Best Hotels and Hostels in San Sebastian [Complete 2024 Guide]

Working out where to stay and what type of accommodation to go for is a hugely stressful part of planning any trip. Allow us to make it easier with our list of the best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian.

We love planning a trip to a new city, but it certainly has its challenges. Between organizing your visits to the must-see sights, what restaurants to visit and, of course, where to stay, it’s a complicated process. Where you stay has a significant impact on your overall experience in a new city, so you want to make an informed decision.

San Sebastian has a huge variety of accommodation to choose from, for every taste and every budget. From extravagant luxury for that special occasion to boutique hotels for that extra-level service to budget-friendly practicality for that trip with the kids, the city has it all. Check out our picks for the best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian and find the perfect option for you.

Best of San Sebastian — No matter why you’re visiting San Sebastian, these hotels are just the ticket!

Best Luxury Hotel – Hotel Maria Cristina

If absolute luxury is what you are looking for in San Sebastian, the Hotel Maria Cristina is for you. This elegant luxury hotel is perfectly located in Parte Vieja, near all the major tourist attractions in the city and some amazing pintxo bars. Built in 1912, this decadent hotel is a part of the Luxury Hotel Collection. Beautifully decorated from top to bottom, make sure and reserve a room with a terrace to enjoy some amazing views of the city. Hotel Maria Cristina is a must in any list of best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian.

Address: Paseo Republica Argentina, 4

The Hotel Maria Cristina could not be absent from a list of the best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian, luxurious, opulent and with breathtakingly detailed architecture. — The grand Maria Cristina Hotel is the epitome of luxury in San Sebastian Photo Credit: Hotel Maria Cristina

Best Boutique Hotel – Hotel Villa Soro

Hotel Villa Soro is the textbook definition of an amazing boutique hotel. Thanks to its friendly staff, beautifully detailed interior and relaxed, quiet atmosphere, you always feel at home. This building is a 19th-century mansion and is architecturally a standout building in the relaxed surfer neighborhood of Gros. And the great news is that the area around Hotel Villa Soro is a foodie haven! Apart from the outstanding Michelin-starred restaurant, Arzak, you can also find some amazing breakfast places nearby. The staff at Villa Soro are attentive, extremely knowledgeable and incredibly friendly, making sure your experience is a positive one from start to finish.

Address: Avenida Ategorrieta, 61

We love the grey brick, traditional feel to the exterior of the Hotel Villa Soro, definitely one of the best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian — The rustic exterior of the Hotel Villa Soro shows both its history and its unique beauty. Photo Credit: Hotel Villa Soro

Best Budget Hotel – Pension Altair

Another Gros neighborhood gem is the stylish (but budget-friendly) Pension Altair. When searching for the best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian, many people equate budget to low quality. However, this is not the case at Pension Altair, as the rooms have an airy, modern feel to them. The availability of cots and extra beds means this budget hotel is perfect for families. Also, there is a babysitting service that can be organized for you; just ask the staff for details. The friendly workers will even lend you an umbrella if you’re caught in San Sebastian on a rainy day!

Address: Calle del Padre Larroca, 3

Our favorite budget hotel in San Sebastian may be a bargain, but with modern fixtures, a relaxed atmosphere and personalised service, it is certainly not lacking in quality — Budget does not have to mean a loss of quality, as shown in the understated elegance of Pension Altair. Photo Credit: Pension Altair

Best Hotel with a Swimming Pool – Barceló Costa Vasca

The Barceló Costa Vasca comes up on many lists of the best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian, and the swimming pool is just one of the things that make it special. The north may not be the hottest region of Spain, but when summer arrives it’s nice to have the luxury of a swimming pool to enjoy. The Barceló Costa Vasca is enormous, modern and has a number of extra conveniences for a great stress-free stay. Super fast WiFi, a fully equipped fitness center and a lively bar to accompany your dip in the pool, just to name a few! Although not ideally located, it is close to La Concha beach, an unmissable sight in the city.

Address: Avenida Pio Baroja, 15

The Hotel Barcelo appears on many lists of the best hotels and hostels in San Sebastian, and when you see the huge pool and beautiful greenery around you see why — The pool at the Hotel Barcelo is just one inviting aspect of the enormous hotel. Photo Credit: Hotel Barcelo

Best Hostel – Urban House

Hostels have always had a bad reputation as places full of students and younger travelers looking for basic accommodation at a low price. However, in recent years we have seen a huge jump in quality in hostels across the continent, and San Sebastian is no exception. Urban House is located right in the heart of the action in the central Parte Vieja, surrounded by pintxo bars and some of the best places to enjoy a drink in the city. The great thing about Urban House is the attentive staff, always willing to provide you with insider tips to make the most of your time in San Sebastian. Make sure and take full advantage of the amazing surfing nearby. San Sebastian waves are not to be missed!

Address: Plaza de Gipuzkoa, 2