Royal Suite 1 Bedroom Suite 1 King River view
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Hotel · San Sebastian · Basque Country
Hotel Maria Cristina, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian
A storied five-star address on the banks of the River Urumea, steps from the old town and La Concha beach.
- Prime riverside location in the historic centre
- Rooms with river or garden views and luxury amenities
- Pet-friendly five-star comfort
9.1
Perfect
971 reviews
Booking.com 9.1 · 971 reviews
About
Hotel Maria Cristina, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian
Set in the heart of San Sebastian, Hotel Maria Cristina occupies a grand Beaux-Arts building overlooking the River Urumea. It has welcomed guests for over a century and remains a polished base for exploring the city's beaches, old town, and nearby hills. The hotel pairs traditional architecture with contemporary comforts, and its location makes most of the city easily walkable.
The interior is classic and refined, with marble floors, chandeliers, and a sweeping staircase. Rooms are recently refurbished in a tasteful palette, with high-end bathrooms and modern technology. Staff are consistently praised for their attentiveness, and amenities include a fitness centre, restaurant, bar, valet parking, and a range of outdoor activities arranged through the concierge.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Express check-in/ -out
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
4 reasons to book- Unbeatable riverside location — Facing the River Urumea in the historic centre, the hotel puts guests within walking distance of the old town, La Concha beach, and the city's top restaurants.
- Exceptional service — Guests consistently praise the staff for being friendly, professional, and attentive—from the front desk to the bellmen and concierge.
- Spacious, elegant rooms — Recently refurbished rooms are described as large, comfortable, and quiet, with high-end bathrooms and beautiful views.
- Five-star dining and perks — Breakfast is singled out as spectacular, and guests appreciate thoughtful touches like in-room treats and pet-friendly policies.
–
Worth weighing
3 to weigh- Premium price point — With rates from $817 per night, this is one of the more expensive options in a city already known for upscale hospitality.
- No rooftop terrace — A guest noted the hotel would benefit from an outdoor top-floor space, which is currently absent.
- Check-in starts at 3 PM — If you arrive early, you may need to wait or store luggage; the check-in window is 15:00–23:59.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
River Suite 1 Bedroom Suite 1 King River view
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Garden Suite 1 Bedroom Suite 1 King Garden view
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Premium room Guest room 2 Twin or Single Beds River view
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
River Suite 1 Bedroom Suite 2 Twin or Single Beds
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Family Room Guest room 1 King or 1 Twin or Single Beds
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Junior 1 Bedroom Suite 1 King River view
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Royal Suite 1 Bedroom Suite 2 Twin or Single Beds
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Deluxe Room Guest room 2 Twin or Single Beds Garden view
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Deluxe King Room Garden View
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Classic room Guest room 1 Queen Garden view
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Premium King Room River View
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Air conditioning
Terrace Suite 1 Bedroom Suite 1 King River view Terrace
- 1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Balcony
Terrace Suite 1 Bedroom Suite 2 Twin or Single Beds
- 2 Single beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Balcony
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- Lift
- Currency exchange
- Safe deposit box
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/out
- Key card access
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
- Bar/Lounge area
- Room service
- Special diet menus
Services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Meeting/Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
- Car hire
Wellness & Leisure
- Fitness centre
- Wind surfing
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Fishing
Accessibility & Pets
- Rooms/Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
- Pets allowed
- Allergy-free rooms
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 9.1/10 from 971 reviews
Booking.com · 9.1 · 971 reviews
9.1Verified guest“My Premium King Room with a river view was spacious and well-appointed, and the staff went out of their way to recommend great restaurants. The location made exploring the old town and sights effortless.”
9.1Verified guest“The recently refurbished room was a decent size with a fantastic view of the bay. The bathroom felt luxurious, and the reception staff were genuinely friendly.”
9.1Verified guest“The building and rooms are very well maintained, with a lovely view. The location is superb—right by the best restaurants and the Parte Vieja tapas bars, and close to the new town, Playa de la Concha, and the hills.”
9.1Verified guest“The luxurious atmosphere and stellar concierge were the highlights. The staff were incredibly helpful and abundant in their assistance.”
9.1Verified guest“A true five-star experience, possibly one of the best I've had. The staff anticipate every need, making you feel truly special. The rooms are tastefully renovated, spotless, and the breakfast is outstanding. Unbeatable value for money, and the location is perfect for dining, strolling, shopping, and sightseeing.”
9.1Verified guest“The room was large, comfortable, and quiet.”
04 — Location
Getting around San Sebastian
The property sits in San Sebastian.
Old Town (Parte Vieja): A short walk across the bridge, the old town is renowned for its pintxos bars and lively atmosphere.
La Concha Beach: The city's famous bay is within easy walking distance, perfect for a stroll or swim.
Urumea River: The hotel sits right on the riverbank, offering scenic views and a calm setting just steps from the action.
Paseo Republica Argentina, 4, San Sebastian, Basque Country, 20004, Spain
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 15:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 12:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Allowed
- Property
- 137 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is until 12:00.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, pets are allowed at the hotel.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available, including valet parking and an electric vehicle charging station.
Does the hotel offer airport transfer?
Yes, a paid airport shuttle is available.
Are there family-friendly amenities?
Yes, the hotel offers family rooms, rollaway beds, cots, and babysitting services.
Is there a fitness centre?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre.
Nearby
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The bottom line
For travellers seeking a refined, well-located base in San Sebastian, this iconic hotel delivers on comfort, service, and atmosphere. The price is steep, but the experience matches it.
9.1A classic choice for a special stay in the Basque Country.
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