San Sebastian, SpainCentro
Hotel Catalonia Donosti
Hilltop convent conversion
Centro San Sebastian, Spain
Opened
2020
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design WellnessOutside the door
The house
CataloniaHilltop convent conversion
The former hillside convent trades monastic quiet for a clubhouse feel, looking out over the water and the city below.
What it’s good at
Notable
Restored seventeenth-century convent masonry and twin stone bell towers crown the historic façade.
Listed
British country-house styling brings leather headboards and tartan throws to modern rooms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
this city-center boutique hotel is a thoroughly contemporary production, however atmospheric its architecture may be.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
La Concha beach sits just below the hill, and the downtown streets are an easy walk away.
The rooms
Hardwood floors and gem-toned accents define the bedrooms. Junior suites step out onto private terraces facing the sea.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The rooftop plunge pool looks out across the city rooftops toward the cathedral spire and the sea.
The spa
A glazed Finnish sauna sits beside the indoor hydrotherapy pool. The circuit also includes a steam bath and cold plunge.
The gym
Cardio machines and resistance equipment fill the fitness room, arranged along a wall of mirrors.
Restaurant
Aldapeta Gastrobar
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the cathedral. The kitchen grills Basque txuleta over charcoal and sources seafood from the Pasajes market.
At the table
A circular dark marble counter sits at the center of the lobby bar, serving Basque pintxos and cocktails.
How it began
The site housed the seventeenth-century convent of the Compañía de María, whose church layout and stone towers remain protected.
San Sebastian
More like this
Villa Soro
“Aristocratic garden retreat”
Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton
“Theatrical cinema showpiece”
Arima Hotel & Spa
“Passivhaus forest lodge”
Hotel Villa Favorita
“Belle Époque seaside villa”
Hotel Lasala Plaza
“Harborside sandstone roost”
Hotel One Shot Tabakalera House
“Repurposed tobacco factory”
Room Mate Collection Gorka, San Sebastián
“Neoclassical arcaded townhouse”
Hotel Arbaso
“Minimalist Basque townhouse”
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.