Where to Stay

The availability of hotels in San Sebastián can be considered to be broad in relation to the city's population (approximately 180,000), yet at the same time insufficient in relation to the tourists, conference attendees and workers attracted to the city. In summer, especially the first two weeks of August, accommodation is at a premium and for most fairly expensive (prices vary greatly depending on the season). There are two high seasons, summer and Easter. It is easier to find accommodation during the rest of the year.

The city offers a broad range of hotels. The five-star Hotel María Cristina, home to the stars attending the San Sebastian International Film Festival, is the most luxurious, elite, biggest and oldest established hotel in the city. Following close behind is the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, opposite La Concha beach, that up to just a few months ago housed the Gran Casino Kursaal. Other well-situated hotels near the beach are the Europa, Orly, and Costa Vasca. The following hotels are medium to small in size. However, it is well worth inclining towards the smaller ones. Some are situated in villas like La Galería, others in dwellings like Anoeta.

Hotels are generally occupied by a mix of tourists and business people. There is little distinction between leisure hotels and business hotels. Generally, the quality of accommodation is very good. If you can afford it, a room with a balcony and views over the bay will be an unforgettable experience. You will find this in the Londres, Niza and Monte Igeldo.

For tighter budgets, "pensiones" (guest houses) offer good service. Hotels in the historical quarter, including the Boulevard, and Goiko, are recommended for those who dont mind the hustle, bustle and noise of this busy area.

Because the city is small and walking through it is pleasant, any hotel, hostal (inn) or pensión in the central city would be suitable. Hotels on the outskirts of the city are around an hour-and-a -half walk away. If you look out of the central city (Gudamendi) for hotels you will find them more reasonably priced but you will need to have your own transport. Public transport is scarce after certain hours. Casas Rurales (country inns), like Aristondo Baserria, deserve special mention. They offer the visitor the chance to experience rural Donostia (San Sebastián) which is all but non-existent nowadays.

Twenty minutes away by car you will find two areas of tourist accommodation, Zarautz (also spelled Zarauz)and Hondarribia (also known as Fuenterrabia). Highly recommended are theParador de Hondarribia, a former castle dating back to the 16th century, and the Hotel Zarauz, well known by both the local and foreign tourist industry. These are definitely tourist hotels during the summer, though in the winter they attract business people.

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