Though most rooftop terraces in San Sebastián are only open through the summer months, some of the city's best hotels have them—which might be exactly what you need to enhance your stay. Kimkim staff checked out San Sebastián's famous rooftop hotels and listed the top options below. Many pair this perk with other amenities, like an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, spa, and historic elements.

Hotel Akelarre—Relais & Châteaux

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Photo courtesy of Akelarre
Amazing sea views from this unique rooftop (photo courtesy of Hotel Akelarre)

Hotel Akelarre—Relais & Châteaux is an exquisite property along the picturesque Bay of Biscay, about a 10-minute drive from San Sebastián. This location provides quite a special view from the hotel's terrace, which complements the avant-garde architectural design meant to blend with the natural surroundings seamlessly. This is definitely the hotel's prime locale to enjoy the sunset! The terrace is technically part of the Espazio Oteiza restaurant, and there's also another eatery at the property, the Michelin-starred Akelarre restaurant—both offer stunning sea views.

You can also enjoy these vistas from your room; most offer sea views and large windows. The rooms at Hotel Akelarre are designed for luxury and comfort, with sofas, furnished terraces, and the option for king beds. They also feature rain showers, bathrobes and slippers, 100% natural toiletries, and modern technology like a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Apple TV, and an espresso machine. For relaxation, you can head to the indoor pool and the spa services, which include a heated hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and treatment cabins. 

Read kimkim's review of Hotel Akelarre—Relais & Châteaux

Axel Hotel San Sebastián—Adults Only

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Photo courtesy of Axel Hotel San Sebastián
Dine, relax, and swim atop the roof (photo courtesy of Axel Hotel San Sebastián)

Axel Hotel San Sebastián is a chic, adults-only hotel known for its rooftop pool and terrace, offering city views. Although other hotels have rooftop terraces in San Sebastián, Axel stands out with its spacious setting and large swimming pool. You can also enjoy relaxing on the sun deck and sipping drinks at the hotel's Sky Bar. When not sitting atop the roof, you can explore the city, as the property is just a short walk from La Concha Beach and the San Sebastián Cathedral. You'll be on Kalea Amara, a quiet street lined with accommodations and eateries.

With a design dominated by blue and copper tones, the hotel reflects the vibrant spirit of the Basque Country. It offers 100 comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with natural light, and some feature balconies or terraces. Enjoy the generous daily breakfast spread with sparkling wine, relax at the wellness center featuring a gym, sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, and massage treatments, and take advantage of the private parking facilities with a recharge station for electric vehicles.

Read kimkim's review of Axel Hotel San Sebastián—Adults Only

Catalonia Donosti

Visited by kimkim staff

Take advantage of the incredible views and swimming pool (photo courtesy of Catalonia Donosti)

Catalonia Donosti, a boutique hotel in a refurbished 17th and 18th-century convent, is one of the best hotels with rooftops in San Sebastián. The hotel, situated on the hill of San Bartolomé, provides panoramic views over La Concha Beach from its rooftop terrace, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and sun deck. Catalonia Donosti symbolizes history and authenticity, preserving various architectural elements from its past as a convent. Other highlights include the hotel's gastronomic restaurant, Aldapeta Gastrobar, which serves local cuisine, plus the wellness area and spa for ultimate relaxation.

The hotel's 128 spacious rooms have an elegant and stately atmosphere, with some units featuring private terraces and family rooms with bunk beds. Another perk for families is the on-site parking, so you don't have to haul your luggage too far. Enjoy wooden floors and cushy furnishings, and opt for a suite for a few extra perks, including a separate living room or a room with a private, furnished terrace overlooking the beach. The bathrooms are bright and clean, with marble finishes and some offering sea views.

Read kimkim's review of Catalonia Donosti

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Lasala Plaza Hotel

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One of the best sunset spots in the city (photo courtesy of Lasala Plaza Hotel)

Lasala Plaza Hotel is a stylish hotel in San Sebastián that embraces the city's maritime nature and culture. The hotel's prime location in the city's Old Town, next to the port and sandwiched between two beaches, provides stunning sea views from many of its elegantly designed rooms and rooftop. The rooftop terrace features a pool, restaurant, sun deck, and vistas of the sea, port, beaches, and city. For gastronomy enthusiasts, the on-site Jarana Taberna serves contemporary Basque cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

Lasala Plaza Hotel maintains its original architectural features from 1917 yet incorporates a modern and luxurious design. Each of the 58 rooms is inspired by French neoclassical architecture and offers views of either the sea or the historic Plaza Lasala. The hotel partners with La Perla Wellness Centre on La Concha Beach, providing a range of health and beauty treatments. In addition to its amenities and services, Lasala Plaza Hotel is committed to sustainability by sourcing seasonal produce from local suppliers for its restaurant and minimizing its environmental impact through its operations.

Read kimkim's review of Lasala Plaza Hotel

Abba San Sebastián Hotel
MID-RANGE
Visited by kimkim staff

Photo courtesy of Abba San Sebastián Hotel
Catch the last rays of the day from this historic rooftop (photo courtesy of Abba San Sebastián Hotel)

Located in a historic Baroque palace on the Paseo de Francia, Abba San Sebastián Hotel embodies the Belle Époque history of San Sebastián, which makes its rooftop even more special. You'll get a prime view of the city rooftops, bridges, and the sea in the distance. It's a great place to relax and catch the sunset while sipping a drink from the hotel's bar. You'll also enjoy its prime location, steps from the central train station and a five-minute stroll from the Old Town and Kursaal Arts Center

This modern boutique hotel in a protected building offers a unique blend of the past and present with its contemporary interiors and historic exterior. Choose from five types of rooms, all decorated in the city's colors of blue and white and equipped with the latest technology and comforts, such as espresso machines and smart TVs. Grab one of the Superior Corner rooms with a terrace for a bit of history and luxury. Besides the rooftop terrace, hotel amenities include a fitness center, a historical garden, and a shared lounge. Kickstart your day with the hotel's buffet and continental breakfast options, and if you're looking for a bit of pampering, the hotel also offers massage services.

Read kimkim's review of Abba San Sebastián Hotel

Zenit Convento San Martin
MID-RANGE
Visited by kimkim staff

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and city views on the rooftop (photo courtesy of Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín)

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín, situated in the heart of San Sebastián, is housed in an exquisitely restored 1887 convent, uniquely blending historic charm and modern amenities. One of the hotel's main highlights is its rooftop terrace, El Zielo de Donosti, which is open seasonally and offers stunning city and sea views, a small swimming pool, and a sun deck. These views are thanks to the hotel's location, two blocks from the famous La Concha Beach and promenade. You'll also be within walking distance of the bustling commercial center, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, and the Old Town. 

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín offers an array of stylish and comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities and the option for a private outdoor terrace and/or separate living rooms for additional comfort. Just bear in mind that the standard rooms on the ground floor feel a little subpar, so upgrading a bit is recommended. The hotel's Sukaldean Restaurant is a gastronomic delight, offering a range of Basque and international dishes made from top-quality products. And for a truly unique experience, grab drinks at the hotel's bar in a renovated chapel.

Read kimkim's review of Zenit Convento San Martin

Hotel Villa Victoria

Visited by kimkim staff

Photo courtesy of Hotel Villa Victoria by Intur
Relax on the rooftop with views of the surrounding hills (photo courtesy of Hotel Villa Victoria by Intur)

Hotel Villa Victoria by Intur, located in a quiet part of San Sebastián, is a modern boutique property just a short walk from La Concha Beach and the Old Town. The hotel's rooftop terrace offers a sun deck and loungers for you to enjoy. Relax, take in the views, and sip local beer or wine from the on-site café. You'll also be within walking distance of most major sites, including the city's beaches, cathedral, City Hall, and Old Town.

The hotel showcases a modern avant-garde design and features comfortable rooms with various options, including rooms with terraces and city views. You might want to upgrade rooms to enhance your stay, as some of those in the Simple Standard category feel a little too plain. When ready to start your day, head to the charming on-site café with its breakfast made with local ingredients. The café also serves traditional Basque cuisine, including local specialties like Idiazabal cheese and Txakoli de Guetaria wine.

Read kimkim's review of Hotel Villa Victoria

Hotel Atari

Visited by kimkim staff

Head out to the terrace to relax and take in the city views (photo courtesy of Hotel Atari)

Hotel Atari, located in San Sebastián's Old Town, perfectly blends rich history and modern sophistication. Though the terrace isn't quite on the highest point of the building, it still offers a relaxing atmosphere and city views. What makes this terrace special is that it's where you'll enjoy your daily breakfast! Start your day with panoramic views of the Basilica de Santa María del Coro and the Old Town. The hotel's on-site eatery Amama prepares breakfast of which the restaurant is renowned for its innovative Basque gastronomy. 

With its prime location, you can easily access the Baroque-style basilica and charming cobbled streets. The hotel's rooms, which feature elegant and contemporary designs, create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere while offering views of the Old Town. With various room options, you can choose from premium units with private terraces to cozy standard options with double beds. 

Read kimkim's review of Hotel Atari

Map

Map of The 8 Best Rooftop Hotels in San Sebastián
Map of The 8 Best Rooftop Hotels in San Sebastián