night in the low season.

ATRI HOTEL: This hotel is right in the middle of old town and set amongst the cobblestone streets of San Sebastián, and only steps from the Santa Maria del Coro basilica which is a magnificent display of baroque architecture that was built in 1774.  This is the hotel you want to stay in to get the feel of being back in time and in the heart of the city and all it´s magincifent history.  

The rooms are simple and modern and full of Basque charm.  The bottom floor houses the amazing Amama restaurant which is Basque gastronomy at its finest. One of the best parts of a stay at the Atri hotel is the buffet breakfast with views of the Basilica.  Staying at the Atri hotel allows for a very authentic Experience in San Sebastián.  

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

EL CENTRO:

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, as well as 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) that make you feel like you are in a different part of the world and in a completely different 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 $700/night in the high season to $300/night in the low 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 fantastic.  

Hotel Arbaso is in the heart of El Centro, only minutes from the beautiful Buen Pastor cathedral.  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 $360/night in the high season to $120/night in the low season.

LA CONCHA:

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.  The reason it makes the list for me is three fold…

One, the location is incredible!  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 sunset from the coast of Spain. 

Two, Hotel Nobu is a boutique hotel with only 17 rooms.  Because of the small size you get wonderful personal attention and the hotel itself feels intimate and sophisticated. 

Three, the hotel is above the famous Nobu restaurant that serves some of the best Sushi in the world. You can linger over a long multi-course meal or pop in for a quick sushi roll and be on your way.

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

 GROS:

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

Hotel Arrizul Beach: Hotel Arrival is located in Gros which is the funky and young part of town and there is always a lot going on.  There are not a huge collection of hotels in Gros, but the location of this one can´t be beat.  It is right across the street from the Kursaal auditorium which is the location of the famous San Sebastián film festival every year and two minutes from the beach.  

The rooms are simple and bright and you can step outside your door to dozens of casual and not so casual dining options.  Be sure to try the Basque Cheesecake they serve at the Loaf, located one block from the hotel.

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

ANTIGUO:

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 are authentic and old world.  

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 ten minute walk into downtown San Sebastian.  Hotel La Galleria is a real gem of a hotel in San Sebastian.

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

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 a great trip and enjoy all that San Sebastián has to offer.  

And depending on how long you are in town you can even try more than one!  One of my favorite things to do is stay in different hotels because you get a different perspective in each. 

Wishing you a fantastic visit to San Sebastián and be sure to let us know what you enjoyed most!