San Sebastian, Spain, somehow managed to stay off the radar until recently, despite its incredible cuisine, beautiful beaches and impressive mountain scenery. The secret of this beautiful Basque city has been discovered by others, after being proclaimed European Capital of Culture 2016 and recently featured in Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown'. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, consider a stay in one of San Sebastian's most impressive hotels.
Hotel Arrizul Congress 
Credit: www.arrizul.com Hotel Arrizul Congress
Hotel Arrizul Congress (Prices & Photos)
This sleek, contemporary urban hotel forgoes facilities, and occasionally space, in favour of an exceptional personalised concierge service that starts with complimentary Champagne upon check-in, with attention to detail and impressive design. Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Gros, the Hotel Arrizul Congress is across the river from the old town, a short walk from numerous bars and a short walk from Zurriola Beach, the liveliest stretch of sand in San Sebastian, which hosts surf leagues and surf lessons as well as volleyball, beach tennis and all kinds of other sports. While the hotel itself lacks a swimming pool, the fact that the beach is only a few blocks away makes it rather unimportant. With it right in the heart of the local pintxo scene, guests have a myriad of dining options nearby as well.
Hotel Maria Cristina Credit: Hotel Maria Cristina Hotel Maria Cristina
Hotel Maria Cristina (Prices & Photos)
The exclusive Hotel Maria Cristina has been around for just over a century, and has hosted everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Brad Pitt over the decades. It exudes an elegant charm - built in 1912, the architecture is imposing, including lavish Belle Epoque interiors with soaring columns, 19th-century portraits, glittering chandeliers, ornate cornices, rich silk brocades and expanses of marble, while the modern guest rooms feature a monochrome palette evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood. Guests enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean and easy access to San Sebastian's best beaches and the old town. The highlight, however, is its haute cuisine - in a city renowned for its food, Hotel Maria Cristina offers the chance to sample some of the best, allowing guests to discover both Basque and international dishes. Its contribution to gastronomy now also includes a San Sebastian cookery school and an excellent delicatessen shop.
Hotel Villa Soro 
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Hotel Villa Soro (Prices & Photos)
This intimate 25-room hotel is housed in a 19th-century residence. It offers luxurious accommodation in a sought-after area of the city, just minutes from Zurriola beach and the old town, and is surrounded by some of the city's best restaurants, including the internationally renowned Arzak, which is only 500 metres away. Guests appreciate the cosy wood-burning fireplaces, the relaxed atmosphere and the spacious bedrooms, which include a Nepresso machine, bathrobes and slippers, as well as spacious bathrooms with high-end toiletries. DVDs are available to borrow when you want to relax in your room and bicycles are also offered for enjoying San Sebastian on two wheels. Other highlights include a fully equipped gym, free Wi-Fi and room service, with a short menu featuring tasty dishes reflecting the city's rich culinary traditions.
Hotel La Galería 
Credit: hotellagaleria.com/ Hotel La Galería
Hotel La Galería (Prices and photos)
La Galeria is housed in a 19th-century French-style building on the seafront along Ondarreta beach, just a short walk from the old town and the famous La Concha beach. Guests enjoy views of the magnificent bay of La Concha and uniquely designed rooms, focusing on various artists such as Dali, Renoir and Picasso, with a reproductive painting of the artist adorning the headboard, along with period furniture that gives each a distinct personality. All rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar and free Wi-Fi. Bicycles are available for hire
NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu 
Credit: Trip Advisor NH Collection San Sebastian
NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu (Prices and photos)
This luxury property is just a 10-minute walk from La Concha beach and oozes charm throughout. You'll find little touches of luxury almost everywhere you look, despite the rather anonymous exterior. While located in the off-the-beaten-track neighbourhood of Antiguo, this elegant hotel decorated with timeless wood and marble is surrounded by some of the grandest houses in the area, and houses its own restaurant, Kukuarri, serving Basque cuisine, as well as a popular bar that is great for socialising with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy people watching from the terrace overlooking Zubimusu Park, known as the city's hotspot for beautiful people, as well as working out in the state-of-the-art gym with picturesque views. The modern rooms are spacious and equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Punta Monpas 
Credit: Hotel Punta Monpas Hotel Punta Monpas
Hotel Punta Monpas (Prices & Photos)
Situated in the old town on Zurriola Beach, popular with local surfers and other active bathers, Hotel Punta Monpas offers minimalist, modern rooms in a relaxed setting, most with views of the sea and Mount Urgull. All have free Wi-Fi, TV and air conditioning, as well as a hairdryer, minibar and room service. Some are split-level and include a seating area on the upper floor. The hotel is surrounded by trendy cafés and bars for a younger clientele that likes to go out in Zurriola, although it welcomes travellers of all kinds.
Hotel Astoria 7 
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Hotel Astoria 7 (Prices & Photos)
The Astoria 7 is one of a number of hotels that pay homage to the famous San Sebastian film festival, but it truly lives up to all of them as a temple of the seventh art. Each room celebrates a different film star, and the hotel has a screening room downstairs where guests can request a film of their choice, as well as a library boasting a wide selection based on film themes and personalities. There is even a life-sized Alfred Hitchcock to welcome you at the reception desk. It is also ideally located in the heart of the entertainment district, with bars, restaurants and nightclubs within walking distance, while the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the Anoeta football stadium and the Maria Cristina Bridge are all within walking distance. The on-site cafeteria serves a free Spanish-style buffet breakfast.
Hotel Niza 
Credit: Hotel Niza Hotel Niza
Hotel Niza (Prices & Photos)
The Hotel Niza, owned by the family of sculptor Eduardo Chillida, one of the city's favourite sons, enjoys a privileged location right on the beach along the bay of La Concha and still retains many of its original features from the time of its opening, such as the elegant 1911 lift and numerous Chillida artworks. The 40 exclusive rooms offer modern comforts including plasma-screen TVs, some with sea views and others with plaza views, while the culinary offerings delight all senses. When it comes to breakfast, there is no better place to be than at the hotel's Biarritz Bar, which overlooks La Concha and the sparkling waters. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra 
Credit: facebook.com Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (Prices & Photos)
This luxury hotel was inspired by French gamblers sneaking across the border to satisfy their urges in the nearby casino. Reminiscent of hotels on the southern shores of England, its strong point is probably its fantastic location on La Concha Bay. The historic building has a variety of rooms, including deluxe rooms with sea views where you can wake up to the sound of the waves and new mansard rooms that offer terraces with a large Jacuzzi to soak in while admiring the stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. All are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with international channels, room service, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee making facilities and more.