Hotel Akelarre—Relais & Châteaux
Visited by kimkim staff 
Hotel Akelarre—Relais & Châteaux, perched along the Basque coastline, delivers a luxurious stay with a dash of nature. This 5-star property is about a 10-minute drive from San Sebastián and offers 22 spacious rooms designed with natural materials and sea views. It's home to two on-site eateries, including a Michelin-starred restaurant and Espazio Oteiza, a restaurant with a stunning terrace with views over the Cantabrian Sea. Pamper yourself at the spa featuring French skincare expert Sisley, a fitness center, and curated staff-designed stays.
The hotel's serene location overlooking the Basque coastline and the Bay of Biscay makes it an ideal spot for those who want to relax amid nature. While it is a bit far from the city center, the tranquil setting and the stunning views make up for it. The rooms at Hotel Akelarre redefine luxury and comfort with their sea views, seating areas, large dressing rooms, and modern amenities. The Akelarre Spa provides a rejuvenating experience, and the Michelin-starred Akelarre Restaurant offers world-renowned cuisine in a spectacular setting. The hotel also offers free WiFi and parking.
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Arima Hotel & Spa
Visited by kimkim staff 
Arima Hotel & Spa, a luxury boutique property just 15 minutes from San Sebastián, delivers a peaceful and green environment. Facing Miramón Forest, the hotel provides state-of-the-art technology in its rooms, including sound insulation, temperature and humidity control, and low CO2 concentration. As a Passivhaus-certified hotel, Arima emphasizes sustainability, using clean energy sources like geothermal and aerothermal. The hotel houses the Tilia Deli & Café, which serves contemporary cuisine and offers al fresco dining on a beautiful terrace.
You can unwind at the Foresta Wellness Boutique Gym & Spa, complete with a fitness center, water area, infrared saunas, a halotherapy room, and yoga classes.
While Arima Hotel & Spa offers a tranquil retreat in the countryside, it's also conveniently located near the city center of San Sebastián. You can easily access walking paths, the Eureka Science Museum, the Basque National Orchestra, and various city sites. The hotel's rooms are warm and welcoming, some featuring sofas, balconies, soaking tubs, and local art. The hotel's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility sets it apart, taking advantage of clean energy, water collection systems, water flow reduction filters, and selective waste management. Despite being slightly removed from the bustling city life, this hotel offers extensive amenities and a peaceful setting, making it a truly unique stay.
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Martiamuno Landetxea
Martiamuno Landetxea is a charming 17th-century farmhouse turned hotel nestled in the heart of Basque Country in Zumárraga, Spain. Verdant forests, sprawling meadows, and picturesque mountain views surround this peaceful retreat. Despite its tranquil setting, the hotel's central location in the province of Gipuzkoa keeps it within a 50-minute drive from bustling cities like San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Pamplona, and Hendaya, making it an excellent base for both nature enthusiasts and urban explorers.
The rooms at Martiamuno Landetxea offer a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Each room features amenities such as a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom stocked with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, and a shower. The large windows and sloping ceilings in every room, along with garden views, invite you to soak in the calmness of their surroundings. Some rooms also come equipped with a kitchenette. To further enhance its appeal, the hotel serves a homemade breakfast made from organic, locally sourced ingredients and provides access to a shared kitchen and a garden area with a barbecue. The hotel is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, giving ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
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Saiaz Getaria Hotela
Saiaz Getaria Hotela offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary comfort in Getaria, located on the Basque coast. Housed in a 15th-century Gothic tower, the hotel features authentic elements like thick stone walls, original windows, and beamed ceilings, creating a distinct atmosphere that transports you back in time. The property offers 17 units with a choice of rooms in the Gothic tower or those with open walls and large windows overlooking the sea. The hotel sits between Gaztetape Beach and the Old Town of Getaria, offering stunning sea views from its living room, cafeteria, terrace, and seaside rooms. Additional amenities include a buffet breakfast, a meeting room, and a cozy lounge with a fireplace.
Despite its historical charm, Saiaz Getaria Hotela doesn't compromise on modern comforts. Each room has free WiFi and a minibar, while superior double rooms and junior suites provide extra space, ideal for families. However, it's worth noting that the property is a 30-minute drive from San Sebastián and doesn't offer on-site parking. Still, the incredible location in Getaria's historic center makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. You can enjoy breakfast overlooking the Bay of Biscay, discover the birthplace of couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga, stroll along medieval streets, or visit local Txakoli vineyards within a 10-minute drive.
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Hotel Zubieta
Zubieta Hotel, a charming coastal retreat in Lekeitio, Basque Country, is housed in an impressive 17th-century building adorned with a stone arch and coats of arms. Located just a short five-minute stroll away from the bustling port of Lekeitio and its picturesque beaches, the hotel is surrounded by the town's charming cobbled streets, historic churches, palaces, towers, squares, and beaches. Choose from 23 spacious and comfortable rooms, each showcasing a unique charm with features like Persian carpets, curtains, warm colors, and wooden beams. Some rooms offer superb views of the Palace of Zubieta and its natural surroundings.
In addition to comfortable accommodations, Zubieta Hotel provides services catering to bike enthusiasts, including a small bicycle repair shop, a bicycle storing area, and a bicycle wash service. Indulge in local and traditional dishes at the bistro, enjoy a quiet morning coffee at the bar, or relax in the heated outdoor pool. The hotel also features a sun deck within its gardens, providing a serene space to unwind. With over 20 years of history, Zubieta Hotel is dedicated to offering its guests a unique and memorable experience.
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Casa Rural Mahasti
Visited by kimkim staff 
Casa Rural Mahasti is a historic, rustic accommodation nestled in the Basque countryside, offering an immersive experience of rural life surrounded by vineyards, fruit trees, and views of Butrón Castle. The house has seven cozy rooms, each with its bathroom and some featuring historic elements like exposed wood beams and antique furnishings. You can unwind in the spacious common areas, which include a large living room with a fireplace, a library, and a porch. Though the rural location might not be ideal for those seeking easy city access, it's perfect if you want to explore the countryside through hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
This tranquil farmhouse offers a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, with rooms furnished with natural fabrics and rugs. Some rooms include a hydromassage bathtub or a private balcony overlooking the vineyards and castle. Enjoy your meals in the rustic dining room or on one of two covered terraces with garden furniture and a barbecue. The house also provides a spacious two-level living room with a fireplace and library. While the pool is currently under construction, once completed, you can relax on sun loungers and take a dip as you enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
With its commitment to sustainable living, Casa Rural Mahasti provides a unique opportunity to connect with the environment and appreciate the charm of rural life.
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Heredad de Unanue
Visited by kimkim staff 
Hotel Heredad de Unanue is a charming boutique property in the countryside, just a short drive from the center of San Sebastián. Housed in a historic 15th- and 16th-century building, the hotel combines modern comforts with past elegance. The 11 uniquely decorated rooms, which reflect Basque culture, offer a blend of stone, wood, and metal accents and contemporary designs. The family room, spacious and equipped with large windows that overlook the orchards, is ideal for families or groups.
The hotel's serene atmosphere, modern amenities, and exceptional service provide a relaxing stay. Enjoy the property's orchards and gardens, views of the countryside from your room and the hotel's common areas, and delicious breakfast options featuring homegrown fruit.
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Casa Rural Lurdeia
Visited by kimkim staff 
Casa Rural Lurdeia is an adult-only lodge nestled in the tranquil Basque countryside, about 30 minutes from downtown Bilbao. This ecological hotel provides an authentic rural experience with its traditional farmhouse, breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay, and organic ingredients from its garden and poultry farm. Each of the eight rooms is uniquely themed around natural elements, reflecting the tradition and culture of Basque Country. Guests can explore the expansive property and enjoy meals made from the farm's fresh produce. The hotel's terrace offers exceptional views of the coast and countryside, perfect for watching the sunset.
The hotel's rustic charm is evident in its rooms and common areas, maintaining traditional Basque decor and design elements. Each room, named after natural elements such as the owl, wind, sea, and moon, offers a blend of comfort and rustic countryside charm, with some rooms offering panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay or the inland Lake Lurkoi. The hotel's dedication to sustainability and preserving the environment makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious travelers.
Read kimkim's review of Casa Rural Lurdeia—Adults Only
Hotel Leku Eder
Visited by kimkim staff 
Hotel Leku Eder, a family-owned property on Mount Igeldo in San Sebastián, offers a tranquil experience for guests with its traditional decor and stunning sea views. Despite the hotel's old-fashioned charm, it has modern amenities, including WiFi, free outdoor parking, and a social lounge with garden access and complimentary drinks. Children will enjoy the on-site garden, equipped with swings and a slide. The hotel's hillside location provides a peaceful atmosphere, though you may need a car or be prepared for a steep walk to reach the city center.
Although Hotel Leku Eder might feel a little dated to some, its traditional furnishings and warm atmosphere are a testament to its authenticity. Each of the 21 rooms is cozy and simply furnished, taking you on a nostalgic journey back in time. The property also features a bright dining room with sea views, perfect for starting your day with a leisurely breakfast. For those seeking a quiet, family-friendly stay with a touch of nostalgia, Hotel Leku Eder is a decent choice.
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Eguzkilore Rural House
Located 15 minutes from Bilbao and near several beaches, the Eguzkilore Rural House is a full-house rental that offers a peaceful and relaxing stay surrounded by nature. The house features six double rooms, each with a full bathroom, accommodating up to 17 people. A wide range of amenities is available on the property, including a soccer field, beach volleyball court, basketball court, trampoline, and a games room filled with board games, Ping-Pong, darts, and 80s arcade machines. For an additional fee, you can enjoy breakfast and made-to-order dinners and barbecues.
However, note that the house is only available for full rental, and a minimum stay of four nights is required during the summer and certain holidays.
Eguzkilore offers an authentic Basque experience, complete with its own forest and ecological garden. The six double rooms exude a cozy, warm, and homey atmosphere, with traditional and relaxed furnishings. Modern amenities, including TVs and WiFi, are available in each room, with extra beds and a cot for children also offered. Leisure facilities such as a heated salt pool, barbecue, porch, and parking area add to the property's charm. Despite its rural setting, Eguzkilore's location is conveniently close to the center of Bilbao and several beautiful beaches, and only 20 minutes from the Bilbao Airport.
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Hotel Itxas Gain Getaria
Hotel Itxas Gain Getaria is a charming family-run hotel in the gastronomic heartland of Getaria. Its prime location places you steps away from the local bus stop and a short drive from San Sebastián and Bilbao. The hotel offers 16 unique rooms, ranging from cozy singles to larger doubles, all equipped with modern conveniences such as flat-screen TVs, espresso machines, and WiFi. Additional amenities include hairdryers and hydromassage showers, and some rooms even offer private balconies with views of the Old Town or the hotel's terrace and the nearby beach.
Among its top features, Itxas Gain Getaria offers a breakfast full of local and traditional dishes. On sunny days, you can enjoy your morning meal on the hotel's terrace, soaking in the coastal views and the sounds and scents of the ocean. The hotel's proximity to a Txakoli winery, Mount Raton de Getaria, and the majestic Flysch Cliffs make it an excellent base for exploring the vibrant Basque coast.
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