The 8 best hotels in San Sebastián for the perfect Basque getaway

We’re kicking off with the big guns. This five-star, belle époque stunner has been housing guests of San Sebastián since 1912, including famous faces who turn up for the annual film festival. Elizabeth Taylor, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts have all stayed here and it’s easy to see why. The French-inspired interiors exude extravagance, the views of the Cantabrian Sea and Urumea River are unparalleled and, with three restaurants and a cocktail bar onsite, you’ll want for nothing. All that opulence ain’t cheap, of course, with prices starting at £600/night, but if you’re willing to splurge, you may as well blow the lot on luxury.

Where is it? On República Argentina, opposite the historic and ornate Victoria Eugenia Theatre.

Which room? For those with deep pockets, the Bette Davis Suite is calling. Named after another former guest, who stayed in this very apartment in 1989, it’s a sprawling collection of lavish rooms, with an oval lounge, canopy king size bed and a number of balconies.

Time Out tip: Stay in September to indulge in a dose of star-spotting. Settle in the marble-floored foyer and watch as the celebs head out for the San Sebastián International Film Festival next door.

This three-star hotel is a real gem. It’s situated in the brutalist Atocha Tower and carries the midcentury aesthetic inside, with wood and concrete throughout. Even better, the rooms can be customised. Need three single beds? One double and a sofa? Twins? Done, done and done! The furniture in the rooms is made to be modified, meaning the hotel can pass its savings onto you (rooms can be had for £50-£70/n). Other in-room amenities include a TV, desk, free wifi, motorised blinds and memory foam mattresses.

Where is it? In Egia, close to Maria Cristina bridge, as well as both the bus and train stations.

Which room? Travelling with the brood? Book the superior family room, it comes with bunk beds and a double, sleeping up to four.

Time Out tip: The Tabakalera is within spitting distance – something you simply must take advantage of. Formerly a tobacco factory, it’s now a sprawling cultural centre that hosts myriad exhibitions, films, live performances, workshops for kids and so much more.

Situated on the westside of the Bay of Biscay, this four-star Mercure provides uninterrupted views of the ocean both inside and out. So close is it to the sea, in fact, that swimming on the terrace almost feels like you’re in an infinity pool. There’s a gourmet restaurant, terrace bar and gym onsite, as well as a pintxos cafe that offers direct access to the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park. Rooms are attractively decorated in muted tones, with splashes of blue that nod to the surroundings, and come with all the usual modcons, including AC, free wifi, minifridge and satellite TV.

Where is it? Literally at the top of Mount Igueldo, accessed by car, foot and funicular.

Which room? With views like these, you simply must book a balcony room. These are included in premium and privilege rooms, as well as a few standard rooms.

Time Out tip: Stroll over to the port and take a ferry to Isla de Santa Clara. This Historic Center of National Interest is slap bang in the middle of the bay, offering woodland walks, a beach, restaurant and a lovely old lighthouse that dates back to 1864.

True to the Nobu name, this brand new five-star (opened in August 2023) oozes luxury. It’s swathed in calming earthy tones and oriental furnishings, with private parking, a fitness centre and classy nuevo-Japanese cuisine in the terrace bar and restaurant that lives up to Nobu’s internationally renowned high standards. And we haven’t even mentioned the best bit: it overlooks Ondarreta Beach, which is literally across the road.

Where is it? Mirakontxa Pasealekua, within strolling distance of San Sebastián’s beaches and attractions.

Which room? There are just 17 rooms and suites in this beachside stay, starting at deluxe doubles (the cheapest at £440/n). But if you’ve got cash to splash, opt for a suite, all of which offer floor-to-ceiling window views of La Concha Beach.

Time Out tip: Just five minutes’ walk is Miramar Palace, built by the Spanish royal family in the style of a neogothic English stately home. Its garden makes for the perfect place to enjoy a picnic while gazing upon La Concha Bay.

Rooms in this Baroque four-star boutique hotel can go for around £150-£200/n, but book at least three months in advance and you can bag one for as little as £60/n. For your money, you get AC, a TV, coffee machine, minifridge and rainfall showers. On the top floor, there’s a solarium and open-air terrace overlooking the river, plus a lounge bar, gym and free tea and coffee in the lobby each morning.

Where is it? On the tree-lined Paseo de Francia on the east bank of the Urumea, but with easy access to the city centre via the nearby Santa Catalina bridge.

Which room? Of the 44, the superior corner rooms offer that little extra pizazz for not much extra. Plus, you get a guaranteed view of the river and the gardens.

Time Out tip: Seeing as you’ll already be on the eastside of the river, get a quick taxi (or walk 30 minutes) to the three-Michelin-starred Arzak. This traditional Basque restaurant and winery has been in the same family and location since the Arzak great-grandparents built and opened it in 1897.

Two words: rooftop pool. This relative newbie, opened in the past year, is less than 30 minutes’ walk to the beach, but if you don’t fancy the trek, you can instead enjoy the privacy of the hotel pool and the leafy treetop views it offers. There’s also a modest gym and a lounge bar/restaurant, plus free parking and a bus stop out front. Although in a residential area, there are still cafes and bars within walking distance.

Where is it? On Berabera Pasealekua in the laidback Aiete neighbourhood, which is a short bus ride into the city centre.

Which room? The shower and toilet are screened off, rather than completely separate, in every room except in the family one (sleeps four). So if you’re travelling with pals, plump for the big room.

Time Out tip: Take a ten-minute walk to Aiete Park, home to the neoclassical Aiete Palace (now a culture centre), which was built in 1878 by the Duke and Duchess of Bailén. Its sprawling grounds are beautifully manicured, with statues, a waterfall and Swans on the pond.

Although only a five-minute walk from the uber grand Hotel Maria Cristina, Downtown River Hostel couldn’t be further in terms of everything else. It’s mega cheap for starters. From just £26/night you can get a bed in a shared dorm (sleeping up to four, six or eight), with a communal kitchen, lounge and free wifi. It’s clean and is conveniently located within a ten-minute walk of attractions, including La Concha Beach, Pescaderia – a food and goods market that dates back to 1870 – and Iglesia de San Vicente, the oldest church in the city. Not to mention bars and restaurants galore.

Where is it? As the name suggests, it’s on the bank of the river Urumea, on San Martin Kalea.

Which room? Opt for the four-bed dorm. It’s just over a tenner more than the eight-bed and there’s a chance you’ll get lucky and have it all to yourself.

Time Out tip: With all those pennies saved, you can afford to spend more on a night out. We recommend the nearby Kai Sushi Bar, a local fave, or cross the river to microbrewery Baga Biga Faktoria and enjoy a craft brew with a view.

Fancy something quirky? Spend a night or two in the Surf Van. This souped-up Transit sleeps two (plus a furry pal if you can squeeze them in) and is situated on the northern edge of the Old Town. It’s air-conditioned, with a fully equipped kitchen, caravan style toilet, and a small double bed. In just a few minutes from here you can stroll to Museo de San Telmo, the Basque Country’s oldest museum, and Zurriola Beach (favoured by surfers) is a 15-minute walk.

Where is it? Pasealeku Berria, right on Paseo Nuevo (New Promenade), the path that stretches serenely round the base of Mount Urgull.

Which room? Obviously there’s only one in this instance, but it’s all yours.

Time Out tip: You couldn’t have a better spot to spend a romantic evening, so wrap up and soak in the views of the Cantabrian Sea as the sun goes down.