Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

12 Best Hotels in San Sebastián, Spain | Condé Nast Traveler

"Run by the Abba group in a classic 19th‑century building, I found the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra steeped in Belle Époque stories (it even hosted Mata Hari) with irresistible views of La Concha Beach; for the best vantage point I’d book Mari Galant Brasserie for traditional Basque dishes, and the hotel’s La Perla Spa ranks among the city’s best." - Paul Richardson, Marti Buckley

"A belle epoque grande dame presiding over San Sebastián’s iconic La Concha Beach, the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra has been a palace, casino, hospital, and of course hotel since its construction in 1865. Before and after World War I, it was the kind of place where well-to-do Europeans went on seaside holidays for months at a time, enjoying direct beach access, the city’s renowned seafood, and the hotel’s elegant design. Nowadays, the society consists of a somewhat less star-studded lineup—once Toulouse-Lautrec, Archduchess Elizabeth of Austria , and Mata Hari were all guests—but the unobstructed Bahía de la Concha views, lovely rooms (all with private balconies), and pride of place at the heart of the city remain. The window-lined brasserie takes its cue from classic French bistros—it’s not hard to imagine that the well-dressed gentlemen at the next table are French aristocrats-in-exile—and its tables along the beachfront promenade are the perfect place to while away a few hours over pintxos, txakoli (a sparkling white wine from Basque Country), and people watching. If you were to spend a few months in a seaside town, this would be the way to do it."

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra | Best places to stay in San Sebastian

"This imposing, historic hotel, with its distinctive white Belle Epoque façade, sits right on San Sebastian’s seafront, with uninterrupted views across La Concha bay. Many rooms have splendid views over the beach, and there’s a stylish and affordable ground-floor restaurant, Brasserie Mari Galant. Set on a glamorous seaside promenade, the hotel divides the lively beach scene from its bustling centre, so expect a fair amount of noise and action in peak summer. It’s perfect for first-time visitors and romantics, who will love the sense of history and being lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. The bars and restaurants of Parte Vieja are only a 15-minute walk away, but the hotel bar is a key gathering place for locals, too, and great for people-watching – in good weather, sit out on the seaside terrace. " - Dana Facaros