Known for its down-to-earth, authentic character, there aren't many luxury properties in San Sebastián, meaning its mid-range selection is where you'll find the city's best hotels. Kimkim staff traveled to the Basque gem and visited over 30 of its accommodations, and by far, the mid-range hotels were the most impressive. Save a little money while enjoying perks like historical buildings, sea views, outdoor pools, on-site dining, and more.

Axel Hotel San Sebastián

Visited by kimkim staff

Photo courtesy of Axel Hotel San Sebastián
Enjoy relaxing by the pool (photo courtesy of Axel Hotel San Sebastián)

Axel Hotel San Sebastián is a chic, modern adults-only hotel in the heart of the city, just a 10-minute walk from La Concha Beach and a short stroll from the Old Town. Featuring a stylish design with blue and copper tones, the hotel offers 100 comfortable rooms, some with balconies or terraces, and essential amenities such as air conditioning and WiFi. You can unwind at the rooftop terrace, which includes a bar, sun deck, and outdoor pool, and enjoy the impressive city views.

In addition to its prime location, the hotel provides a generous daily breakfast spread and a wellness center with a gym, sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, and massage treatments. Although the rooms are cozy and well-appointed, they might feel a bit standard for a 4-star property. Nevertheless, the hotel's unique design and vibrant atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of the Basque Country, along with its proximity to famous attractions and eateries, make Axel Hotel San Sebastián a fantastic choice.

Read kimkim's review of Axel Hotel San Sebastián

Hotel Arbaso

Visited by kimkim staff

Embrace serene, natural rooms (photo courtesy of Hotel Arbaso)

Hotel Arbaso, an elegant 4-star hotel in a 14th-century building in the center of San Sebastián, offers a luxurious stay with a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Just across from the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and a five-minute walk from La Concha Beach, the hotel's prime location ensures easy access to the city's main attractions. The rooms are well-equipped, with some featuring balconies and bay windows overlooking the cathedral and city. Enjoy the fitness center, saunas, cozy spaces near the fireplace, and the in-house Narru Restaurant and Narru Bar serving local and international cuisine.

Arbaso Hotel showcases the authenticity of San Sebastián through its beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, incorporating oak, marble, and iron elements. Its privileged location on Calle Hondarribia allows for a short walk to the Gros District, Zurriola Beach, and various transportation stations. The hotel provides a variety of room styles with air conditioning, a minibar, a tablet, WiFi, and a smart TV. Additional highlights include a well-equipped gym, electric bike rentals, and private transport services.

Read kimkim's review of Hotel Arbaso

Lasala Plaza Hotel

Visited by kimkim staff

Sleep in bright, airy rooms with sea views (photo courtesy of Lasala Plaza Hotel)

Lasala Plaza Hotel is a stylish hotel next to San Sebastián's port, offering exceptional sea views and top-notch amenities. Its prime location places you in the center of the Old Town, close to the city's beaches and historic sites. The hotel pays tribute to San Sebastián's culture and seafaring history with unique design elements like a boat-keel-shaped reception desk and oar-shaped braided copper plaques. Various room types, including suites and units with sea views, all featuring elegant French neoclassical-inspired designs, are available.

One of Lasala Plaza's highlights is its rooftop terrace, which provides a pool, restaurant, sun deck, and panoramic views of the sea, port, beaches, and city. You can also indulge in health and beauty treatments at the partnered spa and savor contemporary Basque cuisine at the on-site restaurant, Jarana Taberna. The hotel's commitment to sustainability and supporting local culture adds to its overall appeal.

Read kimkim's review of Lasala Plaza Hotel

One Shot Tabakalera House

Visited by kimkim staff

Photo courtesy of One Shot Tabakalera House
Blend history and modernity with natural elements (photo courtesy of One Shot Tabakalera House)

One Shot Tabakalera House is a chic, contemporary hotel inside the historical Tabakalera International Centre for Contemporary Culture in San Sebastián. This unique hotel offers a blend of history and modern design, complete with a fitness room, sauna, and occasional photography exhibitions. Its central location provides easy access to the city center, train station, and Cristina-Enea Park. You can also enjoy the innovative "buffet in jars" breakfast concept at El Eskondite Tabakalera, providing an eco-friendly and safer dining option.

The hotel has 34 stylish rooms featuring selected furniture, high-profile extra-comfort mattresses, and wooden floors. Executive, duplex, and premium rooms offer additional amenities such as robes, slippers, and sitting areas. All rooms have spacious rain showers, while some premium rooms also feature a separate bathtub. Embrace the cultural atmosphere of the hotel by exploring the temporary art exhibitions, or maintain your fitness regime with the on-site facilities. 

Read kimkim's review of One Shot Tabakalera House

Catalonia Donosti

Visited by kimkim staff

Stay in a former convent and enjoy the views (photo courtesy of Catalonia Donosti)

Catalonia Donosti, a historic hotel set in a refurbished 17th and 18th-century convent, offers a luxurious and elegant stay in the heart of San Sebastián. Located atop San Bartolomé Hill, the boutique hotel features 128 spacious rooms with various options, including sea views, suites, and family rooms. The English-inspired decor, featuring materials like velvet, marble, and copper, adds a touch of sophistication to your stay. Indulge at the hotel's bar and gastronomic restaurant or relax on the rooftop terrace, which features an outdoor swimming pool and panoramic views over La Concha Beach.

The hotel's charm is enhanced by its historical setting, with protected elements such as the north facade, bell tower, and central body of the church. Despite being situated on a hill, the hotel is conveniently close to the cathedral and La Concha Beach. Catalonia Donosti's rooms and bathrooms are warm and welcoming, offering a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the city. In addition to the rooftop terrace, the hotel features a gym, on-site parking, and a spa with various amenities. 

Read kimkim's review of Catalonia Donosti

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Hotel Villa Favorita

Visited by kimkim staff

Enjoy a prime location right on the city's famed beachfront promenade (photo courtesy of Hotel Villa Favorita)

Hotel Villa Favorita is a historical boutique hotel located on the La Concha promenade in San Sebastián. Housed in the last surviving 19th-century villa on La Concha Bay, this elegant hotel offers spacious, smart rooms with centralized iPad control, many featuring bay views. You can choose from various room categories, some with private terraces and panoramic bay windows. The hotel is also home to two Michelin-starred restaurants, Villa Favorita and Amelia, which serve seasonal and sustainable dishes made from the freshest ingredients. The hotel takes pride in its farm-to-table gastronomy, featuring local ingredients in its cuisine. 

The prime location of Hotel Villa Favorita on La Concha Beach promenade puts you in one of the best areas of San Sebastián. While the beach and boardwalk can sometimes be busy and noisy, the hotel's unique ambience, harmonious blend of classic and contemporary decor, and proximity to the Old Town still make it a top choice. 

Read kimkim's review of Hotel Villa Favorita

Saiaz Getaria Hotela

Visited by kimkim staff

Get off the beaten path and enjoy a historic hotel in Getaria (photo courtesy of Saiaz Getaria Hotela)

Saiaz Getaria Hotela, a charming Gothic tower hotel, is located between Gaztetape Beach and the Old Town of Getaria on the Basque Coast, offering sea views, breakfast, and a cozy fireside lounge. Though you won't be in San Sebastián (the city is a 30-minute drive), you can enjoy a unique experience in a more rural seaside setting. You'll stay within the hotel's historic Gothic tower, adorned with thick stone walls and antiques, while still providing contemporary comfort. The hotel is within walking distance of Getaria's center and two beautiful beaches, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and exploration.

With 17 units available, you can choose between rooms in the Gothic tower or open-wall rooms with large windows overlooking the sea. Superior double rooms and junior suites provide more space, making them perfect for families. Saiaz Getaria Hotela's facilities include a café/bar, buffet breakfast, and a 24-hour reception. You can also enjoy the terrace, living room, and cafeteria, all with sea views. 

Read kimkim's review of Saiaz Getaria Hotela

Parador de Hondarribia

Visited by kimkim staff

The closest parador to San Sebastián is in beautiful Hondarribia (photo courtesy of Parador de Hondarribia)

Another option outside the city is the Parador de Hondarribia, a beautiful hotel in a historic 10th-century castle. Located in charming Hondarribia, just 30 minutes from San Sebastián, this hotel is perfect for those looking to explore the Cantabrian coast and its rich medieval history. The castle interior features stunning tapestries designed by Rubens and has hosted notable guests, including Emperor Carlos V, Felipe IV and V, and Velázquez. You'll enjoy comfortable, elegant rooms with modern amenities and views of the surrounding area.

Despite not having a restaurant, the Parador de Hondarribia offers a buffet breakfast and a gastronomic cafeteria, where you can savor local products and artisan pastries. The hotel also features grand halls with panoramic views of the Plaza de Armas, a charming inner garden, and terraces overlooking the sea and Old Town rooftops. If you're looking for a unique accommodation option steeped in history and situated in a beautiful location, the Parador de Hondarribia is an excellent choice.

Read kimkim's review of Parador de Hondarribia

Room Mate Gorka Hotel

Visited by kimkim staff

Photo courtesy of Room Mate Gorka
Blend historical charm, modern rooms, and a prime location (photo courtesy of Room Mate Gorka)

Room Mate Gorka Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel nestled in the heart of San Sebastián, offering a prime location on the picturesque Gipuzkoa Plaza. The hotel's central location gives you easy access to major sites, including La Concha and Zurriola Beaches, the Old Town, and Good Shepherd Cathedral, all within walking distance. The historic building features large, bright, modern rooms with elegant furnishings, a 24-hour gym, meeting rooms, and a bar with a terrace. You can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, served until noon, for those who prefer a leisurely morning.

The hotel's blend of history and modern comforts provide an authentic San Sebastián experience. Original elements such as iron balconies, colonnades, and stained glass imbue the property with a unique charm. While rooms facing the square offer the best views, they can sometimes be noisy. Despite this, Room Mate Gorka Hotel ensures a comfortable stay with its spacious rooms, upgraded units with separate lounges, king-size beds, and an extensive breakfast buffet. 

Read kimkim's review of Room Mate Gorka Hotel

Villa Soro

Visited by kimkim staff

Feel the city's romantic past by staying in a charming villa (photo courtesy of Villa Soro)

Villa Soro, a charming hotel in San Sebastián, is set in a beautifully renovated 19th-century heritage villa, perfectly balancing a welcoming family atmosphere and modern comfort. The historical property offers various amenities, including a gym, free bikes, a garden terrace with an outdoor bar, and a restaurant, Eguzki Soro, which serves delicious regional Basque cuisine. Spacious rooms blend modern and historical elements, cozy countryside decor, and fun tiled bathrooms.

Located in a tranquil setting with picturesque gardens, Villa Soro is just a 10-15 minute walk from San Sebastián's city center, providing easy access to the trendy surf neighborhood of Gros and various attractions. The hotel's historic charm is evident through period touches such as fireplace lounges, a carved oak staircase, and stained glass windows. Villa Soro also showcases artwork by renowned Basque artists to maintain a solid connection to the local culture.

Read kimkim's review of Villa Soro

Abba San Sebastián Hotel
Visited by kimkim staff

Photo courtesy of Abba San Sebastián Hotel
Sleep in a palace and channel the era of Art Nouveau (photo courtesy of Abba San Sebastián Hotel)

Abba San Sebastián Hotel is a modern boutique hotel housed in an early 20th-century Baroque palace on the Paseo de Francia, a historic walkway in San Sebastián. Five minutes from the Old Town and significant sites, it's a perfect location for exploring the city's charming Belle Époque history. The hotel offers various room types, all decorated in blue and white, with some featuring private terraces on the building's corners. You can enjoy the rooftop terrace for sunset drinks, a fitness center, a garden, a shared lounge, massage services, and a bar offering daily breakfast options.

Although the hotel doesn't have a full-service restaurant, it's conveniently located close to various dining options in the Old Town. The three lowest room categories are smaller, so you might want to upgrade if you prefer more space.

Read kimkim's review of Abba San Sebastián Hotel

Hotel de Londres & de Inglaterra
Visited by kimkim staff

Channel London at this famous beachfront hotel (photo courtesy of Hotel de Londres & de Inglaterra)

Hotel de Londres & de Inglaterra is an elegant and historic beachfront hotel on La Concha Bay, just a short walk from the Town Hall and Old Town. This iconic hotel has over 150 years of history and uniquely blends Belle Époque architecture and modern refinement. With 166 rooms, nine types of accommodations, and options for families and larger groups, there's something for everyone. The Mari Galant Brasserie serves exquisite Basque gastronomy, while the Swing Bar and Terrace offer an intimate setting for enjoying a coffee or cocktail with beachfront views.

Located right on the promenade along La Concha Bay, the hotel offers a lively atmosphere with convenient access to the beach, shops, and eateries. The Old Town, San Sebastián City Hall, and the cathedral are only a seven-minute walk away. Inside, the rooms combine classic architecture with modern finishes, featuring warm and welcoming neutral colors, marble bathrooms, and various upgrades like sea views, private balconies, or Jacuzzi tubs. Indulge in fine dining and traditional Basque cuisine at the Mari Galant Brasserie, or relax at the cozy Swing Bar and Terrace while taking in the picturesque views of La Concha Bay.

Read kimkim's review of Hotel de Londres & de Inglaterra

Zenit Convento San Martin
Visited by kimkim staff

Modern rooms in a former convent (photo courtesy of Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín)

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín, a historic hotel in the heart of San Sebastián, is just two blocks from La Concha Beach and the promenade. Housed in a former 1887 convent, it features a beautifully restored chapel, modern facilities, a rooftop terrace, a swimming pool, sun deck, and Sukaldean Restaurant offering Basque and international cuisine. The hotel's rooms are spacious and modern, with trendy furnishings, contemporary amenities, and some offering outdoor terraces and separate living rooms.

The location is ideal for exploring San Sebastián's main attractions, including the Paseo Marítimo and La Concha Beach, Good Shepherd Cathedral, the Old Town, and the fishing port. On the downside, the seasonal swimming pool and rooftop are only open from late June through September, and standard rooms on the ground floor are without views and can be noisier. 

Read kimkim's review of Zenit Convento San Martin

Map

Map of The 13 Best Mid-Range Hotels in San Sebastián
Map of The 13 Best Mid-Range Hotels in San Sebastián