Zinema7, San Sebastián

Pros

• This unique, cinema-inspired hotel features creative interiors inspired by the San Sebastián International Film Festival.
• Order a movie-inspired drink at the cozy cocktail bar, or peruse the library's extensive book and DVD collection. 
• The popular on-site Bistroteka restaurant serves traditional Basque cuisine and all-day pintxos.
• Room options include adjoining Family units and an accessible suite that's won awards for its state-of-the-art amenities. 

Cons

• Some Petite Terrace rooms are on the small size; if outdoor space isn't a priority, upgrade to a Double or Superior for more room.
• The location puts you a little farther out of town in the residential Amara neighborhood.

Authenticity

Zinema7 pulls off its movie-themed decor with panache and a bit of a wink. Built atop the foundation of what was once the city's largest cinema, every aspect of this 4-star stay was inspired by the rich cinematic history of San Sebastián's International Film Festival. A life-sized Alfred Hitchcock figure sits alongside guests in the lobby, and the contemporary interiors display black-and-white movie stills under lights crafted from repurposed film reels. The inviting library area is a highlight: guests can grab a book on film theory or choose their favorite silver screen classic from the extensive DVD collection.

Location

You'll be located just south of the city center in the Amara neighborhood, a quieter, residential area of green spaces and apartment blocks that sits on a bend of the Urumea River. You can reach the Old Town on foot in about 25 minutes, and it's a 15-minute walk to the Cathedral or the famous sands of Playa La Concha. Several convenient city bus lines stop right outside the hotel, and it's a 10-minute walk from the Amaro Donostia train station and a 25-minute drive from the airport. Paid parking is available on-site.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the hotel's 107 rooms is dedicated to a famous film festival visitor, displaying black-and-white photos of the stars alongside contemporary, mid-century-inspired decor. All rooms feature honey-colored wood floors and large floor-to-ceiling windows, plus state-of-the-art entertainment systems, Nespresso machines, and sleek bathrooms with heated flooring and frosted privacy glass. Options range from Petite Terrace rooms to larger Superiors with sofa beds and a roomy "Hitchcock"suite with a large terrace. There's also a well-equipped accessible room for guests with limited mobility. 

Amenities

On-site eatery Bistroteka serves Basque-inspired cuisine paired with a Spanish wine list, and there's a cozy bar located off the library area that slings craft cocktails with movie-inspired names. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with regional treats like gâteau Basque (a cream and jam-filled cake) alongside standard continental and cooked offerings. There's no spa or pool on-site, but you'll find a small but well-equipped gym on the top floor.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome here. The hotel is a member of Euskadi Family Tourism, and its family-friendly amenities are extensive, including thoughtful extras like stepping stools for the bathrooms, bottle warmers for babies, and a complimentary late checkout (subject to availability). You'll find a kids' menu in the restaurant, options for additional beds in the rooms, and handy Family units with connecting double and twin rooms that sleep up to five.