Elegant Belle Epoque hotel with refined rooms and posh dining
República Argentina K., 4, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Get directions
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"Set within the same building as the Hotel Maria Cristina, this apartment feels like a time capsule of elegant epochs, combining nostalgic furnishings with avant-garde decor. I found creamy paneled walls leading to a dainty lounge, a state-of-the-art kitchen, two marble bathrooms, and sliding doors that open onto bedrooms dressed with plush rugs, white-fur foot benches, oil paintings, TVs and Juliet balconies overlooking quaint plazas and the meandering river. The whole place is plunged into a regal, refined atmosphere and carries a perfect five-star rating on the platform." - Lauren Burvill
"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."
"This 5-star hotel is located opposite San Sebastian’s Victoria Eugenia Theatre, with views over the Cantabrian Sea and Urumea River. Dating from 1912, it is decorated in classic Belle Époque style with original columns, brocades and chandeliers. Decorated in grey tones, the elegant rooms at the María Cristina Hotel have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV, dark wood furniture and air conditioning. The marble bathroom comes with a separate bath and rain-effect shower, double sink, bathrobe and slippers. They include 200-thread-count bed linens and feather duvets. Guests can enjoy views over the hotel gardens and the River Urumea from the María Cristina. The Kursaal Convention Centre is around 300 metres away. The Easo Restaurant serves a daily buffet breakfast. Gourmet Chinese options are offered in the Tse Yang Restaurant, which specialises in Peking duck and Szechuan dishes. The DRY Martini Bar serves local pintxos tapas dishes and a range of drinks. Hotel Maria Cristina has hosted movie stars including Woody Allen and Elizabeth Taylor during the San Sebastián Film Festival, held every September." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
