Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastian Spain

12 Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastián Spain

The beautiful coastal city of San Sebastián, in northern Spain is renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque old town, and world-class culinary scene. Stay in one of the best boutique hotels in San Sebastian for the perfect trip.

Accommodation options range from luxurious beach hotels to San Sebastián boutique hotels with rooftop pools and amazing La Concha Bay views.

Here are our picks for the best hotels in San Sebastian that offer a perfect blend of style, luxury, and comfort.

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Planning your trip to San Sebastián last minute? Here are the tours and hotels we recommend. You’ll also find great things to do in San Sebastián in the 22 best weekend breaks in Spain and the best hotels in Bilbao to visit the infamous Guggenheim nearby.

Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastian

Where to Stay in San Sebastián

If it’s your first time visiting, the idea of choosing the best place to stay in San Sebastian may feel daunting. No worries, though!

Here are the best areas to stay in Sebastian, to make planning a trip simpler. Keep in mind that San Sebastián is also known as Donostia in Basque or it’s full name, Donostia-San Sebastian.

They are all referring to the same place and here are the best neighborhoods for first time visitors.

Old Town

The historic Old Town is a charming and lively area filled with pintxos bars, shops, and cultural landmarks. It’s the heart of the city and a great place to stay for those who want lush coastal views and a historic feel.

Gros

Located on the other side of the Urumea River from the Old Town, Gros is a bohemian neighborhood known for its surfing beaches, eclectic bars, and restaurants.

It’s a popular area for young travelers and surf enthusiasts, home to the stunning Zurriola Beach.

Centro

The commercial district is located just a few blocks from the beach and is home to many hotels, shops, and restaurants.

It’s a great area for those who want to be close to La Concha Beach but also have access to the city’s amenities.


12 Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastián

Akelarre Relais & Châteaux San Sebastián hotel
Photo: Akelarre Relais & Châteaux

Akelarre – Relais & Châteaux (5-star Hotel in San Sebastian with a Michelin Restaurant)

Offering a pristine 5-star stay overlooking the Bay of Biscay, Akelarre – Relais & Châteaux (9.4) is one of the best boutique hotels in San Sebastian with a spa center and inviting terrace with views.

Rooms are elegantly designed with contemporary decor and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the ocean.

There are soaking tubs, private balconies, and sitting areas in each. Suites add a private swimming pool.

Onsite amenities include a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant, outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center. Its countryside locations offer hiking, cycling, and other outdoorsy adventures.

You can also enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and cycling in the surrounding countryside. Hotel Akelarre is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious and peaceful retreat.

What guests like most: stunning design, scenic views, luxury rooms • Consideration: outside of the city


Lasala Plaza Best Hotels in San Sebastian Spain
Photo: Lasala Plaza Hotels

Lasala Plaza Hotel (Coolest San Sebastián Rooftop Pool With La Cocha Bay Views)

Set within Old Town San Sebastián near Victoria Eugenia Theater, Lasala Plaza Hotel (9.3) boasts an amazing view of La Concha Bay in an inviting setting.

Bright rooms feature either city or water views with flatscreen TVs, Nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and marble bathrooms.

One of the newest hotels in town in a beautiful historic building, the upgraded rooms offer private balconies, while suites also add separate living areas.

Amenities include a rooftop pool deck, bar, and a restaurant serving Basque cuisine. Breakfast is also available for a fee.

What guests like most: stunning design, scenic views, luxury rooms • Consideration: rooftop pool is small


Hotel Boutique Villa Favorita
Photo: Hotel Boutique Villa Favorita

Hotel Boutique Villa Favorita (Best of San Sebastian Hotels on the Beach)

Across from La Cocha Beach, Hotel Boutique Villa Favorita (9.6) is an adults-only hotel set in a beautifully refined 19th-century building.

Elegant rooms are bright with natural light, plus unbeatable beachfront or city views. Each is equipped with modern amenities like minibars, coffee machines, and working desks.

Suites add sunny seating areas with views of the beach. Enjoy a wonderful breakfast, an upscale restaurant, plus a bar and terrace.

What guests like most: great food, beautiful views, welcoming environment • Consideration: no pool


Heredad de Unanue San Sebastián Spain hotels
Photo: Heredad de Unanue

Heredad de Unanue (Best Country House Hotel in San Sebastian)

Heredad de Unanue (9.7) is a charming and elegant country house hotel that offers a rustic and relaxing stay in northern Spain.

The property boasts gardens, sunny terraces, and all modern rooms.

Tastefully decorated rooms feature traditional elements like exposed stone with modern benefits, like rainfall showers, flatscreen TVs, and premium bedding.

During your stay, enjoy garden walks, a cozy terrace, free private parking, and an excellent breakfast with a variety of options.

What guests like most: lovely place, quiet location, welcoming • Consideration: not a lot of amenities


Hotel Maria Cristina San Sebastián hotels
Photo: Hotel Maria Cristina

Hotel Maria Cristina (Amazing San Sebastián Boutique Hotel on Urumea River)

Overlooking the Urumea River, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel (9.3) is a grand belle epoque hotel that dates back to the early 1900s.

Plus, it’s just a short walk to the beach and Gros train station, making it one of the hotels in San Sebastian for exploring the area.

Elegant and spacious rooms boast backdrop wall decor, chandeliers, and cushioned headrests.

Upgraded rooms offer river views and/or rainfall showers, while suites offer living rooms, private terraces, and sound systems.

There’s also a chic Asian restaurant and a sophisticated cocktail bar and tea room, plus a 24-hour gym.

What guests like most: everything is top-notch quality, accessible location, exceptional service • Consideration: no kettle/coffee in room


Catalonia Donosti hotel
Photo: Catalonia Donosti

Catalonia Donosti (Top Donosti Hotel with Rooftop Pool & Spa)

Offering a seasonal outdoor swimming in a former 17th-century convent, Catalonia Donosti (8.8) is an upscale hotel just a short stroll from La Concha Beach.

Polished rooms boast a sleek, understated design with smart TVs and minibars. Some offer stunning sea views. Upgraded rooms add terraces and/or separate living rooms

Amenities include a lovely Basque restaurant, chic bar, spa with an indoor pool, gym, and an outdoor pool with a sundeck.

What guests like most: very central, delicious breakfast, spa • Consideration: spa costs by the hour


Zinema7 boutique hotels in San Sebastián Spain
Photo: Zinema7

Hotel Zinema7 (Best Concept Boutique Hotel in San Sebastian City)

Themed around cinema and the world-famous San Sebastian Film Festival, Hotel Zinema7 (9) is one of the best boutique hotels in San Sebastian for a unique stay.

Stylish rooms come with flatscreen TVs, desks, minibars, balconies and marble bathrooms.

Upgraded rooms offer more space with comfortable living areas and pull-out sofas, while suites feature separate living rooms, projector screens, and whirlpool tubs.

During your stay, enjoy international cuisine or check out the snack bar. There’s a variety of amenities including a gym, a movie library, a meeting room, and a paid breakfast.

What guests like most: great soundproofing, bright rooms, beautiful style • Consideration: some bathrooms have glass walls offering less privacy


Hotel Atari Best San Sebastián hotels
Photo: Hotel Atari

Hotel Atari (Best Accommodation in San Sebastian with Cozy Rooms)

One of the best Donosti hotels in Old Town, Hotel Atari (9) creates warm and welcoming spaces with a guest lounge, terrace with views, and chic restaurant/bar.

Rooms blend exposed brick, wallpaper, or wooden decor with cozy spaces and upscale bathroom amenities. Each room has a small desk area and some feature private balconies.

There’s a daily breakfast, room service, and a great bar/restaurant to enjoy during your trip.

What guests like most: location, great breakfast, views • Consideration: smaller rooms


Villa Eugenia Boutique Hotel in San Sebastian
Photo: Villa Eugenia Boutique Hotel

Villa Eugenia Boutique Hotel (Best of Hotels in San Sebastian Near Zurriola Beach)

Nestled in a more residential area in Gros, Villa Eugenia Boutique Hotel (9.2) is located just an 11-minute walk away from the picturesque Zurriola Beach and the Bay of Biscay.

Stylish rooms are equipped with complimentary minibars and smart TVs.

For a more luxurious experience, upgraded rooms feature French balconies or furnished terraces, while suites offer living rooms and bunk beds for groups/families.

The hotel also boasts an outdoor pool and a self-service bar, and you can opt for breakfast and parking services as well.

If you’re looking for one of the best San Sebastian hotels with a rooftop pool, this is a great pick.

What guests like most: private feel, excellent facilities, pool • Consideration: outside of main city center


Room Mate Gorka accommodation in San Sebastián 
Photo: Room Mate Gorka

Room Mate Gorka (Best Donostia Hotel for a Laidback Stay)

Just a short walk from the beach, Room Mate Gorka (9.1) is one of the best hotels in San Sebastian that is nestled right between the river and the sea.

Chic rooms are equipped with flatscreen TVs, mini fridges, en-suite bathrooms, and safes. Each private, marble bathroom also has a bidet. Some rooms have balconies.

Enjoy drinks at the hotel’s stylish bar, or visit the terrace or gym. Breakfast is also available.

What guests like most: ideal location, balconies, super clean spaces • Consideration: no onsite restaurant


San Sebastián Hotel Villa Soro
Photo: Hotel Villa Soro

Hotel Villa Soro (Best Victorian-style Villa Boutique Hotel, San Sebastian)

Hotel Villa Soro (9.5) is situated on a lush property within a Victorian-style villa.

It is located just a 15-minute walk away from the stunning Zurriola Beach, and is easily one of the best San Sebastian boutique hotels.

Sophisticated rooms offer free water and minibars, plus tea/coffee makers. Some rooms also offer a sitting area and/or balcony, and room service is available for added convenience.

During your visit, you can take advantage of complimentary amenities such as city bikes and parking.

There’s also a dining room with picturesque garden views, a rustic-chic bar/lounge, and a well-equipped gym.

What guests like most: classic yet stylish, scenic location, exceptional place • Consideration: not in the city center


Hotel Arbaso Boutique Hotel in San Sebastian Spain
Photo: Hotel Arbaso

Hotel Arbaso (Best Central San Sebastian Hotel)

Hotel Arbaso (9.4) is a contemporary hotel at the heart of the city center, offering free bikes and a warm, cohesive design through its lobby and into the rooms.

Bright and modern rooms are equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, including flatscreen TVs, minibars, and air conditioning.

Some rooms also offer stunning views of the city. 

There’s a tasty breakfast buffet each morning, and the hotel also features a cozy bar, sleek restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk.

This accommodation is wonderful, landing it as one of the best hotels in San Sebastian.

What guests like most: welcoming staff, comfortable rooms, within walking distance • Consideration: some rooms are smaller than others


Final Thoughts on Best Hotels in San Sebastián

Enjoy classic pintxos, the Bay of Biscay, and loads of Basque culture while you soak up one of the best cities in Spain. These Donostia hotels are sure to make your trip a success!

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Donosti San Sebastian Boutique Hotels

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