Sombre city hotel in downtown Donostia-San Sebastián rooted in local traditions

Arbaso Hotel / Donostia-San Sebastian / Basque Country / Spain

San Sebastián, or maybe I should use the local name, Donostia, has slowly but surely started to build a name as one of the top places to visit in Spain. After years of conflict between local ETA and Madrid with countless interactions between the two. And even if the Spanish version of the Troubles is still noticeable under the surface, it seems the town has decided to (partly) accept the situation and move on. Almost like they feel the longest finger they can show Madrid is to become the most popular place in the country. Don’t know if this is a real thing or only exists in my imagination. Regardless, what we have now is prosperous foodie town with the highest amount of Michelin Star restaurants per capita. A city like this needs (at least) one hotel to match. Enter Hotel Arbaso.

Hotel Arbaso is housed in a creamy yellow 19th century neoclassical building. It is located in the downtown area, right next to the stunning Buen Pastor Cathedral and a short walk from what must be the world’s best city beach, La Concha. The sheltered bay is shaped like a sea shell, hence the name.

The 50-key hotel is deeply rooted in local heritage and culture. Arbaso actually means ”ancestors” in local Basque language and I think they would be happy if they could see how different elements of local traditions are celebrated in the hotel. The design has been created by local company FIARK Arquitectos and they have worked with a lot of local partners to create this attractive urban hotel. And the local connection is not only to be see in the design but also in items such as the uniforms which are inspired by traditional Basque clothing and materials.

Our 4th floor room was all dresses in this deep, forest green was chosen as an homage to the forests of the Basque region. It is fascinating to see how a deep color like that makes all the other features pop, such as the geometric lamps, the desk (that is basically a long slab of unpolished wood) and the pale blue shutters and wrought iron balcony.

Right outside the hotel you are in the re-vitalised downtown area of Donostia-San Sebastian, which is a perfec starting point where the old town as well as the beach is just a short walk away. And every where you turn there are great little holes-in-the-wall where you can stop by for a glass of wine and some local pintxos.

Welcome to the Arbaso Hotel in downtown San Sebastián

The hotel is housed in this beautiful neoclassical building

The open reception. I am a huge fan of this kind of open setting. So much more relaxed and welcoming.

On the wall in the reception there is an overview of the story and look of the staff uniforms, which are all rooted in local traditions.

Our room was painted in this lush, rich forest green color. Gave the room a calming, soothing look and feel.

Our bathroom was massive. Another thing to add to the list of things I am a fan of, bathrooms with daylight.

The famous “La Concha, the sea shell beach, due to the shape of the bay.

The architecture of San Sebastián is really unique and so ornate…

…but there are some contrasts which makes for a dynamic looking city scape.

Having some beer and small bites in a local bar.

We had a craving for pizza and found this great pizza place, Arizmendi close to the train station.

Me walking back to the hotel after dinner.

We are up and about early in the morning (as always). So great to experience a city as it wakes up. M is heading to the ocean.

M enjoying a fresh morning dip in the Atlantic…

…followed by coffee at one of our favorite local haunts, Syra.

Followed by a second coffee (because one is never enough) at MOTX, also located in the old town.

RG inside info

Year of RG stay:

2025

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking for a really solid urban hotel. A hotel with discreet design and service, located in the central part of town, right next to the old town and the beach. If this sounds like your thing, Arbaso could be a hotel for you.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the bold color choice. Our room was this unique, almost British racing green which gave the room a really calm, sombre look. I really like when designers take a step away from the expected and dare to do something that stand out among the generic. And when choosing a deep tone all other features stand out, making them look almost like a piece of art.

What not to miss when staying here…

…well, the expected answer would be to explore the local pinxos scene. Our problem was that we stayed here during a heatwave so the thought of cramming ourselves into a tight bar, brushing up against other sweaty tourists was not appealing enough. But with that said, San Sebastian is a great city to visit when the mercury is boiling thanks to the amazing city beach, La Concha. Such a great relief when you can cool off in the Atlantic after exploring the city Our favorite (as always) was to get up early and go down to the ocean where we could join the locals as they went in for a sporty morning swim.

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