About this hotel
General information
Hotel Maria Cristina is a grand Belle Époque palace on the banks of the Urumea, built in the early 20th century to designs by French architect Charles Mewès and named after Queen Regent Maria Cristina. It has been bound up with San Sebastián’s history and cultural life ever since, not least its international film festival, and remains one of the city’s defining addresses.
There are 139 rooms, 29 of them suites, decorated in soft greys, beiges and greens with marble fireplaces and glass lamps. Amelia by Paulo Airaudo leads the dining, alongside the Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas bar and The Gallery restaurant with its terrace. Les Clefs d’Or concierges handle every kind of plan, and banqueting rooms with terraces host weddings and events.
Location
The hotel stands at Paseo República Argentina 4 in San Sebastián’s historic centre, above the Urumea river beside the Victoria Eugenia Theatre. La Concha beach lies in the city centre, and San Sebastián airport is about 24 km away; the concierge arranges transfers.
Sports & leisure
Guests have complimentary use of the fitness centre and bicycles. The Mimo cooking school runs daily classes in modern techniques and traditional Basque cuisine, and Mimo culinary tours explore the Basque Country. The ground-floor Lukas Gourmet Shop sells local delicacies and wines.
For children
Families can choose the Family Room with extra children’s beds or connecting multi-bedroom suites of two to five bedrooms; the concierge arranges babysitting.
Restaurants & bars
Dining reflects San Sebastián’s standing as one of the world’s great food cities:
- Amelia by Paulo Airaudo — contemporary fine dining inspired by the Basque sea, served omakase-style, with Italian roots and Japanese touches
- Dry Martini by Javier de las Muelas — bar for afternoon tea, classic and signature cocktails and traditional Basque pintxos
- The Gallery — Basque and international dishes from seasonal produce in the hotel gallery, opening onto a private terrace
- Maria Cristina Brunch — Sunday brunch built on seasonal produce
In-room dining is available around the clock.
Swimming
This is a city hotel without its own beach; La Concha, San Sebastián’s best-known beach with its pedestrian promenade, is close by.
Pets
Pets are welcome, one per room, for an additional fee.
Rooms
There are 139 rooms and suites overlooking the garden, the Urumea river or the city; suites have separate living rooms, and connecting multi-bedroom suites suit larger groups.
Every room has air conditioning, a marble bathroom, a fireplace, TV, free Wi-Fi, a safe, minibar, mini fridge, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, with evening turndown.
Classic Room
A cosy garden-view room with a queen-size bed and a bathtub with shower. For one guest.
Deluxe Room
A garden-view room with a king-size or twin beds and a separate bathtub and shower. Sleeps up to three with an extra bed.
Premium Room
A room overlooking the Urumea river, with a king-size or twin beds and a separate bathtub and shower.
Family Room
A garden-view room with a king-size bed and two extra beds for children. Sleeps up to four.
Junior Suite
A junior suite with a separate living room, king-size bed and partial river views. Sleeps up to three.
Garden Suite
A garden-view corner suite with a living room with decorative fireplace and a king-size bedroom; it can connect to the neighbouring room. Sleeps up to three.
River Suite
A river-view corner suite with a living room, walk-in closet and a king-size or twin beds. Sleeps up to three.
Terrace Suite
A top-floor suite with a living room, king-size or twin beds and a terrace overlooking the river and the city. Sleeps up to three.
Royal Suite
A river-view corner suite with an oval living room and a king-size or twin beds. Sleeps up to three.
Eduardo Chillida Suite
A river-view corner suite dedicated to the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida, with his works, photographs and a bespoke carpet and furnishings based on his motifs. Guests receive tickets to the Chillida Leku museum.
Bette Davis Suite
A high-floor corner suite with river views, a Belle Époque-style living room, a king-size bedroom and photographs and films of Bette Davis.
Maria Cristina Royal Terrace Suite
A rooftop suite with an oval living room, walk-in closet, king-size bedroom, oversized marble bathroom and expansive furnished terraces overlooking the river and the city. Sleeps up to three.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.