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10 Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastian Spain
- INNspiring travels
- Feb 3
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Discover the 10 best boutique hotels in San Sebastian, Spain, where seaside charm, incredible food, and elegant stays create the perfect trip in Northern Spain!
San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is one of my favorite places to escape from Madrid—it has that perfect mix of seaside charm, incredible food, and relaxed elegance. I spent two summers here when I was little and it occupies a special place in my heart. Also, my parents-in-law got married here and have shared lovely memories many times. 🙂 Everyone dresses so nicely and the food is absolutely incredible! It is beautiful any time of the year but I would recommend visiting during the summer time, spring or autumn. Staying in one of the best boutique hotel in San Sebastian Spain makes the experience even more special, offering a more personalized service and a unique atmosphere. Whether you prefer a hotel with sea views, a restored historic building, or something modern and artsy, I''m sure there’s a perfect stay for you.
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Table of Contents
10 Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastian Spain
How to get to San Sebastián, Spain?
San Sebastián is well connected by train, bus, and plane. The nearest airport, San Sebastián Airport, is just 20 minutes away, while Bilbao Airport offers more international flights (1.5 hours away). Trains from Madrid and Barcelona arrive at the central station, and buses connect the city to other Spanish and French destinations. Once in San Sebastián, you can walk everywhere—it’s one of the best cities in Spain for strolling! San Sebastián’s boutique hotels offer the perfect combination of charm, incredible food, and authenticity—making your stay in this stunning coastal city in Northern Spain truly unforgettable!
For me, San Sebastián is always worth the trip—whether it’s for the food, the sea air, or just the slower pace of life compared to Madrid. And staying in a beautiful boutique hotel makes it even more unforgettable! 💙
Best eSIM Option in Spain
Since we live in Madrid, we visit San Sebastián often, and having reliable data makes every trip smoother—whether it's finding the best pintxos spots, checking surf conditions, or booking a last-minute table. We don't need an eSim here but when we travel we always use this eSIM because it’s the cheapest and easiest option. No SIM swapping, no stress—just instant connection. If you're heading to Spain, we highly recommend it! Check it out here :)
Top Local Things to Do in San Sebastián, Spain:
Every time I visit San Sebastián, I find myself doing the same things because they never get old!
Pintxos hopping in the Old Town – You can't leave without trying classic pintxos at La Cuchara de San Telmo or Gandarias. Pair them with a glass of txakoli!
Mornings on La Concha Beach – Whether it's a swim, a long walk, or just soaking up the sun, this beach is pure magic.
Hiking Monte Igueldo or Monte Urgull – The views from the top are unbeatable! I personally love Monte Urgull for its peaceful trails and historic vibe.
Exploring San Telmo Museum – A great way to understand Basque history and culture.
Enjoying cultural events – If you visit in September, the San Sebastián International Film Festival is a must!
Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastian Spain
Let's dive right into the best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastian:
HEREDAD DE UNANUE HOTEL
San Sebastián, Spain
From 75€/night, 1-4 pax
Heredad de Unanue Hotel is a charming gem tucked away in the countryside just outside San Sebastian, offering the perfect balance between serenity and city access. Surrounded by green hills, this beautifully restored 15th-century farmhouse blends rustic charm with modern comfort. It’s a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking boutique hotels in San Sebastian with authentic Basque character and warm hospitality.
2. HOTEL ARBASO
San Sebastián, Spain
From 150€/night, 1-4 pax
Hotel Arbaso is such a cool boutique hotel in San Sebastian Spain right in the center of the city. It’s got this perfect mix of old-world charm and modern style, plus a great Basque restaurant downstairs. If you’re looking for boutique hotels in San Sebastian with a bit of flair, this one’s a winner.
3. HOTEL VILLA SORO
San Sebastián, Spain
From 150€/night, 1-3 pax
Hotel Villa Soro feels like staying in a grand old home, but with all the comforts you’d want. It’s in a quiet neighborhood, just a short walk from the beach and Old Town. Super elegant, cozy vibes—perfect if you're into boutique hotels in San Sebastian with a bit of classic charm.
4. HOTEL BOUTIQUE VILLA FAVORITA
San Sebastián, Spain
From 200€/night, 1-3 pax
5. BOUTIQUE HOTEL MENDI ARGIA
San Sebastián, Spain
From 500€/night, 1-4 pax
Mendi Argia is a peaceful boutique hideaway in the hills above San Sebastian, surrounded by nature but still super close to the city. It’s small, super stylish, and has an epic pool with views—perfect if you want something quiet and special.
6. AKELARRE - RELAIS & CHÂYEAUX
San Sebastián, Spain
From 900€/night, 1-2 pax
Akelarre is pure luxury with insane ocean views—perched on a hill just outside San Sebastian. It’s got only 22 rooms, a dreamy spa, and a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant (yes, three!). If you're splurging on boutique hotels in San Sebastian, this one’s unforgettable.
7. BIDAIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
San Sebastián, Spain
From 100€/night, 1-4 pax
Bidaia Boutique Hotel is a stylish spot in the Gros neighborhood, just a short walk from the beach. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the staff is super friendly. Plus, they serve a delicious breakfast to start your day. If you're looking for boutique hotels in San Sebastián that won't break the bank, this one's a great choice.
8. HOTEL ARIMA & SPA - SMALL LUXURY HOTELS
San Sebastián, Spain
From 150€/night, 1-4 pax
9. LASALA PLAZA HOTEL - ADULTS ONLY
San Sebastián, Spain
From 170€/night, 1-4 pax
10. NOBU HOTEL SAN SEBASTIÁN
San Sebastián, Spain
From 350€/night, 1-2 pax
Nobu Hotel is where cool design meets amazing food—right on the beach in San Sebastián. It’s sleek, modern, and has that signature Nobu vibe. If you're into boutique hotels with a luxury feel and ocean views, this one’s a solid pick. Nobu is for sure one of the best boutique hotels in San Sebastian Spain.
𑁍 MORE THINGS TO DO IN SAN SEBASTIÁN, SPAIN
Best Time of year to Visit San Sebastian Spain
San Sebastián is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for.
June to September – Perfect for beach days, outdoor dining, and warm weather (20-26°C). This is also festival season, with the famous Semana Grande in August and the San Sebastián International Film Festival in September. However, it's the busiest and most expensive time, so book hotels early!
April to May & October – My personal favorite time! Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures (15-20°C), and a more relaxed vibe. It’s still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, and hotel prices are lower.
November to March – Quieter and cooler (8-15°C), but still great for food lovers. You won’t get beach weather, but you can enjoy cozy pintxos bars, scenic walks, and cultural sites without the summer crowds.
If you want a mix of good weather, fewer tourists, and an authentic experience, May, June, and September are the sweet spots, but summer is lovely too! 🌿✨
Traveling around Spain and Final Thoughts
While I love San Sebastián, the truth is that it's just one of many captivating cities in Spain worth exploring. From the stunning architecture of Barcelona and the rich history of Andalusia o the artistic treasures of Madrid and the incredible beauty of the Balearic islands, each place boasts its own unique charm and attractions. Traveling around Spain allows you to experience the diverse landscapes, flavors, and traditions that make this country so special. So, after your time in Seville, consider venturing to these other incredible destinations to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish experience.
And if your wanderlust goes beyond visiting the best boutique hotels in San Sebastian Spain, whether you're planning a trip to Europe or any other destination, check out our website for the most unique hotels around the world!
🌼 Read more blog posts about Spain below! 🇪🇸
Travel Tips and Discounts
To make your trip even more enjoyable, we’ve partnered with various travel companies and services to offer exclusive travel discounts. From luggage storage, car rentals, e-sim cards, travel insurances, travel gear and special offers on attractions and lifetime experiences. Don't miss them.
Have an amazing trip!
With love,
Irene
*Hotel photographs are always owned by hotels except when mentioned otherwise.
Hello and welcome! My name is Irene and I am the Spanish creator from Madrid behind INNspiring travels: a social travel blog which mission is to showcase the world's most beautiful hotels and authentic places to stay, while helping people and children in disadvantaged communities around the globe. My journey as a traveler began at a young age, traveling the world with my family and exploring new destinations on every occasion. However, it wasn't until my 20's that my passion for travel really took off. This desire to see the world and learn about other cultures, combined with my deep desire to help others, led me to create this social travel blog. It’s my way of sharing my love for travel, while also making a difference. Learn more about me and my vision here. |
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