Looking to read a detailed Hotel Maria Cristina review before booking your next trip to San Sebastian? You’ve come to the right place!
Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel is a historic 5 star property located within the idyllic beach town of San Sebastian in northern Spain.
I spent 3 nights in a luxurious suite at the hotel. My Hotel Maria Cristina review features helpful information on the award-winning luxury hotels accommodation options, fitness centre, restaurants, Basque Country cooking school, and other unique on-site amenities.
Book A Luxurious Holiday at Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel is named after the Spanish queen who vacationed in San Sebastian and brought Europe’s fashionable upper classes along with her.
The building was designed by Charles Mewes, the architect behind the Ritz in Madrid and Paris. Its sumptuous Belle Epoque interiors, combined with the property’s enviable river setting and sea views, resulted in it immediately becoming the favoured accommodation for international high society visiting northern Spain.
Sky-high columns topped with glittering gilded Corinthian capitals support a double height ceiling while ornate plasterwork depicting effigies and delicate flower garlands are complemented by original chandeliers that will make your jaw-drop. Oversized French doors with sashed, heavy damask drapes allow sunlight to flood in while providing access to tables on the terrace which offer beautiful views of the river in the distance.
Ranked as San Sebastian’s best 5 star hotel, the Maria Cristina is both an expression of Basque culture and the historical hub of the city’s lively social scene.
Since its inauguration in 1912 the grande dame of San Sebastian has paid host to some of the 20th century’s most influential personalities, among them royalty, aristocracy, and luminaries in the fields of arts & culture, from Lana Turner to the Emperor of Japan.
The grand hotel is located in the heart of San Sebastian, next to Victoria Eugenia Theatre, by the banks of the Urumea River, and just a stones throw from La Concha Beach.
Upon arrival, guests are ushered to check-in desks, which overlook a fresh floral adorned lobby. If you arrive in the afternoon or evening you’ll be offered a welcome drink, an ice-cold glass of local Txakolina wine by Antxiola vineyards.
Hotel Maria Cristina Review Highlights
San Sebastian offers a slice of chic cosmopolitan flare with a smaller beach town vibe, similar to Malaga, Corfu and Bodrum, offering an array of luxury accommodations. The city is a popular destination for freshly married couples looking to book a romantic honeymoon filled with Michelin Star dinners.
Before booking your trip, here are a list of highlights that make Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian stand out from the rest.
- The Maria Cristina is ranked as the best luxury hotel in San Sebastian, and one of the most historic 5 star properties in all of Spain.
- Since the property is a member of Marriott Bonvoy a lot of North American tourists like to splurge by using their points to stay here.
- The hotel features a variety of luxury accommodations, from chic rooms to jaw-dropping suites. If celebrating a special occasion treat yourself to the recently unveiled Chillida Suite, inspired by renowned Guipuzcoan artist Eduardo Chillida.
- The hotel’s state-of-the-art gym is 170 sqm and conveniently open 24 hours a day. It features strength equipment, weight machines and cardio like treadmills, bikes and elliptical by Technogym.
- Visit the hotel’s friendly concierge team to enjoy a complimentary tour to discover the Maria Cristina’s secrets. They’ll also provide you with a map outlining the best Pintxos in town.
- Guests have access to complimentary bike rentals. We suggest hopping on a bike and enjoying peddle along the city’s scenic beach, or jolt through the old town across ancient cobblestone streets.
- The hotel features 3 restaurant concepts, from opulent breakfast buffet served in an ornate room with crystal chandeliers to a handsome cocktail bar.
- Learn new culinary skills on holiday by booking a fun Basque cooking class at the hotel’s Mimo Cooking School.
Accommodation
The most important question you have to ask yourself when reading a Maria Cristina Hotel review is, “what type of accommodation would I like to book for my Basque Country holiday.”
The gorgeous 139-room hotel features a variety of well-appointed accommodations, from entry level Classic Rooms to the coveted Maria Cristina Royal Terrace Suite and multi-bedroom suites perfect for families traveling together on holiday.
Rooms are outfitted with sweet-smelling Byredo bathroom amenities and luxurious Frette linen and plush towels. Each evening during turndown service the friendly housekeeping team surprise guests with a decadent chocolate truffle.
Gorgeous bathrooms feature white marble, rain showers, and private tub with blue and white striped curtains that can be closed to help set the mood to quiet calm. You can relax in your room wrapped in oversized plush white robes and comfy slippers.
Complimentary water is stocked daily. Nespresso machines can be installed in your room upon request, or you can simply order a complimentary coffee to your suite.
If you’re an old Hollywood film fan we suggest booking the glamorous Bette Davis Suite. The chic interior offers an homage to the iconic actress and a glimpse into her last days spent in San Sebastian.
In 1989 Davis was invited to receive the Donostia Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival. Despite her delicate health at the age of 81, she flew from Los Angeles and stayed for 5 days at the hotel. It was in this spacious suite that she and her personal assistant planned every detail of her public appearances at the awards ceremony, press conference, and multiple interviews in which she enjoyed recalling her career.
Adorned with black and photos, the Bette Davis Suite features a Belle Époque-inspired living room, outfitted with a dazzling crystal drop chandelier. Behind double doors, the tranquil bedroom is a personal retreat boasting river views.
In the middle of the room, an ornate quilted headboard frames a king-size Luxury Collection bed, wrapped in crisp cotton linens and topped with a feather-filled duvet and a selection of plump pillows. A 48-inch television provides in-bed entertainment with a selection of Bette Davis films for your viewing pleasure.
Lukas Gourmet
As soon as you step into the Hotel Maria Cristina you’ll find Lukas Gourmet on your left, before arriving into the lobby.
If you’re a traveling foodie Lukas Gourmet showcases the perfect gifts to bring home as a tasty reminder of your trip.
The family-owned business sources the highest quality food products made in Basque Country, from local chocolates to canned sardines, octopus stuffed peppers, parade of olive oils, multi-coloured salts, bottles upon bottles of fine Spanish wine and even vacuum sealed Gilda skewers.
In addition to fancy food, the shop also sells locally produced table linen, tote bags, illustrations, hand-painted tableware, and perfumes.
Mimo Basque Cooking School
In recent years San Sebastian has become a must-visit pilgrimage for foodies who travel here to feast at restaurants in what is now dubbed the World’s Michelin Capital.
With Basque Cuisine enjoying the global spotlight, visitors to San Sebastian are guaranteed a memorable meal, whether it’s a fancy multi-course tasting menu, or jovial late night snack at one of the city’s celebrated Pintxos bars.
We highly recommend food lovers staying at Maria Cristina to book a cooking class at Mimo, the hotel’s onsite cooking school.
Mimo offers an array of gastronomic experiences for those visiting Basque Country, including cooking classes, food tours, and private curated dinners.
The spacious 400 sqm cooking school is outfitted with individual prep stations so guests can enjoy chef-led lessons that allow you to master the art of technique while discovering traditional Basque cuisine.
San Sebastian’s best cooking school offers daily themed classes focussed on Paella, Basque Cuisine, Pintxos & Tapas, and “secrets of Michelin cuisine.”
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Hotel Maria Cristina Restaurants
No review of the Hotel Maria Cristina is complete until you’ve had an opportunity to wag your finger down each of the hotel’s marvellous menus.
The hotel’s chic interior is perfectly paired with a luxurious bar and restaurants serving decadent Basque Country dishes.
Maria Cristina Breakfast
Each morning you’ll find a long line of hungry guests waiting to indulge in the hotel’s elegant breakfast and brunch ritual.
Breakfast (Monday-Friday 7:30am-10:30am & Weekends 8-11am) is served in the elegant Salón Easo, which is flooded with warm light in the early hours of the day and twinkle of crystal chandeliers.
The hotel’s a la carte breakfast menu includes Eggs Benedict, Truffle Omelet, Avocado Toasts, Blinis, Pancakes, Waffles, and Churros & Chocolate.
The menu is complimented by a decadent buffet featuring freshly squeezed Spanish orange juice (which we suggest asking to be topped with sparkling cava for a marvellous Mimosa), local cheeses and charcuterie, smoked fish, sweet cakes, French pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and hot station boasting sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, beans, roasted tomatoes and hash browns.
A specialty brunch, that locals rave for, is offered on the first Sunday of each month, accompanied with cocktails and live music.
The Gallery
The Gallery is the hotel’s signature restaurant, located in Maria Cristina’s most elegant corridor. The ornate dining room also boasts a private terrace serving local Basque dishes that celebrate in-season ingredients.
Highlights from The Gallery menu include Foie with Turmeric Crumble, Iberian Ham Croquettes, Creamy Rice with Lobster, Tournedo Rossini and classic Basque Cheesecake.
Dry Bar
Ever since 1912 the hotel’s lobby bar has been a much-loved watering-hole in San Sebastian. In its new incarnation, the bar has been refurbished in a chic contemporary style with a hint of art-deco dazzle.
Today, it’s a quiet and civilized venue to enjoy your morning coffee, midday aperitifs or evening cocktails.
Under the direction of master mixologist Javier de las Muelas, Dry (as it’s known by locals) has become a place of pilgrimage for lovers of a perfectly mixed Negroni, well-balanced gin and tonic, or one of de las Muelas’ signature cocktail creations.
We suggest sipping the Donosti Sour, a homage to Basque country combining gin, fresh apple, mint, lemon, ginger, and cider.
You can pair your tasty tipple with eye-popping sweet or savoury Pintxo tower, or simply enjoy nibbling on complimentary bar snacks, a trilogy of potato chips, peanuts and olives.
Cafe Saigon
Cafe Saigon is the hotel’s must-try Asian restaurant, offering a diverse menu that highlights your favourite dishes from Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong.
Cafe Saigon boasts spectacular views overlooking the historic Victoria Eugenia Theatre. Its interior is decorated in natural fabrics, eye-popping tapestries, and delicate porcelain pieces.
Highlights from the Cafe Saigon menu include Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup, Duck Dumplings, Pad Thai, Singapore Rice Noodles, Tempura Soft Shell Crab with tamarind sauce, and Prawn Tails in creamy green coconut curry.
Fun Things To Do In San Sebastian
We suggest spending at least 3 nights in San Sebastian, especially if you’re visiting during the summer. Bliss would be spending your days relaxing on the beach and swimming followed by evenings bar hopping in search of the Old Town’s best Pintxos.
- Zurriola Beach: located a short 5 minute walk from the Hotel Maria Cristina, this beach sits in front of the modern Kursaal Conference Centre. The beach is famous for its wild waves so you’ll see plenty of locals skipping across the bridge with their board to go surfing.
- La Concha: is San Sebastian’s most famous beach, which was named one of the top 20 beaches in the world in 2023, thanks in part to its fine, golden sand, stretching over 1,300 metres, and crystal-clear waters.
- El Peine del Viento: most hotels offer complimentary bike hire so we suggest peddling to the end of La Concha to visit the famous “Wind Comb” sculpture by Eduardo Chillida. Or enjoy a pleasant stroll, which takes approximately 1 hour.
- San Vincente Church: the city’s Gothic-style church was built in the 16th century and features soaring ceilings and round stained-glass windows. Right by the entrance there’s a bar with a pretty patio so we suggest sipping an Aperol Spritz while saying a midday Hail Mary!
- Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus: our favourite architectural marvel in the Old Town is this historic 18th-century Catholic church as it boasts ornately carved exterior doors. It’s conveniently located next door to some of the city’s best Pintxos bars.
- Victoria Eugenia Theatre: built in 1912, the city’s historic theatre is where start studded screenings take place during the San Sebastian Film Festival. Each September many of the world’s top directors and actors stroll down the red carpet to attend premiers at the festival.
- Plaza de la Constitucion: this scenic square is located in the city’s Old Town and is a popular spot to enjoy an afternoon aperitivo on a patio in the sun. The balconies in the square are numbered, since they served as boxes for the bullfighting festivals held in the square.
Hotel Maria Cristina Contact
República Argentina, 34-943-43-76-00
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