San Sebastian, SpainCentro
Hotel Arbaso
Minimalist Basque townhouse
Minimalist Basque townhouse
It runs like an understated family townhouse, with quiet residential rooms upstairs and a buzzing neighborhood restaurant below.
“The interiors at Arbaso are as peaceful and calm as San Sebastián’s picturesque shell-shaped Concha Bay.”
What it’s good at
Listed
A nineteenth-century neoclassical facade of ashlar stone faces the Buen Pastor Cathedral.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
Markina black marble sets a tone of moody sophistication in the lobby, while the guestrooms display a sleek, contemporary look — a vibrant contrast to the historic buildings just outside.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The cathedral rises directly across the square. San Martín market and La Concha beach are both an easy walk away.
The rooms
Upper duplexes tuck fireplaces beneath roof skylights. Below, large suites open onto balconies facing the cathedral.
Sauna and gym
A blonde-wood Finnish dry sauna and a Turkish steam room provide thermal recovery on site.
Narru Restaurant
Chef Iñigo Peña serves seasonal Basque dishes from an open kitchen, specializing in whole grilled turbot and txuleta.
Stupendously situated in a 19th-century apartment block on a sedate square beside the neo-Gothic Cathedral, this easeful boutique property is predicated on an idea of contemporary Basque-style.
How it began
The name means ancestor in Basque. The nineteenth-century building once held private apartments above a ground-floor Loewe shop.
San Sebastian
More like this
Villa Soro
“Aristocratic garden retreat”
Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton
“Theatrical cinema showpiece”
Hotel Lasala Plaza
“Harborside sandstone roost”
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian
“Belle Époque riverside mansion”
Hotel Villa Favorita
“Belle Époque seaside villa”
Hotel One Shot Tabakalera House
“Repurposed tobacco factory”
Hotel Boutique Mendi Argia
“Restored Basque villa”
Nobu Hotel San Sebastián
“Minimalist Belle Époque villa”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.