Donostia / San Sebastián: An Access-Friendly Hotel Destination

Not only can San Sebastián boast cultural beauty and gastronomy, but it can also lay claim to a commitment to accessibility and its efforts in recent years to provide the best possible information for people who need special attention concerning this aspect of their trip. The city offers a wide range of accommodation with varying degrees of accessibility to ensure a comfortable, barrier-free stay for those paying it a visit.

From hotels to hostels or tourist accommodation, Donostia has such a broad offer of places that the functionally diverse will be spoilt for choice: a stay in the city's watchtower, or looking out on La Concha Bay? over Donostia's harbour, or at a film theme hotel?

Let's take a look at the best options!

Recepción hotel — At a hotel reception, a smiling receptionist hands a key to a guest in a wheelchair.

Hombre en silla de ruedas en el ascensor de un hotel — A guest in a wheelchair in the hotel elevator.

Hombre en sillas de ruedas aseándose en el baño de un hotel — A guest in a wheelchair combs his hair in front of the sink in an adapted hotel bathroom.

For those seeking a luxury stay, the question is: city or nature? In the five-star range, the modern Hotel Akelarre has some incredible views of the Cantabrian Sea, while the classic Hotel María Cristina overlooks the River Urumea and the Kursaal's cubes.

Exterior Hotel Akelarre — Terrace of the Akelarre hotel with sea views, surrounded by gardens and with tables under white umbrellas.

Vistas desde el interior del hotel Akelarre — Relaxation room at the Akelarre hotel with sun loungers facing large windows offering sea views.

One of the leading four-star hotels is the ONCE Group's Hotel Ilunion San Sebastián, an access-friendliness specialist, with highly trained staff and purpose-adapted rooms.

Exterior Hotel Ilunion — Ilunion Hotel entrance accessible with ramp and railings, modern multi-story facade and large windows.

Recipción hotel Ilunion — Ilunion Hotel reception with adapted counter and service chair. Modern and elegant decoration.

In the city centre, the boutique Hotel Arbaso, opposite the Buen Pastor Cathedral, offers easy access to the main attractions; and, for those who prefer to stay by the sea, there are several options such as Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, a perfect combination of luxury and accessibility, or the Lasala Plaza Hotel, with views of Donostia's harbour.

Habitación Hotel Arbaso — Modern hotel room with double bed, seating area, skylights, television, and decoration in neutral and dark tones, creating a cozy atmosphere.

In the Amara district, which is close to the centre and is the city's main sports hub, we find two fully renovated modern hotels: Hotel Silken Amara Plaza, overlooking the River Urumea, and Hotel Zinema 7, a theme hotel homing in on films and Zinemaldia, the city's FIlm Festival.

In the three-star category, in the Antiguo district, we have Hotel Sercotel Codina, a stone's throw from the beach, the ideal location to enjoy the sea and accessibility and the Hotel Avenida uphill to Igeldo mountain to enjoy the beautiful view.

As for more economical options, the two-stars include Hotel Ezeiza, on Ondarreta Beach, Hotel-Apartamentos Irenaz Resort, perfect for longer stays with 100% access-friendly apartments, Hotel Parma, with its sea views and a central location, and Hotel Sansebay, right in the middle of the Old Town, a combination of tradition and accessibility.