Classy & cool (how we like it): HOTEL VILLA SORO in San Sebastián, Spain
It's possible that you have already spotted this article on this site: the best of San Sebastian. And then, apart from that one hotel, you might want to know where we would stay in the most tasteful (literally) city in Spain? Well, here, at Hotel Villa Soro, San Sebastian, Spain. Why? A hotel within walking distance (fifteen minutes, yes) from the center of San Sebastián and the same from Zurriola beach (less busy than La Concha and with bigger waves, so popular with the younger crowd and surfers), in a historic castle surrounded by a beautiful garden: where can we draw?
The hotel is spread over two buildings and yet there are only 25 rooms – peace and space is the motto. And okay, there is a bit of a lack of facilities. The hotel lacks its own restaurant and is not in a mega-central location: yes, the center is a short walk away, but the Gros district is exactly the kind of neighborhood where young, progressive shops and restaurants open their doors, ha! That little loss is more than compensated for by the hotel's elegant rooms, cozy fireplaces everywhere and an unsurpassed relaxing atmosphere. We love the luxurious country house, from the creaking parquet in the beautiful hall to the stained glass panel in the ceiling with the coat of arms of the family that once lived here and a huge, dramatic flower arrangement at the foot of the stairs to the spacious rooms.
The fireplace in the ornate sitting room roars for attention, but so does the cozy old-fashioned bar on the other side. So that, and then there's the great restaurant Arzak is also just a stone's throw away, highly recommended for those who want to dine in a chic manner; the restaurant is ranked number 31 on the Top Fifty Best Restaurants in the World. In a similar style, Hotel Maria Cristina is also recommended, although we prefer the One Shot Tabakalera House. Rode? An affordable counterpart in the city. It is young and modern, and the rooms are both attractive and affordable. Even cheaper? A room in the city is the nicest hostel, with a rooftop.
