San Sebastián, Spain
The 5 best boutique and luxury hotels in San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián’s most luxurious boutique hotels
San Sebastián has a way of getting under your skin – in the best possible way. Sitting on the edge of Spain’s Basque Country, where the mountains roll straight into the sea, this coastal town feels like it was built for slow mornings, long lunches and golden evenings that stretch on forever. There’s a deep, lived-in charm here – something in the salt air, the clink of cider glasses, the scent of grilled seafood drifting out of hidden pintxos (tapas) bars. But it’s not just the food or the scenery that makes San Sebastián unforgettable. It’s the feeling. The sense that time bends a little. That style doesn’t need to shout. That small details matter. And nowhere is that more true than in the city’s boutique and luxury hotels. If you’re heading this way, these hotels are worth knowing about. They’re full of local quirks and personality – the kind of places that make you feel instantly at home while also spoiling you a little.
Top photography courtesy of Nobu Hotel San Sebastián
01
Nobu Hotel San Sebastián
Nobu’s signature blend of high-end minimalism and relaxed luxury feels right at home here in San Sebastián. Housed in the restored Palacio Vista Eder (built 1912 by Francisco Urcola), Nobu Hotel San Sebastián features Belle Époque facades with minimalist Japanese interiors by Tomás Alía. The lobby’s oak‑lined walls set a warm tone, while in‑room touches – Lavazza coffee machines, Eight & Bob bath products, high‑thread‑count linens – remind you this is luxury done with purposeful restraint. The real draw, of course, is the restaurant. Nobu Restaurant, a 98-seat venue led by Nobu Matsuhisa, is where signature black cod and inventive cocktails can be enjoyed with panoramic sea views. A bonus is the rooftop infinity pool, a great spot to enjoy the sunset views.
Nobu Hotel San Sebastián
Mirakontxa Pasealeku 32
Donostia
Gipuzkoa
Spain
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Photography courtesy of Nobu Hotel San Sebastián
02
Hotel Villa Favorita
Sitting directly on La Concha promenade, Hotel Villa Favorita occupies one of the last original 19th-century villas that line the bay. Hotel Villa Favorita only has 23 bespoke rooms, featuring local artwork, custom-made furnishings and private balconies overlooking Santa Clara Island. We love the way the interior injects contemporary lines without losing the villa’s old‑world soul – arched doorways, plank floors and a pastel palette that echoes the Bay’s changing light. Don’t miss Hotel Villa Favorita’s on-site Amelia Restaurant, run by Chef Paulo Airaudo, holder of two Michelin stars. It’s small (just 14 seats) and experimental, but without the stiffness. Think Basque ingredients with an international edge.
Hotel Villa Favorita
Zubieta Kalea 26
Donostia
Gipuzkoa
Spain
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Villa Favorita
03
Villa Soro
Set in its own walled garden but just a short stroll from San Sebastián’s centre, Villa Soro feels like a country home in the heart of the city. Created by Pierre Ducasse – the same landscape architect behind the city’s Royal Palace gardens – its grounds remain a private oasis of centuries‑old oaks and winding paths. It’s housed in a restored 19th-century mansion that was built by a local merchant family and inside, you still get that grand-home feel with the original oak staircase, marble‑topped reception and wood panelling. Designer furniture stands alongside heirloom pieces, breakfast is served in a sunlit salon and the library lounge invites long, lazy afternoons with a Basque cookbook. With just 12 rooms (plus a standout Londaiz Suite boasting garden views), you’ll feel more like a houseguest than a hotel patron.
Villa Soro
Ategorrieta Hiribidea 61
Donostia
Gipuzkoa
Spain
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Photography courtesy of Villa Soro
04
Akelarre
This one’s for travellers who plan their trips around food. Akelarre is a luxury hotel built around one of Spain’s most iconic restaurants — Pedro Subijana’s three-Michelin-starred spot of the same name. In 2017 the property expanded into a 5‑star hotel, adding 15 rooms, a spa and a bar‑restaurant with panoramic terraces overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Each suite channels Subijana’s philosophy of light and space, with floor‑to‑ceiling windows, natural stone and warm oak floors reflecting the rugged coastline. The spa’s thalassotherapy circuit is well worth mentioning, where you can enjoy thermal pools, sea‑water jets and signature treatments using local algae. But let’s be honest – the main event is dinner. Downstairs, the original restaurant remains the star, with a tasting menu showcasing avant-garde dishes with Basque terroir, served in an airy dining room by Subijana’s long-time team.
Akelarre
Padre Orkolaga Ibilbidea 56
Donostia
Gipuzkoa
Spain
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Photography courtesy of Akelarre
05
Hotel Arbaso
Right in the city’s pulse, Hotel Arbaso sits in a renovated historic building opposite the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Arbaso means ancestors in Basque and the hotel pays homage to origins with stone walls, handcrafted wooden beams and gallery‑style art celebrating local heritage. Rooms are minimalist but cosy, with a moody colour palette enhanced with natural design elements. You can choose between a variety of room types – we love the loft, featuring skylight windows and a fireplace. A nice little bonus of staying at Hotel Arbaso is that you will have access to free bike rentals and the tour desk’s insider walking routes, which take you off the beaten path through hidden plazas and pintxo bars.
Hotel Arbaso
Hondarribia Kalea 24
Donostia
Gipuzkoa
Spain
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Photography courtesy of Hotel Arbaso
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