Hotels in San Sebastián

San Sebastián: Where Coastal Beauty Meets Cultural Bliss

San Sebastián, nestled along the stunning Cantabrian Sea, is a captivating blend of beach paradise and vibrant culture. Famous for its golden shores, like Ondarreta and the picturesque La Concha, this Basque gem offers sun-soaked relaxation and breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay. Indulge in world-renowned pintxos, explore the charming old town, and immerse yourself in local festivals. With lush natural parks surrounding the city, outdoor adventures abound, making it perfect for nature lovers. Whether you're seeking romance, culinary delights, or cultural experiences, San Sebastián promises an unforgettable escape. For the best hotel rates in San Sebastián and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in San Sebastián

Some of the best places to stay in San Sebastián are San Sebastián Centro, Old Town San Sebastian and Gros. San Sebastián offers vibrant neighborhoods perfect for travelers. San Sebastián Centro features upscale hotels and luxury options, ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience. Old Town San Sebastián is rich in charm with characterful accommodations and a lively atmosphere, making it perfect for first-time visitors. Gros offers a more laid-back vibe with a mix of boutique hotels and modern stays. Rooftop pools and stylish design are common, catering to diverse preferences while showcasing the local culture. Here are some of the best hotels in San Sebastián that our travelers love:

1. San Sebastián CentroOpens in a new window: San Sebastián Centro is a vibrant area known for its beautiful Concha Beach and scenic Concha Promenade, making it a prime location for beach lovers and city explorers. The area offers a mix of adventure, history, and business facilities. Among the hotels, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection HotelOpens in a new window stands out as a 5.0-star lodging situated in a historic building, ideal for travelers seeking a unique experience with business amenities and adventure sports nearby. Another option is Hotel Zenit Convento San MartínOpens in a new window, a luxurious 4.5-star hotel that provides upscale accommodations. For those looking for a blend of luxury and business, Akelarre - Relais & ChâteauxOpens in a new window offers a full spa, pool services, and multiple meeting facilities.
2. Old Town San Sebastián: Old Town San Sebastián is a lively neighborhood famous for its tapas bars and cultural heritage. With proximity to Concha Beach and Monte Igueldo, it appeals to both adventure seekers and beachgoers. Lasala Plaza HotelOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel with direct beach access, perfect for a beach-themed vacation. Hotel AtariOpens in a new window, also a 4.0-star property, features dining options and entertainment, while Mercure San Sebastian Monte IgueldoOpens in a new window, another 4.0-star hotel, caters to families and business travelers with essential amenities.
3. GrosOpens in a new window: Gros is a family-friendly area known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking. The area is ideal for families and adventure enthusiasts. Arantza HotelaOpens in a new window, a 5.0-star boutique hotel, offers a unique stay with business facilities. Abba San Sebastián HotelOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, provides direct beach access and a range of adventure sports. Finally, Hotel Arrizul CongressOpens in a new window, also a 4.0-star hotel, is family-oriented, offering amenities for children and business travelers alike, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.

Things to do in San Sebastián for first time

San Sebastián offers a perfect three-day getaway for travelers, combining stunning beaches with lush mountains and serene parks. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking through scenic trails, surfing the waves, and exploring the picturesque coastline, all while soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Bay of Biscay. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to San Sebastián:

• Day 1: Start your San Sebastián adventure at the picturesque Concha Beach, where you can soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the bay. After enjoying the beach, stroll over to Ondarreta Beach, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning views. To round off your day, visit the Chillida-Leku Museum, an outdoor space dedicated to the works of the renowned Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, set in a beautiful landscape that seamlessly blends art and nature.
• Day 2: Begin your day at Zurriola Beach, a favorite spot for surfers and sunbathers alike. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and maybe even take a surf lesson. Next, make your way to the Church of Santo Cristo de la Bonanza, a charming church that reflects the local architecture and history. Finally, unwind at Kalaburtza hondartza, a lesser-known beach where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty away from the crowds.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at Zarautz Beach, famous for its long stretch of golden sand and surf-friendly waves. After some beach time, head to Plaza Gipuzkoa, a lovely park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the shade of trees. Conclude your trip at Hondarribia Beach, where the picturesque views and tranquil waters provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection on your Basque adventures.

5 tips to find a great San Sebastián hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: For those looking to visit San Sebastián on a budget, the most affordable months are January, February, and December when hotel prices drop significantly. If you're traveling internationally, it’s best to book your flight at least six months in advance to secure the best deals. To truly appreciate the city's highlights, plan for a stay of at least 2-3 days. You’ll find great value for money exploring beautiful beaches and serene natural parks that make San Sebastián a must-visit destination.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to San Sebastián, consider checking out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com. You could find great rates on hotels with good availability as your travel date approaches. To maximize your chances of securing fantastic savings, enable email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you're more likely to be informed about flash sales and exclusive last-minute promotions, helping you snag the best hotel deal possible.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to various factors, including the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in San Sebastián.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in San Sebastián is usually more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further from the center, you can take advantage of various transportation options like buses, taxis, bikes, or even walking to explore the area and potentially save on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in San Sebastián and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

What to eat in San Sebastián

Here are some famous dishes in San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain:

• Pintxos: A quintessential part of San Sebastián's culinary scene, pintxos are small bites often served on skewers or atop slices of bread. These delightful tapas showcase local ingredients and flavors, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes in a casual setting. They are typically enjoyed with a glass of wine or cider, making them perfect for spontaneous dining experiences.
• Paella: While originally from Valencia, you can find Basque variations of this famous rice dish, often featuring fresh seafood like shrimp, mussels, and clams. The dish is cooked in a wide, shallow pan, allowing the rice to absorb the rich flavors of saffron and seafood broth, creating a communal dining experience.
• Seafood Dishes: San Sebastián is renowned for its fresh seafood, with dishes like grilled octopus and hake prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors. Enjoying these specialties at local restaurants or seaside eateries enhances the coastal culinary experience.

Best time to go to San Sebastián

San Sebastián experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 46.9°F (8.3°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 68.4°F (20.2°C). November tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit San Sebastián are June to August, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, accompanied by light rainfall. In contrast, January, February, and December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.