Maria Cristina | Luxury Hotel San Sebastian

Culinary delights from the Gallery Restaurant

Perfectly positioned between the old town and the beachfront, this star-studded stay in San Sebastian is a classical Basque gem

Why you'll love it here

Exceptional Basque cuisine and access to San Sebastián’s Michelin-starred food scene.
Perfectly located between San Sebastián’s Old Town and the beach.
A Belle Époque landmark exuding timeless elegance since 1912.
Luxurious suites feature marble fireplaces and plush furnishings.
Nestled in the heart of Basque culture.

Best For

Honeymoon,

Kelsey

Travel Specialist

01244 435 177

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Spain holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Your holiday always includes

Premium lounge passes at UK airports
VIP meet & greet service at departure

Private transfers to and from your hotel
Personal concierge service throughout

24/7 assistance when travelling
The first-hand knowledge of our team

Full accommodation information

Hotel information

Located in the vibrant heart of San Sebastián, Hotel Maria Cristina is a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary comfort. With its striking Belle Époque architecture and refined atmosphere, this hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the charm of the Basque Country in Spain and is only a 1 hour, 15-minute drive from Bilbao Airport.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting lobby, adorned with beautiful furnishings and elegant décor that reflect the hotel’s rich history. The accommodations range from classic rooms to spacious suites, including the famous Bette Davis Suite, inspired by the Hollywood actress' many visits to the hotel.

Many suites feature stunning views of the Urumea River or the lively streets of the city, ensuring you're connected to San Sebastian's buzzy atmosphere throughout your stay.

Gastronomy is at the heart of San Sebastian, and the Gallery Restaurant serves Basque classics made with fresh local ingredients.

Beyond the hotel, San Sebastián invites you to explore its stunning beaches, lively culture, and acclaimed culinary scene, boasting an impressive 16 Michelin stars.

Picture yourself taking a leisurely stroll along the beautiful shores of La Concha Beach, wandering through the vibrant streets of the Old Town, or indulging in delectable Basque pintxos at charming local bars and restaurants.

Room Options

Hotel Maria Cristina offers a selection of luxurious rooms and suites designed for ultimate comfort. Guests can choose from elegantly appointed Classic and Deluxe Rooms or enjoy the spacious Executive Suites with separate living areas. The opulent Presidential Suite provides breathtaking views and exquisite furnishings. Each accommodation features modern amenities, ensuring a truly indulgent stay in the heart of San Sebastián.

Classic Room

Sleeps: 1 Adult

The Classic Garden View Single Room features a cosy queen bed and a delightful view of the lush gardens. Spanning 25 square meters (269 square feet), this charming space invites you to relax and unwind in comfort.

Deluxe Room

Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child

The Deluxe Garden View King Bed room features a luxurious king bed and an enchanting view of the gardens. Ranging from 35 to 45 square meters (377 to 484 square feet), this spacious room provides ample room to relax, with the option of twin beds available for added flexibility.

Garden and River Suites

Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child

The Garden View and River View Suites each feature a king bed. The Garden View Suite offers a spacious 77 square meters (829 square feet), while the River View Suite features 65 square meters (699 square feet). Both suites include a separate living room, inviting you to relax in style and enjoy the serene beauty of the garden or the tranquil views of the river.

Eduardo Chillida Suite

Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child

The Chillida Suite at Hotel Maria Cristina is a captivating tribute to the renowned Basque artist Eduardo Chillida. This elegant space immerses guests in Chillida's creative world, adorned with his artworks and personal images. Thoughtfully designed furnishings and a bespoke carpet featuring his motifs enhance the atmosphere, while reference materials enrich the experience. Guests can further explore Chillida’s legacy with complimentary tickets to the Chillida Leku museum, making this suite a...

Bette Davis Suite

Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child

The Bette Davis Suite invites you to experience the life of the legendary actress in an inspiring retreat. Adorned with cherished photographs, this elegant space features a Belle Époque-inspired living room that blends classic charm with modern comfort. Relax in the tranquil bedroom, complete with stunning river views from the luxurious king-size bed. Enjoy a flat-screen TV, complimentary high-speed internet, and a curated selection of Bette Davis's films, creating a personal and memorable st...

Maria Cristina Royal Terrace Suite

Sleeps: 2 Adults , 1 Child

The Royal Maria Cristina Suite, located on the top floor, epitomises opulence and offers breathtaking views, perfect for enjoying a sunrise breakfast or sunset drinks. Expansive terraces provide a serene setting for relaxation, while inside, exquisite crown moulding and contemporary photographs lead you to a grand oval-shaped living room adorned with sophisticated décor. Indulge in state-of-the-art amenities, including a 55-inch flat-screen TV. The master bedroom offers unparalleled comfort w...

Facilities/Amenities

Restaurant
Fitness Center
24 Hour Room Service
Daily Housekeeping
Turndown Service
Bicycle Rental

Restaurants & Bars

A delightful array of dining options awaits at Maria Cristina Hotel, each delivering unique culinary experiences. Indulge in exquisite Basque cuisine made with fresh ingredients at the Gallery Restaurant, or reax at Cafe Saigon with afternoon tea.

Ibaia ballroom

Every first Sunday of the month, experience a typical Basque brunch in the Ibaia Ballroom or on the outdoor terrace. An extensive selection of sweet and savoury dishes to enjoy to the rhythm of elegant live music.

Breakfast

Dry Bar

Dry Bar is a sophisticated space where you can enjoy afternoon tea, classic and signature cocktails, and a wide variety of traditional Spanish tapas or main courses.

The Gallery Restaurant

Maria Cristina's latest epicurean offering is located in the most elegant area of the hotel gallery and features access to a private terrace where you can enjoy a delightful menu including local Basque dishes, in-season ingredients and international influences.

Lunch
Dinner

Activities & Entertainment

Honeymoon

The grandeur of the Maria Cristina Hotel and its baroque architecture make it a wonderful option for a stylishly classical honeymoon destination. Perfect for foodie couples, you can eat your way through San Sebastian with a personalised culinary tour and learn the skills needed to produce local delicacies with a private cooking class.

Sustainability Initiatives & Responsible Tourism

Hotel Maria Cristina is dedicated to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to protect the environment. Holding a Green Key certification, the hotel maintains a carbon footprint of just 11.35 kg per room night and a water footprint of 588.57 litres per room night.

If you plan to rent a car in San Sebastian, the Maria Cristina provides electric car charging stations for eco-friendly travel.

Spain travel information

When to visit Spain

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Best time

Good time

Ok time

Time zone: GMT +1
Flight time: 2 - 4 hours
Recommended airlines: British Airways, Iberia, Eayjet, Jet2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Tipping guideline: 10% to 15%
Health considerations: No major health risks.

Capital: Madrid
Population: 47,473,373
National languages: Spanish
Electricity and plugs: Type C/F<br>230V
Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Spain if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days

Want to know more?

Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Spain experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.

Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Kelsey

Travel Specialist

01244 435 177

Not sure where to stay in San Sebastian? I'm here to help. Give me a call and I'll share my first-hand insights to find your perfect spot.

Enquire

Spain travel guides

Want some more help planning your holiday to Spain? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.