Villa Soro

Hotel · San Sebastian

Villa Soro

Hotel · San Sebastian

Ategorrieta Hiribidea, 61, 20013 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Highlights

Restored 19th-century villa with refined rooms, gardens, and bar

Ategorrieta Hiribidea, 61, 20013 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Get directions

hotelvillasoro.com

@villasoro

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@cntraveler

The 10 Best Hotels in San Sebastián, Spain

"In the old days, this former summer house on the outskirts of Gros—an architectural mashup of Surrey Tudor and bourgeois Basque—was a frowzy, fusty kind of place. Following its purchase and re-opening by the Soldevila family of Catalan hoteliers, the Villa (which dates back to 1898) has a new lease of life and the fin-de-siecle ambiance is all part of its charm. The six-month overhaul, under the careful hand of designer Núria Ferrer, combines original elements—such as the carved wooden staircase with smart new furnishings and judiciously chosen modern Basque art (look for the original works by Eduardo Chillida). Bedecked in fine wallpapers and rich fabrics in stripes and tartans, this old lady now has quite a spring in her step." - Paul Richardson

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-san-sebastian

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@afar

"A 19th-century private estate just outside San Sebastián’s city center, Villa Soro was commissioned by a wealthy businessman as a wedding gift for his daughter; it was designed by the same architect who built the iconic Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, which towers over the La Concha waterfront at the city center. In contrast to that classic belle epoque building, the villa takes its inspiration from English architecture—complete with peaked roofs and faux-Tudor beaming—that was in vogue at the time, while the manicured gardens were designed by renowned Romantic landscape designer Pierre Ducasse. Now an intimate, 25-room boutique hotel, Villa Soro maintains the same relaxed, cozy atmosphere one might expect to find at a friend’s estate, complete with two elegant drawing rooms outfitted with armchairs that beg to be curled up in with a book. The dark-wood-and-leather bar room (complete with a fireplace, of course) beckons visitors with vermouth and txakoli. Rooms are homey and classically elegant, spread between the main house and the restored carriage house, and they make for a romantic retreat within walking distance of the city’s sights and Michelin-starred restaurants."

The Best Hotels in San Sebastián

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@iescape

Hotel Villa Soro, San Sebastian, northern Spain - Explore & Book

"This grand old villa stands back from the road with a pretty terrace to one side. The décor is traditional - marble hall, sweeping staircase, panelled bar, attractive salon. It is not the sort of hotel that tries to serve as your social hub during your stay. On the contrary, it is a discreet base with a clutch of extremely comfortable bedrooms that offer sanctuary in the city. Staff are unfailingly helpful. They greet you on arrival, and carry bags up to your room. Later, they pore over maps and point you in the direction of San Sebastián’s world-class restaurants. You’ll find complimentary bicycles and beach towels for your stay, so spin over to La Concha or Zurriola, both fabulous beaches in the middle of the city. Bedrooms - some in the main house, others in the stables behind - have sparkly white bathrooms and extremely comfy beds. You’ll also find a small gym, an elegant salon, and rather handy off-street parking that’s included in the price. This classy hotel sure delivers where you need it to. A great haven in a cool city. Highs Arzak, one of the best restaurants in the world, is just up the road San Sebastián is a bike-friendly city and the hotel offers complimentary bicycles - a neat touch and a great way to get around Plenty of stately style in the grounds and communal areas Elegant bar and sitting room for pre- or post-dinner drinks, with a sunny terrace in summer and a fire in winter Helpful staff make all the difference Lows There’s no restaurant, but this actually makes sense: San Sebastián is Spain’s gastronomic capital and the competition in town is hot. Staff can book tables and taxis It's a 10-minute walk into town and for the first 5 minutes you're on a fairly busy road Some feel that the stable rooms lack character compared to those in the main house You may hear noise from the road, though rooms are double-glazed and manicured grounds separate the hotel from the worst of the traffic" - Tom Bell

https://www.i-escape.com/hotel-villa-soro

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@tablethotels

Hotel Villa Soro (San Sebastian, Basque Country) 10 Hotel Reviews | Tablet Hotels

"San Sebastián is not quite at the top of the list for Spanish destinations, but it’s hard to say why. Perhaps it’s that those few tourists who venture north find themselves at the Guggenheim in Bilbao, but everyone, it seems, is missing out on a perfectly shaped bay and some extraordinary cooking, a cuisine that even the Catalonian super-chef Ferran Adrià counts as the finest in Europe, with the Michelin stars to prove it—the city is home to no fewer than seven starred restaurants." - Tablet Hotels

https://www.tablethotels.com/en/san-sebastian-hotels/hotel-villa-soro

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@bucketlisttravels

Hotel Villa Soro | Best places to stay in San Sebastian

"Housed in a beautiful 19th-century ‘British-style’ villa in the lively San Sebastian suburb of Gros, this 25-room hotel set back in gardens is a wonderfully tranquil base for visiting Spain’s foodie city. It’s within striking distance of the old town – a 20-minute walk or five-minute bike ride away – and the city’s legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant Arzak is a few minutes’ stroll. Hardwood floors, oak panelling, antiques and blazing log fires make it cosy all year round, and the free garage parking is a rare bonus in San Sebastian. Enjoy breakfast on fine china or a snack and glass of Rioja in the bar or on the terrace, and there are free bikes to borrow for exploring. If you have kids in tow or a car to park – or simply want to avoid the bustle – this hideaway feels apart from, but still connected to, the city. " - Dana Facaros

https://www.bucketlisttravels.com/place-to-stay/villa-soro

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Michael Meo

Google

Villa Soro is a true gem—an impeccably restored mansion nestled in lush gardens, offering the perfect balance of tranquility and easy access to the heart of San Sebastián. It’s surrounded by nature yet just a short 15-minute walk (or 5-minute taxi ride) to all the action in town. The rooms are beautifully appointed, with no detail spared. My bed was incredibly comfortable, and everything in the space—from the linens to the lighting—felt thoughtfully curated. One of the biggest highlights was the staff. Every single person I encountered was warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. The bartender deserves a special mention—fantastic drinks and a great vibe at the bar each evening. Breakfast was out of this world, with a generous spread of fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, breads, and delicious made-to-order options. A perfect way to start the day. I also loved spending time in the hotel’s chic lounges, filled with art and art books. They’re elegant yet cozy—a surprisingly great place to read, relax, or even get some work done. Villa Soro truly exceeded my expectations. It’s a peaceful retreat with exceptional service and style—I can’t wait to return.

Carl Wong

Google

Villa Soro is a beautiful boutique hotel, we stayed there 2 nights late May. It's within a walking distance from Gros and Old Town San Sebastian. It's conveniently situated in a residential neighborhood, but easy access for taxis. Our room is located in the basement, with comfortable bed, marbled luxurious bathroom, plenty of storage space, sitting area and a desk. It's very quiet and we had a wonderful rest. The continental breakfast is not included with the room, however, we did enjoy it one morning. The staff is very friendly and helpful with our luggage and getting us the taxi, since there's no Uber. This is a great base to explore the amazing Donostia area.

Passenger52326724824

Google

Villa Soro is the definition of understated luxury and warm hospitality. From the moment we arrived, we felt like welcomed guests in a private estate rather than just hotel visitors. The villa itself is stunning—an immaculately restored 19th-century mansion set in a peaceful neighborhood, just a short walk or bike ride from the heart of San Sebastián.||Our room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and incredibly comfortable, with high ceilings, a cozy bed, and thoughtful touches throughout. The mix of classic architecture and modern comfort created a relaxing and refined atmosphere.||Breakfast was a daily highlight—fresh, high-quality options served in a lovely room or on the garden terrace. The staff were consistently gracious and helpful. ||We especially appreciated the free use of bicycles, which made exploring the city even more enjoyable. After busy days in town or on the beach, returning to the quiet of Villa Soro felt like coming home.||This hotel is perfect for travelers who appreciate elegance, tranquility, and excellent service. We wouldn’t hesitate to return.

V2113PEmmm

Google

Really beautiful and charming hotel! We stayed in the “back building” which was quiet, modern and cozy. Staff was friendly and very helpful with recommendations for transport and restaurants. Food and drinks were solid. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, beds are comfortable. The bathrooms were lovely (though someone in our party had an allergic reaction to the soap/lotion—so if you have sensitive skin, be aware). ||Once you’re on the property and inside the gates, it feels very private and secluded, and though you are off of a somewhat busy road, once you’re in, it doesn’t feel like it. The area immediately around the hotel, the town of Gros is bustling, residential and not touristy. It’s a 10 min walk to a couple of great coffee/breakfast spots if you opt out of hotel breakfast.||The garden/terrace area which is available to all guests was really nice. Tips for those booking— we had considered a ground level room that have the “private” garden area with lounge chairs, but ended up choosing a room on an upper floor, and from just walking between the two buildings, those garden areas were right off of the main walking path between the two buildings and didn’t look very “private.” We were very happy with our upper floor room.||The only downside is location. It was a further walk than we thought from the main tourist areas, old town, etc., all of which are on the other side of the bridges. It was a longer walk/bigger deal than we anticipated, much more so than we expected based on other reviews. Yes, it’s about 20/25 min to the EDGE of the main area across the river, but that can easily turn into a 60+ min walk back if you’re venturing further into old town or going to the other beaches, funicular, food, shopping (and you will want to!).||As of this writing, the current TripAdvisor description says various attractions “and the old town are just a few steps away,” which really isn’t the case. We only did the full walk once, and we used the public buses after that (not difficult to figure out, you can just swipe your credit card). Not at all a dealbreaker, just something to be aware of.||Overall, it was a lovely stay, and we would definitely recommend, just manage expectations about location from attractions!

Ev Dubinsky

Google

Wonderful hotel with great staff and interior The hotel is stunning on the outside and inside, with decor being very stylish and historical. The rooms are very clean, and the gardens are very pretty. The staff is phenomenal, they have all the recommendations needed for the trip. The location is roughly 15 min walk to the beach and 30 min walk to the old town. The hotel has parking for extra charge The only thing I’d say is that breakfasts weren’t that great, but still decent

LiamBateman

Google

Excellent hotel - beautiful surroundings and great staff. Bed was one of the most comfortable we have ever slept in, followed by a delicious breakfast. Highly recommended. It is about a 15 minute walk into the centre of town but really easy and convenient

Anastasia Tochka

Google

One of the best experiences I have ever had. Super nice and helpful stuff. Stylish. Quite. Beautiful nature. Great energy and atmosphere. The kind of hotels you don’t want to leave even for a walk :) We took bicycles for the morning ride along the ocean. Breakfast is lovely, but if you’re staying for a week or so, I’d suggest to explore more places nearby for more options. In overall I’m totally in love, it is a very special place.

Oleksandr Karnachev

Google

We are here second time (first time was in March 2019). It is a very comfortable villa with a small number of rooms. Everything is clean and renovated. Breakfast doesn’t provide too much variety, but the quality is high. Personnel of the hotel is there to help, and they are able to really help you (for example, they ordered chicken nuggets, so our daughter can also have something for dinner in the hotel). Dinners are very limited due to the size of the kitchen, but the hotel is ~10-15 min walk away from the city center (you know that San Sebastian is a culinary heaven, aren’t you?). Bikes for free if you prefer it to walking. When booking, be aware that some rooms are on floor -1 (sunlight is limited).

Toan D.

Yelp

Beautiful privately gated boutique hotel that gives the feeling of being in the country side while in the heart of San Sebastián. It was about a 20 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride to the center of town. The building, British in style, was built as a family home in the 19th century and forms part of the Historical Heritage of the City of San Sebastián. The hotel keeps the spirit of the period intact, with its large lounges, high ceilings, fireplaces, and a carved wooden staircase. The 25 room villa really felt more like a home than a hotel. We stayed in room 24 which had a charming window with a beautiful garden view. The room was spacious, laden with dark wood which added to the sense of being in a luxurious country side home. Our room on the 2nd floor opened to a beautiful foyer with a huge overhead skylight that allowed natural lighting to flow in. There was an elevator but we only used it twice to bring luggage up and down. Otherwise we chose to use the beautiful carved wooden staircase to immerse ourselves in the essence of the hotel. The restaurant/bar, Eguzki Soro, had the appearance of a country side British bar. Breakfast came with the room and was served there. There was a small menu for lunch and dinner. Outside dining also available. Wonderful staff who helped us with directions and recommendations for places to eat. Big shout out to JM in the bar and Virginia and John at the front desk for going out of their way to give us directions and some gems that we wouldn't have discovered on our own. We would love to stay there again on our next visit. Happy Travels!!

Sandie B.

Yelp

I'm going to start with the downside, because I missed that before booking and it's important. This lovely boutique hotel is pretty far from Old Town. They say it's a 20 minute walk. I didn't time it, but I definitely think it was farther--at least 30 and I'm a very fast walker. And not super fun in the rain. (And it does rain here--a lot). It's not in a very convenient location. That said, they do have complimentary bikes, and it took about 10 minutes to ride to Old Town (ride on the sidewalk until you can pick up the bike path). We took the bikes all over, really, which was really helpful in exploring some of the spots farther away. (Though be warned--these are beach cruisers--no gears!) They also provide locks, and you can keep the bikes out all day. You can also take a bus for around 2 Euros into town, though bus service at night is infrequent. For example, when we left dinner one night at 10:30pm and walked 10 min to the bus stop, it said that the next number 14 bus would come at 11:21pm. Maybe we could have taken a different bus, but it was hard to figure out. So we wound up walking back--maybe about a mile and a half in total? Here's the upside. The lobby and sitting room off the lobby is lovely. We sat and had a glass of wine and olives and had great conversation with some of the other guests. The beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms beautiful, stocked with Molton Brown bath products. Since the water in San Sebastián isn't safe for Americans to drink, they give a few complimentary bottles of bottled water. The service is wonderful--the staff really goes out of their way to make you feel at home. Breakfast is very complete and very good. And served in a beautiful room. If I return to San Sebastián, the only way I would stay here again is if they offered complimentary rides for guests to and from Old Town. That's all that's missing to make this a 5-star experience. Otherwise I would choose a place in Old Town to make it easy to get to all the restaurants, shopping, beach, museum, etc... Oh, and if you do decide to book, request a room in the main house. Apparently they're more charming.

Tracy L.

Yelp

We enjoyed our short time at this hotel. The room was very clean and had everything we needed. The staff was very good and made sure our time there was very comfortable. The location of the hotel is a short distance from the center of town. It could be considered a long walk but we knew this prior to booking. We took a cab to the main area and then slowly walked back to the hotel over many hours. There was plenty to see and do we had a great time. I would recommend this hotel and would also book again if we make it back to the area.

Steven H.

Yelp

Superb small hotel a 15-minute walk outside of the main part of San Sebastian. Very comfortable, bright rooms and huge sparkling bathrooms paved in white marble and festooned with all the goodies including a hand-held shower, a bidet and excellent bath products. Breakfast was quite good and was served in a pleasant garden room. A very nice stay.

Harry G.

Yelp

Excellent value for this boutique hotel. The hotel is small, charming and hits all of the right features I prefer in a hotel. The room was clean and had the correct amenities. The staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed breakfast each morning and found that the food was well prepared with a large enough variety to meet most needs but also not excessive. It was a quality continental breakfast with eggs and such as required. Overall I would have given this a five star rating had the location been closer to town. While not too far out it still was an 18 Euro round trip cab ride. I think the hotel offers excellent relative value and would highly recommend staying there. If we were to return to San Sebastián I know I will stay here again.

Steve G.

Yelp

Absolutely exquisite in every way. This is a wonderful luxury, boutique property that offers the service and amenities of a large, world class resort. It is a beautiful villa with full food, bar and spa services, and free on site parking. The building is in perfect, modern condition and the entire staff is attentive to every guest. The property is slightly removed (about 1 km) from the central district, but it's worth it to stay in such a nice place.