Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian

This luxury hotel is situated in a grand riverfront building that dates back to 1912. Impressive Belle Epoque-era interiors are refined and stylish. The lobby is doused in a tasteful palette of white and gray hues, and peppered with elegant details like marble columns and floors, gilt-framed portrait paintings, ceiling moldings, arched wall alcoves, and fresh flowers. Overhead, a grand chandelier illuminates the space. The soft, neutral color scheme is seen throughout the property, sometimes injected with a more vivid hue, such as blue in the bar where blue leather chairs and bar stools match the floor-length curtains.

The Hotel Maria Cristina is the top choice in the area and no other properties surpass its luxury status. Guests are a mix of business travelers and well-heeled tourists. Many celebrities attending the San Sebastián Film Festival stay here. 

The hotel occupies a central location overlooking the Urumea River by the lovely De Okendo Plaza and close to many dining options, bars, and shops. Most top attractions and San Sebastian's historic sites are within walking distance, including La Concha Beach (eight minutes away), the Maria Cristina Bridge (eight minutes away), the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus (10 minutes away), San Telmo Museum (10 minutes away), and Urgull (20 minutes away). The train station is a nine-minute walk away (or a six-minute drive), while the San Sebastian Airport is a 30-minute drive away or about 45 minutes via bus that stops a two-minute walk from the hotel.

Stylish, elegantly appointed rooms are cloaked in soft shades accented by large and colorful abstract artwork adorning the walls. Their modern feel contrasts details that hark back to another era, like chandeliers, crown molding, and lovely tufted headboards. Elegant furniture includes sleek desks and velvet seating, while some suites add romantic pieces like canopied beds. Large windows let in plenty of natural light and overlook the gardens or river. Suites offer more space and have chic living rooms with sofas, velvet armchairs, and original decorative fireplaces. Terrace Suites feature private furnished terraces.

Standard amenities across the board include flat-screen TVs (with international channels and music/movies on demand), minibars stocked with Champagne, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no tea- and coffee-making facilities. Family Rooms add extras like toys and activity books for kids. 

Luxe marble bathrooms have soaking tubs and separate rainfall showers. Plush robes and slippers, Elemis toiletries (Loewe bath products in some higher-category suites), and hairdryers are provided.

An array of features and services are available at this luxury hotel, from a Les Clefs d’Or concierge to a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with modern TechnoGym machines to a handful of on-site dining options. Though the city is renowned for its culinary offerings, guests have the convenience of two on-site restaurants: the elegant Easo Restaurant is open for breakfast daily, offering a buffet, light continental breakfast, as well as an a la carte menu (incurs extra fee, included only in Family Room rates). The chic Cafe Saigon serves Asian fare for lunch and dinner. There's also a beautiful cocktail bar that offers light meals and pintxos (local snacks). The hotel even has a 500-square-foot culinary center that hosts various classes, and there's a well-stocked gourmet shop selling all sorts of quality ingredients, dishware, cookbooks, and other food-centric items.

The hotel caters to business travelers with a variety of facilities and services, including meeting and event space as well as a business center. Free high-speed internet is available throughout the property. Guests can choose from an immense selection of international newspapers and magazines, which can be delivered to rooms. Private car service and airport transfers are available (for a fee).