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And for an extensive guide on where to stay in San Sebastian, including my top hotel picks, read my detailed article.
Where to Stay in San Sebastian: My Selection of the Best Accommodations
Wondering where to stay in San Sebastian? Looking for the best areas and districts?
You’re at the right place!
As I know San Sebastian very well, I have created this guide of:
- San Sebastian’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
- For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget
Let’s find your dream hotel now!
My favorite hotels in San Sebastian
Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in San Sebastian, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.
Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:
- Where to stay in San Sebastian for the first time: Intelier Victoria (city center) or Casa Nicolasa (old town)
- Where to stay in San Sebastian close to the beach: Sercotel Hotel Europa or Hotel La Galería
- Best luxury hotel in San Sebastian: Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in the City Center or Lasala Plaza Hotel in the old town
- Where to stay in San Sebastian on a budget: Leonardo Hotel San Sebastián (excellent value for money) or Hotel Distrito Oeste (cheaper)
- Where to stay in San Sebastian with family: Casual de las Olas San Sebastián
- My favorite hotel in San Sebastian for a romantic stay: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra or Zenit Convento San Martín (very unique!)
In City Center (Area Romántica)
The City Center, also known as the Area Romántica, is the heart of San Sebastian.
This district is famous for its elegant 19th-century architecture, heavily influenced by French style.
It’s the best area if you want to be right in the middle of everything, with the beach on one side and shopping streets on the other.
You should stay in this district:
- For a first time stay, as it’s walking distance to all sights, including the beach and the old town
- If you love shopping, with all the major fashion brands and local boutiques nearby.
- To easily access La Concha Beach, the most iconic urban beach in Europe.
- If you want a central location but prefer something more modern than the Old Town.
In the City center you can see:
- Good Shepherd Cathedral (Catedral del Buen Pastor)
- La Concha Promenade, a relaxing walk along the sea
- Plaza de Guipúzcoa
- Victoria Eugenia Theatre, a historic theater that hosts major cultural events.
- The City Hall
Where to Stay in San Sebastian City Center?
- Pensión San Martín: Located on San Martín street, in the middle of the shopping area. Modern, bright double rooms from 115€. Strong points: excellent location, very clean, great value for money in the center.
- Sercotel Hotel Europa: Located in the Romantic Area, 200 meters from the beach. Classic style double room with antique furniture from 160€. Strong points: historic charm, perfect central location, friendly service.
- Intelier Victoria: Boutique hotel located just a 3-minute walk from La Concha Beach. Elegant double rooms with a chic design from 165€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop terrace with city views, peaceful atmosphere, very friendly staff. A great choice for its excellent value for money.
- Hotel Arrizul Catedral: Right next to the Good Shepherd Cathedral. High-end, spacious double rooms from 200€. Strong points: free coffee corner, modern facilities, perfect location for sightseeing.
- Axel Hotel San Sebastián – Adults Only: Located in a quiet area just 10 minutes from the Old Town. Stylish double rooms from 220€. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, wellness area with sauna and indoor pool, great staff and excellent value for money for a hotel with pool in the city center!
And if you’re looking for a really high-send stay, these 3 hotels are truly exceptional:
- Zenit Convento San Martín: Located in the heart of the city, just behind La Concha Beach. Beautifully restored room in a former convent from 250€. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, stunning architecture, modern facilities in a historic setting. A unique place to stay in San Sebastian.
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra: Located right on the La Concha beachfront. Classic luxury rooms, some with sea views, from 270€, breakfast included. Strong points: breathtaking views of the bay, historic charm, very nice terrace. My favorite hotel for a Romantic stay in San Sebastian!
- Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel: This 5-star hotel is the most prestigious in the city. It offers opulent rooms with Belle Époque decor. From 560€, breakfast included. Strong points: celebrity favorite, impeccable service, absolute luxury. This is simply the best luxury hotel in San Sebastian!
In Lo Viejo (Old Town)
Lo Viejo is the historical center of San Sebastian and the perfect place to discover the local cuisine.
Situated at the foot of Monte Urgull, this pedestrian-only labyrinth is packed with the world-famous pintxo bars.
If you’re staying in Lo Viejo, you will never be more than a few steps away from delicious food and great bars!
You should really stay in Lo Viejo if you want:
- To be in the center of the action, surrounded by history.
- If you are a foodie, as this is the best place to go for a “txikiteo” (bar hopping for drinks and pintxos, the local version of tapas).
This district is perfect to discover:
- Plaza de la Constitución, the main square
- San Telmo Museum, dedicated to Basque society and history.
- Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, a stunning baroque church.
- Church of San Vicente, the oldest church in the city.
- Monte Urgull, reachable by foot for great views over the bay and the Castillo de la Mota.
Here are my favorite hotels in Lo Viejo
- Pensión Ab Domini: Located right in the heart of the Old Town. Modern, soundproofed double rooms from 130€. Strong points: air conditioning, spotless cleanliness, right next to the best pintxo bars but quiet inside. Excellent value for money in the historic center.
- Casa Nicolasa: Situated in a historic building in the lively Old Town. Charming, rustic-chic double rooms from 140€. Strong points: very cozy atmosphere, authentic decor, helpful local recommendations.
- Hotel Parma: Located at the edge of the Old Town facing the sea. Classic functional rooms from 150€, breakfast available. Strong points: some rooms offer great views of the Kursaal and Zurriola Beach, 24-hour reception, easy access to everything.
- Sansebay Hotel: Located at the edge of the Old Town near the port. Modern suites and rooms with sea views from 210€, breakfast for 12€. Strong points: stylish design, views of the port, quiet despite being central. A great choice for a romantic stay in the historic center!
- Lasala Plaza Hotel: Situated overlooking the fishing port. High end double rooms from 490€, breakfast included. Strong points: amazing rooftop pool with panoramic views, excellent restaurant, luxurious feel. The best high-end hotel in the Old Town!
In Gros
Gros is the trendy, youthful neighborhood located across the river from the city center.
Famous for Zurriola Beach, it has a relaxed, surfer vibe and plenty of cool cafes and alternative bars.
You can stay in Gros:
- If you are a surfer or enjoy watching the waves, as Zurriola is the surf beach of the city.
- For a younger atmosphere, with a more local and less tourists than the Old Town.
- If you want a mix of beach and city, with slightly more affordable accommodation options.
Best things to see and do around Gros:
- Zurriola Beach, great for sports and sunsets.
- Kursaal Congress Centre, two translucent cubes designed by Rafael Moneo that light up at night.
- Monte Ulia, for its hiking trails and nice coastal views.
The Best Hotels to Stay in Gros
- Welcome Gros Hotel: Located in the Gros district, just a 5-minute walk from the Old Town. Modern and functional double room from 120€, breakfast included. Strong points: excellent location near the Kursaal, friendly staff, very clean facilities.
- Okako Hotel: A boutique hotel filled with art and unique furniture. Double room from 135€. Strong points: unique “boho-chic” decor, very quiet, personal attention from owners.
- Hotel Arrizul Congress: Just 300 meters from the beach. Modern double room from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: gym, free coffee corner, bike rental available.
- Villa Soro: Located in a renovated historical villa slightly further from the bustle. Classic luxury room from 250€, breakfast included. Strong points: garden, private parking, very peaceful atmosphere. A perfect charming hotel in San Sebastian.
In El Antiguo
El Antiguo is a residential district located at the western end of La Concha Bay.
This is where you find Ondarreta Beach, which is calmer and more family-oriented than the other beaches.
It feels like a separate village within the city, offering a relaxed and local atmosphere.
This district is ideal for staying in San Sebastian:
- For more affordable accommodations
- For families, thanks to the quieter beach and parks.
- If you want a quiet stay, away from the late-night noise of the Old Town.
- To enjoy the best views from Monte Igueldo.
Highlights of El Antiguo include:
- Ondarreta Beach
- Miramar Palace, a former royal summer residence with public gardens overlooking the bay.
- Peine del Viento, famous iron sculptures by Eduardo Chillida at the water’s edge.
- Monte Igueldo Funicular, an old wooden railway that takes you up to a vintage amusement park with the best view of the city.
Where to stay in El Antiguo?
- Hotel Codina: Located in the El Antiguo neighborhood, just 250 meters from Ondarreta Beach. Renovated, bright double room from 110€. Strong points: premium location near the beach, very clean, quiet surroundings. A great choice for its excellent value for money.
- Hotel San Sebastián Orly, Affiliated by Meliá: Located in the city center, just one block from the famous La Concha Beach. Spacious, bright double room from 135€. Strong points: some rooms offer sea views, excellent location, 24-hour reception.
- NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu: Located 5 minutes from the beach. Stylish modern double room from 140€, breakfast for 18€. Strong points: on-site restaurant Kukuarri, quiet area, very comfortable.
- Hotel La Galería: A 19th-century French-style building right on the seafront. Double room with classic decor from 160€, breakfast included. Strong points: direct beach access, unique architecture, charming rooms.
- Barceló Costa Vasca: Situated near the Miramar Palace gardens. Modern double room from 190€. Strong points: large outdoor swimming pool, garden, wellness center. Great for a relaxing summer stay!
Where to Stay in San Sebastian on a Budget
San Sebastian is known for being expensive, but here are a few great hotels for a stay without breaking the bank.
- Hotel Distrito Oeste: Located in the quiet El Antiguo neighborhood. Modern, spacious double room from 100€. Strong points: fitness center, very clean facilities, private parking available.
- Hotel Antik San Sebastián: Situated in a residential area near Ondarreta Beach. Bright, functional double room from 110€. Strong points: friendly staff, great breakfast buffet, convenient location for travelers with a car. A great choice for its excellent value for money!
- The Social Hub San Sebastián: Situated in the Riberas de Loiola area. Contemporary, functional room from 115€. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, gym, co-working spaces, great atmosphere.
- Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián: Located in the Miramón business park, a quiet area a 10-minute drive from the center. Modern double room from 120€. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, garden, free parking nearby.
- Hotel Palacio de Aiete: Located on the hills in the exclusive Aiete district. Classic and comfortable double room from 125€. Strong points: courtyard garden, gym, peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.
- Leonardo Hotel San Sebastián: Also in the Aiete neighborhood. Trendy, youthful double room from 125€. Strong points: rooftop pool, modern vibe, free private parking.
Where to Stay in San Sebastian with Family
- FeelFree STAYS Antiguo: Located in the El Antiguo district. Modern studio with kitchenette from 140€. Strong points: the convenience of an apartment with hotel services, close to Ondarreta Beach, ideal for families who want independence.
- Casual de las Olas San Sebastián: Located in the Amara district, near the river. Fun, surf-themed quadruple room from 150€. Strong points: original design, good value for money, close to the bus station.
- Leonardo Hotel San Sebastián: Situated in the Aiete neighborhood. Spacious quadruple room from 220€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop swimming pool, modern design, free private parking.
- Bidaia Boutique Hotel: Located in the Gros area, in a renovated historic villa. Stylish family room from 275€. Strong points: charming garden, excellent restaurant on site, very welcoming atmosphere. The perfect option for a high-end family stay!
What is the best hotel in San Sebastian?
If you are looking for the best hotel in San Sebastian, I recommend you the Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Lasala Plaza Hotel can also be a good choice if you’re looking for a hotel with pool.
And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still high-end and modern, you should book a night or more at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra or Zenit Convento San Martín.
Where to stay in San Sebastian: The best hotels
To give you a better overview of the best hotels in San Sebastian, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.
You can sort them by price or by district!
