Elegant Belle Epoque hotel with refined rooms & river views
República Argentina K., 4, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Get directions
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"Like all great hotels, the Maria Cristina—which opened in 1912—is even more than the sum of its considerable parts. San Sebastián’s most venerable and glamorous lodging has no sprawling gardens, no pool, no big-name spa, or chef-driven restaurant. But its situation beside the river Urumea, with views of Rafael Moneo’s Kursaal building and the Cantabrian Sea beyond, is as nearly perfect as any hotel in Europe. If the building’s sandstone façade has a certain severity, the interior is voluptuously furnished in the eclectic style of modern luxury, with a soft-edged color scheme in grey, mauve, and turquoise. Named for Spain's regent queen, mother of King Alfonso XIII, the Maria Cristina has history and heritage in spades; anecdotes cling to it like sequins. (Here's just one: a portrait of Bette Davis, who smoked her last cigarette here before being rushed to Paris and death, presides over the cocktail bar.) Worth singling out for praise is the hotel’s charming and discreetly omnipresent service, which creates something of the intimacy of a grand private household." - Paul Richardson
"Inaugurated in 1912 by its namesake, the Spanish regent Maria Cristina, this belle epoque landmark has welcomed international elite to its gilded halls from day one. Designed by the same architect behind the Ritz in Paris , the hotel has long been a favorite of celebrities during the San Sebastián Film Festival (Bette Davis was, notably, a fan). A $25 million renovation in 2012 only cemented its status as the city’s most luxurious hotel. With three of the city’s most elegant eateries (including a favorite see-and-be-seen bar), panoramic views of iconic belle epoque buildings and the Urumea River from the many terraces, and signature Luxury Collection concierge service, the Maria Cristina still feels fit for the aristocracy who frequented it in the city’s beach-destination heyday. Spacious and decadent rooms with an updated belle epoque style, as well as a central location within walking distance of many of San Sebastián’s Michelin-starred restaurants, only sweeten the deal."
"Inaugurated in 1912 by its namesake, the Spanish regent Maria Cristina, this belle epoque landmark has welcomed international elite to its gilded halls from day one. Designed by the same architect behind the Ritz in Paris , the hotel has long been a favorite of celebrities during the San Sebastián Film Festival (Bette Davis was, notably, a fan). A $25 million renovation in 2012 only cemented its status as the city’s most luxurious hotel. With three of the city’s most elegant eateries (including a favorite see-and-be-seen bar), panoramic views of iconic belle epoque buildings and the Urumea River from the many terraces, and signature Luxury Collection concierge service, the Maria Cristina still feels fit for the aristocracy who frequented it in the city’s beach-destination heyday. Spacious and decadent rooms with an updated belle epoque style, as well as a central location within walking distance of many of San Sebastián’s Michelin-starred restaurants, only sweeten the deal."
"We're as fond as anyone is of the small hotel, the quirky hotel, the independently owned, off-the-beaten-path hotel — but there's something to be said for seeing a city from the vantage point of one of its classic grand hotels. San Sebastian's most luxurious hotel is the Hotel Maria Cristina, on the banks of the Urumea river, a massive Belle Époque mansion in the heart of the city, lovingly maintained and painstakingly restored." - Tablet Hotels
"Built by Charles Mewes, the architect of the Ritz Paris and Ritz Madrid, San Sebastian’s grandest hotel was named in honour of its first guest, the Regent Maria Cristina. To celebrate its centenary in 2012, it underwent a massive facelift, buffing up the opulent Belle Epoque rooms that have played host to movie stars galore during the city’s annual Film Festival. Located in the heart of town, it’s as suited to first-time visitors as Hollywood heartthrobs, with spacious bedrooms and lovely views of the water. There’s a sumptuous breakfast buffet in the elegant dining room, a royally plush bar and terrace, and Café Saigon restaurant with an all-Asian menu. It’s an easy walk to the beach and the buzzy bars and restaurants in the old town. Its neighbour on the elegant riverfront paseo is the equally opulent Victoria Eugenia Theatre, which plays host to the Film Festival. " - Dana Facaros
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