Best Luxury Hotels In San Sebastian

The Basque country’s mountainous inland areas and sandy beaches make it a wonderful holiday spot. And it’s in this region that the town of San Sebastián is found. This resort is a wonderful choice for gourmands – the range of innovative high-end restaurants is superb – and those seeking some rays can swim and sun at its two main beaches, Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta. The Old Town is popular with visitors also, the artisan boutiques found in its quaint cobbled streets providing plenty of opportunity for a touch of retail therapy. These are our favourite hotels in the area. 



Gran Hotel Sardinero Santander

Hotel
(4 stars)

Occupying a refurbished building in the centre of Santander the Gran Hotel Sardinero is the perfect place from which to explore the delights of Santander with the Gran Casino and Magdelena Palace only moments away.  Whilst the hotel occupies a historic building its interior is modern and has a maritime feel to it. Its rooms are elegant and welcoming with many boasting glorious sea views and some having private terraces where guests can sit out and watch the sunset over the glorious Bay of Biscay. The hotel’s restaurant prides itself on its gastronomic excellence offering guests a range of traditional meals which are made only with the finest local produce. The restaurant is open and spacious making it the perfect place for fine dining.  The Gran Hotel Sardinero is a great choice for travellers who like relaxed luxury and who want to explore all the sites Santander has to offer.

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Gran Hotel Sardinero Santander

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian

Hotel
(5 stars)

Founded in 1912, this was named after the Spanish queen consort, who was the first to enter the hotel. Since then it has hosted many A-listers. The Maria Cristina lies close to the beach and right beside the River Urumea, a Grande Dame reminiscent of the Belle Epoque era. Original features are found beside more contemporary touches in its 139 bedrooms. And when it comes to meals, there’s a daily buffet breakfast, as well as two fine dining establishments: Café Saigon and Mimo San Sebastián. With a gym, a library, free bicycle hire, daily classes (including Michelin-style cooking) and a fine on-site deli to peruse, there’s plenty to amuse its high-end guests.

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Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian

Hotel Villa Favorita San Sebastian

Hotel
(4 stars)

The Hotel Villa Favorita is the height of luxury and style. Located in the iconic La Concha Beach it seamlessly blends the life of San Sebastian with the tranquillity of a 19th-century Villa. The rooms are elegant, spacious and inviting, with many boasting fabulous views of La Concha Bay. Yet the Hotel’s piece de resistance is its two Michelin-starred restaurants Amelia curated by expert chef Paulo Airaudo. The food is exceptionally fresh and locally sourced with Paulo paying homage to his Italian and Argentinean roots in his cooking whilst also emphasising the use of local produce as well as forgotten ingredients in his cooking. The hotel also offers guests personal assistance when arranging excursions around the Basque country, its concierge service is nothing less than exceptional. The hotel is home to a spa and wellness centre which provides world class massages and wellness treatments for guests.

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Hotel Villa Favorita San Sebastian

Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián

Hotel
(4 stars)

Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián is a modern, tranquil retreat located in the Miramón neighbourhood, offering a peaceful escape in the Basque Country’s lush mountains. The hotel blends eclectic, cosmopolitan design with natural surroundings, providing 80 well-appointed rooms, including spacious suites with serene forest views. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and diverse dining options. While slightly removed from the beachfront, it offers seclusion and comfort just a short drive from the vibrant heart of San Sebastián.

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Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián

* All the properties and products we feature are independently selected by our editors and contributors. If you buy something we may earn a commission.

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