Quick answer: where to stay in San Sebastián
The Parte Vieja is the best area to stay in San Sebastián for pintxos and the beach on foot; Centro is calmer, Gros suits surfers, and Ondarreta suits families.
Key facts
- The whole centre is walkable; La Concha is never more than about 20 minutes away.
Stay in the Parte Vieja or Centro for a first trip of 2 to 3 nights in San Sebastián: the pintxos bars, La Concha and the harbour are all within a 10 minute walk. Choose Gros for surf and a more local feel, and Antiguo or Ondarreta for families and quiet nights by the bay. Book early for summer and for the film festival in September.
The areas are compared below, and each area section then names the hotels picked there, with guest scores read on 29 October 2026.
Hotel quick picks
- Luxury: Hotel María Cristina, Centro (by the Urumea): a 5-star from 1912 by the river, scored 9.3 out of 10Prices →
- On La Concha: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, Centro (La Concha promenade): a 4-star on the promenade, 9.2 out of 10 from 4,470 reviewsPrices →
- Adults only: Hotel Villa Favorita, Centro (La Concha promenade): a 4-star on La Concha, the top score on this listPrices →
- Pintxos: Lasala Plaza Hotel, Parte Vieja (by the port): an adults-only 4-star at the edge of the Parte ViejaPrices →
- Families: Hotel Ilunion San Sebastián, Antiguo (Ondarreta): a 4-star near Ondarreta beach with family rooms and parkingPrices →
- Budget: Pensión Peñaflorida, Centro: a 2-star pensión scored 9.1 out of 10 from 1,318 reviewsPrices →
- Budget on the bay: Hotel Niza, Centro (La Concha promenade): a 3-star opposite La Concha beachPrices →
Guest scores from Booking.com, read 29 October 2026. We have not stayed at these hotels. How we chose them
How these hotels were chosen
We have not stayed at any of these hotels. Each was chosen from public, checkable data on its Booking.com listing: the address and map position, the star class, the guest score and the facilities. A hotel needed a score of at least 8.0 out of 10 from at least 50 reviews.
Scores, review counts and facilities were read on 29 October 2026. We did not check official hotel websites for this list, so every fact comes from Booking.com and the text says so.
Price levels follow the star class: 5-star is luxury, 4-star mid-range, and 3-star and below budget. Hostels, guest houses and apartments that show only Booking.com’s quality rating, not a star class, count as budget.
Each area has up to two picks per price level. Where no hotel passed these checks, the slot is left empty rather than filled with a weaker pick. No hotel pays to be listed; see the editorial policy and the affiliate disclosure.
The areas compared
All the areas are within walking distance of each other; the city centre is flat and compact.
| Area | Best for | Beach | At night | Watch for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parte Vieja | pintxos and a first trip | La Concha, 5 minutes | Very lively | bar noise late | Hotels |
| Centro | elegance, shops, all-rounders | La Concha, 2 to 5 minutes | Medium | higher prices | Hotels |
| Gros | surf and a local feel | Zurriola, on the doorstep | Lively | across the river | Hotels |
| Antiguo and Ondarreta | families and quiet | Ondarreta, on the doorstep | Quiet | 20 minutes to the old town | Hotels |
Registered holiday lets by district
San Sebastián city council’s census of tourist lets lists 1,484 in the city: 1,336 whole flats and 148 rooms let in a host’s home. The census records the district (auzoa), not map positions, so the Parte Vieja and Centro share one row. Hotels and pensiones are not included.
| District | Areas on this page in the district | Registered lets |
|---|---|---|
| Erdialdea (city centre) | Parte Vieja; Centro | 663 |
| Gros | Gros | 359 |
| Antigua (Antiguo) | Antiguo and Ondarreta | 114 |
Parte Vieja: for pintxos
Between the harbour and the river, the Parte Vieja puts you out of the door into some of the best bars in Spain.
- Best for: a first visit, food lovers and short stays.
- La Concha, the harbour and Monte Urgull are all a few minutes away.
- Most places are guesthouses and apartments in old buildings, often without lifts.
- The streets are busy and noisy until late, especially at weekends and in summer.
Ask for a room at the back or on a high floor if you are a light sleeper. The edges of the old town, near the harbour or the Boulevard, are slightly calmer while still close to the bars.
Three hotels in the Parte Vieja made the list.
We found no verified luxury hotel in the Parte Vieja, so that slot is left empty.
| Hotel | Price level | Stars | Guest score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasala Plaza Hotel | Mid-range | 4-star | 9.1/10 (916) | Couples wanting the pintxos bars on the doorstep |
| Hotel Parma | Budget | 2-star | 8.3/10 (2,473) | A 2-star on the edge of the old town with sea views from some rooms |
| Hotel Atari | Budget | 2-star | 8.7/10 (1,190) | A 2-star in the middle of the old town, with a restaurant and family rooms |
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Lasala Plaza Hotel is a 4-star hotel on Plaza Lasala, at the harbour edge of the Parte Vieja, about 80 metres from Calle Mayor, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 9.1 out of 10 from 916 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows parking, a beachfront location, a restaurant, a fitness centre and facilities for disabled guests. Its listing says it is adults only.
Hotel Parma
Hotel Parma is a 2-star hotel on Paseo de Salamanca, on the river edge of the Parte Vieja, facing Zurriola bay, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.3 out of 10 from 2,473 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, a beachfront location, facilities for disabled guests and a lift.
Hotel Atari
Hotel Atari is a 2-star hotel on Calle Mayor, the main street of the Parte Vieja, a 3-minute walk from La Concha beach, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.7 out of 10 from 1,190 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows family rooms, a restaurant, facilities for disabled guests, room service and a 24-hour front desk.
Centro: the elegant all-rounder
Behind La Concha, the Belle Époque district of Centro has grand streets, the Buen Pastor Cathedral, shops and the beach a few minutes away.
- The old town is a 5 to 10 minute walk, close enough for every pintxos evening.
- The promenade along La Concha starts at the end of the street.
- The bus and train stations are nearby, useful for day trips.
- Many of the city’s larger and more classic hotels are here.
Centro suits couples and anyone who wants calm nights without giving up the old town. It is also the best base for a longer stay, with supermarkets and everyday shops around the central streets.
Five hotels in Centro made the list.
| Hotel | Price level | Stars | Guest score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel María Cristina | Luxury | 5-star | 9.3/10 (542) | A 5-star landmark from 1912 by the river |
| Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra | Mid-range | 4-star | 9.2/10 (4,470) | A 4-star on the bay with a beachfront position |
| Hotel Villa Favorita | Mid-range | 4-star | 9.7/10 (655) | Couples wanting a small adults-only hotel on La Concha |
| Pensión Peñaflorida | Budget | 2-star | 9.1/10 (1,318) | A 2-star pensión between the old town and the river |
| Hotel Niza | Budget | 3-star | 8.5/10 (2,672) | A 3-star facing La Concha, with a café and a 24-hour front desk |
Hotel María Cristina
Hotel María Cristina is a 5-star hotel on Paseo República Argentina, opposite the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 9.3 out of 10 from 542 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows parking on site, family rooms, two restaurants, a fitness centre, facilities for disabled guests and an airport shuttle. Its listing names it a Luxury Collection hotel.
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra is a 4-star hotel on Calle Zubieta, on the promenade above La Concha beach, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 9.2 out of 10 from 4,470 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, family rooms, a beachfront location, a restaurant and facilities for disabled guests.
Hotel Villa Favorita
Hotel Villa Favorita is a 4-star hotel on Calle Zubieta, on the promenade above La Concha beach, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 9.7 out of 10 from 655 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, a beachfront location, facilities for disabled guests, an airport shuttle, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Its listing says it is adults only and has a Michelin-starred restaurant on site.
Pensión Peñaflorida
Pensión Peñaflorida is a 2-star pensión on Calle Peñaflorida, about 300 metres from the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 9.1 out of 10 from 1,318 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows parking, facilities for disabled guests and a lift.
Hotel Niza
Hotel Niza is a 3-star hotel on Calle Zubieta, opposite La Concha beach, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.5 out of 10 from 2,672 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, a beachfront location, a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a terrace and a lift. Its listing says 18 of its 40 rooms look over La Concha.
Gros: for surf and a local feel
Across the Urumea river from the old town, Gros has Zurriola beach on its doorstep.
- Zurriola beach faces the open sea, with surf schools along the promenade.
- Gros has its own pintxos bars, busy with locals rather than tour groups.
- The Kursaal concert hall and the walks over Monte Ulía are close.
- The old town is about 10 minutes away over the bridges.
Gros is slightly cheaper than the old town and Centro, and it suits repeat visitors, surfers and those who want to see how the city lives. The main train station is on this side of the river.
Three hotels in Gros made the list.
We found no verified luxury hotel in Gros, so that slot is left empty.
| Hotel | Price level | Stars | Guest score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Villa Soro | Mid-range | 4-star | 9.6/10 (1,319) | A quiet 4-star in a historic villa, a walk from Zurriola beach |
| Hotel Arrizul Congress | Mid-range | 4-star | 8.5/10 (1,072) | A 4-star near the Kursaal with suites, duplex rooms and a fitness centre |
| Pensión Altair | Budget | 2-star | 8.7/10 (628) | Surfers and budget stays near Zurriola |
Hotel Villa Soro
Hotel Villa Soro is a 4-star hotel on Avenida de Ategorrieta, in two villas at the east end of Gros, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 9.6 out of 10 from 1,319 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, a fitness centre, facilities for disabled guests, room service and a 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Arrizul Congress
Hotel Arrizul Congress is a 4-star hotel on Calle Ronda in Gros, about 300 metres from the Kursaal and Zurriola beach, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.5 out of 10 from 1,072 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows family rooms, a fitness centre, facilities for disabled guests, an airport shuttle, a 24-hour front desk and a lift.
Pensión Altair
Pensión Altair is a 2-star pensión on Calle Padre Larroca, about 250 metres from Zurriola beach and the Kursaal, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.7 out of 10 from 628 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows facilities for disabled guests and a lift.
Antiguo and Ondarreta: for families
In Antiguo and Ondarreta, at the western end of the bay below Monte Igueldo, the nights are quiet and the beach is calm.
- Ondarreta beach is calm and sheltered, with gardens behind it.
- The Igueldo funicular and the Peine del Viento sculptures are a short walk away.
- The neighbourhood is residential, with fewer bars and quieter evenings.
- The old town is about 20 to 30 minutes on foot along La Concha, or a short bus ride.
It suits families, older travellers and anyone who wants to wake up to the bay without the crowds of the centre. Local buses run along the bay to the old town.
Three hotels in Antiguo and Ondarreta made the list.
We found no verified luxury hotel in Antiguo and Ondarreta, so that slot is left empty.
| Hotel | Price level | Stars | Guest score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Ilunion San Sebastián | Mid-range | 4-star | 8.9/10 (4,932) | Families wanting a 4-star near the calmer beach, with parking |
| Hotel Ezeiza | Budget | 2-star | 8.5/10 (1,778) | A 2-star on the beach with family rooms and parking |
| Sercotel Codina | Budget | 3-star | 8.5/10 (4,794) | A 3-star near Ondarreta with private parking and a café |
Hotel Ilunion San Sebastián
Hotel Ilunion San Sebastián is a 4-star hotel on Avenida Zumalacárregui, about 200 metres from Ondarreta beach, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.9 out of 10 from 4,932 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, family rooms, a restaurant, facilities for disabled guests, room service and a 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Ezeiza
Hotel Ezeiza is a 2-star hotel on Avenida Satrustegi, on the Ondarreta beachfront, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.5 out of 10 from 1,778 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, family rooms, a beachfront location, a restaurant, a lift and a bar.
Sercotel Codina
Sercotel Codina is a 3-star hotel on Avenida Zumalacárregui, about 250 metres from Ondarreta beach, per its Booking.com listing. Guests rate it 8.5 out of 10 from 4,794 reviews, read on 29 October 2026.
Its listing shows private parking, facilities for disabled guests, a 24-hour front desk, a lift and a bar.
Getting around, and when to book
The city is easy on foot, and booking early matters because it is small and popular.
- The centre is flat and compact; you can walk between all four areas.
- City buses, run by Dbus, cover the bay, the hills and the outer neighbourhoods.
- Book early for July, August and the film festival in September.
- Prices are high by Spanish standards, so compare with Gros and Antiguo.
For what to see and eat, read things to do in San Sebastián. For events, see the city’s tourism office.
Every hotel in San Sebastián on one map
Prices and availability come live from the booking sites
- Lasala Plaza Hotel Parte Vieja
- Hotel Parma Parte Vieja
- Hotel Atari Parte Vieja
- Hotel María Cristina Centro
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra Centro
- Hotel Villa Favorita Centro
- Pensión Peñaflorida Centro
- Hotel Niza Centro
- Hotel Villa Soro Gros
- Hotel Arrizul Congress Gros
- Pensión Altair Gros
- Hotel Ilunion San Sebastián Antiguo and Ondarreta
- Hotel Ezeiza Antiguo and Ondarreta
- Sercotel Codina Antiguo and Ondarreta
Where not to stay
It depends on your sleep and your plans:
- Right above a pintxos bar in the old town, if you go to bed early.
- Far out in the hills without a car, for a short trip.
- Outside the centre to save money in summer: the time on buses eats into a short stay.
Common questions
What is the best area to stay in San Sebastián?
The best area to stay in San Sebastián for a first trip is the Parte Vieja, the old town, for pintxos bars and the beach on foot, or Centro next to it for calmer nights. Gros suits surfers and a local feel, and Antiguo and Ondarreta suit families.
Is it better to stay in the old town or Gros?
Stay in the old town for the most famous pintxos bars and La Concha on the doorstep, and in Gros for a more local atmosphere, surf at Zurriola and slightly lower prices. The two are about 10 minutes apart on foot, so either works for a short trip.
Where should families stay in San Sebastián?
Families should stay in Ondarreta and Antiguo, at the western end of the bay, with a calm beach, gardens and the Igueldo funicular nearby, or in Centro, close to La Concha and quieter than the old town at night. Avoid rooms above the busiest bars.
How many nights should you stay in San Sebastián?
Stay 2 to 3 nights in San Sebastián for the beaches, the viewpoints and several evenings of pintxos. With 4 or 5 nights, use the city as a base for Hondarribia, Getaria, Zumaia and Bilbao, all within easy reach by bus or train.
Keep planning San Sebastián
Written and checked by
Travel Guide Kit Editorial
An editorial desk, not an invented persona. Every opening time, ticket price and transport connection here is checked against the operator’s own website and carries the date it was read. Where a page cannot draw on direct experience, it says so.