Sercotel Hotel Codina

Hotel Codina occupies a white building that could use some touch-ups, set on a busy intersection in a neighborhood that's otherwise quiet. Glass doors open to the reception area and the cafe, which has a few simple tables and a bar that serves cocktails and espresso. It's often filled with people from the neighborhood, and with older couples -- the majority of the hotel's clientele -- having coffee. The only other common space is a lounge off of the small lobby, which gets natural light from arched windows, and has plush, modern couches clustered around a coffee table, and a wall-mounted TV. The space is attractive, but it isn't a spot where guests tend to stop for very long. 

The hotel is in a residential part of San Sebastian, to the southwest of the beaches and Old Town. The general vicinity is quiet, but the intersection just outside the hotel can be busy with traffic. The property is surrounded by other hotels, residential buildings, and commercial buildings, including grocery stores (one is within a two-minute walk). 

It's a 10-minute walk to famous La Concha Beach and its lovely promenade, the closest attraction worth noting. But touristy Old Town San Sebastian, is a 10- to 15-minute drive from the hotel. About 10 minutes farther are the most family-friendly sites, like Mount Urgull, Castillo de la Monta, and the city’s aquarium.

In terms of getting out of town, the closest airport (with domestic flights only) is about 30 minutes away by car. The closest major city is Bilbao, a 70-minute drive, and it's roughly an hour to Bilbao Airport.

Guest rooms at Hotel Codina are contemporary and have simple decor, with wood floors, a neutral palette, and furniture with clean lines. The look is appealing, even though spaces lack eye-catching accents. Standard rooms have twin or double beds and built-in bedside tables and desks. Upgraded rooms add seating areas with tables and chairs, and some Superior rooms also have furnished balconies that overlook lower buildings and houses. Several on the upper floors add partial ocean views. All units have flat-screen TVs, which vary from a tiny 26-inches to average 32-inch models, plus mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but they lack coffeemakers or kettles. 

Streamline bathrooms have attractive espresso vanities with square basin sinks, bidets, heated towel racks, hairdryers, toiletries, and either walk-in showers, or shower/tub combos. 

This small hotel has limited amenities, with no full restaurant, but the hotel's cafe bar serves cocktails and espresso, along with light bites and some breakfast items, including omelets. A separate breakfast room has a daily buffet for a fee, with a spread of pastries and breads, yogurt, and fruit, and hot options, like scrambled eggs and bacon. There's also a small lounge, and a business corner with a computer in a small cubicle that guests can use at no charge. Parking is available for a fee, but Wi-Fi is free throughout.