Hotel María Cristina (San Sebastián)

Few hotels anywhere in the world can rival the Maria Cristina’s history and mystique. Since its inauguration in 1912 this grande dame has paid host to the 20th century’s most influential personalities, among them royalty, aristocracy, and leading lights of culture and the cinema – from Lana Turner to the Emperor of Japan.

Rooms & suites

The hotel’s 108 rooms and 28 suites are stylish, spacious, and very much in keeping with the grandeur of the building. Majoring on a palette of grey and white, with highlights in purple, taupe and green, they are havens of calm and luxury. Faultless taste, top-drawer comforts, state-of-the-art technology and an remarkable range of in-room services – the Maria Cristina brings all this together to create an experience that will live long in the memory. Choose from Classic, Deluxe or Premium rooms with either garden or river views, or give yourself an upgrade to one of the hotel’s fabulous suites – including the Royal Suites with their stunning views, or the legendary Bette Davis Suite. (Yes, this was the Hollywood diva’s favourite room.)

ROYAL SUITE TERRACE

Proudly surveying the city from its regal rooftop location, this Royal Suite lives up to its title at every turn. Two furnished terraces grant incomparable views of the river Urumea where it meets the Cantabrian sea beside Rafael Moneo’s masterpiece Kursaal building.

Looking for an authentic souvenir?
Our in-house delicatesen is a one-stop shop for all your gourmet gifts

THE BEST BREAKFAST IN TOW

True to its reputation as a gastronomic hub, the Hotel Maria Cristina does breakfast in high style. Choose your table in the high-ceilinged dining room, flooded with morning light, and begin your feast with a glass of fresh Spanish orange juice before launching into a breakfast banquet of fresh fruit, local cheeses and charcuterie, smoked meats and fish, and cooked dishes from around the world (these including vegetarian and gluten-free options). Breads, cakes and viennoiserie are baked every morning in the hotel kitchens. This is one breakfast you’ll remember all day.

COOKING SCHOOL

Housed in a stunning purpose-built venue within the hotel, the cooking school is staffed by the team at forward-thinking gastro-experience company Mimo. The school’s wide range of courses covers all aspects of Spanish cuisine, from perfect paella to pintxos, timeless Basque classics, and Michelin-star tips from the school’s super-talented young chefs. Classes end with a group lunch featuring dishes cooked on the day along with wine pairings chosen by Mimo’s sommeliers – and it all happens in a fun and friendly atmosphere.