Nestled between green hills and golden beaches, San Sebastián (Donostia) is far more than a seaside city—it’s a destination that radiates elegance at every turn, where Basque tradition meets modern sophistication and hospitality reaches its most refined expression. For those seeking uncompromising comfort, San Sebastián offers a range of luxury hotels that not only provide exceptional service, but redefine the art of living well.
Choosing a hotel is not simply about deciding where to stay in San Sebastián luxury; it’s about choosing how to wake up. What view will greet your eyes each morning, what flavors will define your evenings, and what subtle details will become lasting memories? A great exclusive accommodation in Donostia becomes an intimate backdrop where a trip transforms into an unforgettable experience. In a city like San Sebastián, where time seems to move with the tide, the hotel doesn’t just accompany your journey—it shapes it.
Maria Cristina Hotel: A Belle Époque Icon
Inaugurated in 1912 and named after Queen María Cristina, this hotel is synonymous with heritage and elegance. Located beside the Urumea River and steps from the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, the Maria Cristina Hotel has hosted film stars, writers, and aristocrats for more than a century. Its exquisitely restored interiors combine neoclassical charm with modern amenities. With views over the old town and the bay, it’s a true celebration of timeless style—one of the most iconic historic hotels in San Sebastián.
Hotel Villa Favorita: Donostia’s Soul in Boutique Luxury
Located right on the Paseo de La Concha, Villa Favorita Hotel is a refined boutique hotel in San Sebastián that redefines contemporary luxury. Its 23 rooms, all with sea views, offer intimacy, calm, and elegant minimalism. The Amelia restaurant, awarded a Michelin star, adds to its charm, turning every meal into a sensory experience. This is a top choice for those seeking romantic luxury stays in San Sebastián, where small-scale exclusivity and thoughtful design take center stage. It also ranks high among Michelin star hotel restaurants in Donostia.
Akelarre Hotel: Where Gastronomy Meets Rest
Perched on Mount Igueldo with sweeping views of the Cantabrian Sea, Akelarre is the personal project of renowned chef Pedro Subijana. But this hotel offers far more than exceptional cuisine: its suites boast cutting-edge design, noble materials, and private terraces perfect for quiet moments. A subterranean spa carved into the rock offers total serenity. This is one of the standout Michelin star restaurants in San Sebastian, where luxury becomes a seamless dialogue between land, sea, and refined taste.
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra: History by the Sea
With its striking white façade overlooking La Concha Bay, the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra is one of the best hotels in San Sebastián. First opened in the 19th century, this grand hotel has witnessed the glamour of the Belle Époque and welcomed notable figures from art, politics, and literature.
Many rooms come with balconies facing the water, making it one of the most desirable hotels with sea view in San Sebastián. Staying here means immersing yourself in the city’s past, in a place where tradition breathes through every detail and the Atlantic whispers just beyond your window.
Lasala Plaza Hotel: The Old Port Reimagined
Right in the heart of the port, where fishing boats bring in the day’s catch, stands the Lasala Plaza Hotel. Its classic façade conceals a contemporary interior that honors the maritime culture of San Sebastián. Rooms, decorated with neutral tones and noble materials, offer views of both La Concha Bay and the narrow streets of the old town, making it one of the top-rated hotels near La Concha beach.
From the rooftop infinity pool, enjoy sweeping views of the city, while the restaurant Sukaldean delivers a seasonal menu that celebrates both land and sea.
Arbaso Hotel: Basque Roots, Cosmopolitan Style
Located across from the Good Shepherd Cathedral, Hotel Boutique Arbaso pays tribute to the region’s past while confidently looking ahead. Its architecture, inspired by traditional Basque design, features wood, stone, and natural light. The result is a warm, elegant space deeply connected to its surroundings. As a boutique hotel in San Sebastián, it offers a distinctive experience. The restaurant Narru, led by chef Iñigo Peña, enhances your stay with a modern take on local cuisine.
Nobu Hotel: Global Sophistication with Local Soul
In the heart of the city, just steps from La Concha beach, Nobu Hotel San Sebastián brings international sophistication to the Donostia spirit. This exclusive accommodation in Donostia, part of the prestigious chain co-founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro, blends clean architectural lines with natural materials and a calming color palette.
Many rooms offer panoramic sea views, positioning it among the top hotels with sea view in San Sebastián. The highlight is its Nobu restaurant, where high-end Japanese cuisine merges with local ingredients.
Luxury as a Way to Experience Beauty
In San Sebastián, luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about intention, authenticity, and attention to detail. It’s waking up to the sea, dining by sunset, and strolling streets where every stone tells a story. It’s staying in places that offer more than just comfort—they leave a mark. Because when a trip is lived with all five senses, every night matters. And the place where you sleep speaks volumes about who you are and how you want to remember your journey.
And for those wishing to carry this feeling beyond the city, Spirit Experiences offers a new level of luxury on the move: sailing in San Sebastian aboard a private sailboat along the Basque coast, discovering hidden coves and savoring the freedom that matches the elegance found in the very best luxury hotels in San Sebastian.
