Top 9 Pensions in San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain

April 26, 2023 Stefan Strunk

While many visitors come for the beaches, arts celebrations and fiestas, San Sebastian-Donostia is serious about its food and drink. The Old Quarter’s narrow, winding streets are full of bars and restaurants, and in the modern city, sidewalk cafes are all around. The city specializes in seafood. Just make sure you know not to expect dinner at 6 or 7 p.m.—that’s much too early in Spain. Instead, tide yourself over with tapas, and enjoy eating and drinking late into the night.
Restaurants in San Sebastian - Donostia

1. Pension Kursaal

Pena y Goni, 2-1, 20002 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain 011 34 944 58 11 86
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 549 reviews

Pension Kursaal

Pension Kursaal lies in front of Zurriola Beach, ideal for surfing, and Kursaal Convention Centre, home of the San Sebastian Film Festival and Jazz Festival. Next to the Old Town you will be delighted with all the pintxo bars and very close to the magnificent Concha Beach. Just in the heart of town at walking distance from Tabacalera Contemporary Center, theatres and train station

Our Stay at Pensión Kursaal

Reviewed By Gregory S

The Pensión Kursaal is an excellent place to stay. The location is perfect with lots of restaurants nearby. Everything is within walking distance. The staff was very friendly and helpful to us. We would definitely stay here again.

2. Casa Nicolasa

Calle Aldamar, 4, 1st fl., 20003 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 250 reviews

Casa Nicolasa

This new boutique hotel is located in the center of San Sebastian, in the old part and just 100 meters from La Concha and Zurriola beaches This Pension offers rooms with exquisite design including high spped Wi-Fi connection, air conditioning, minibar, safe and private bathroom with hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The main area of restaurants and tapas bars are located within a 2 minute walk away. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy free coffee in the lounge and a selection of free drinks from the minibar. The property has modern facilities and is ideally located for enjoying a fabulous stay at this fantastic Basque town.

Very nice, but not stress free.....

Reviewed By Gatorgolfer

We stayed here for three nights, in an upgraded balcony room at the front of the hotel. The building has been remodeled, and the rooms and bathrooms are very nice. Since it is pension, there is no lobby to speak of, entry is via a key card, and the elevator works, but is small. We had a car, so the first stress was no place in front to stop and drop luggage. My wife jumped out while I circled the block, then jumped back into the car and we searched for the entrance to the nearby underground parking garage....missed in once and circled the block again, then parked. Once parked we had to handle our own bags out of the garage, down the street, into the hotel, up the elevator, out into the little lobby, and up to our room. If you arrive by cab most of this is a moot point. Our room had a little wall mounted air conditioner, with as it turns out a broken control unit. The first night was hot, the AC did not work, so we opened our balcony door to the street below. Of course the Spanish don't dine until after 9 PM, and they party till late, so there was constant noise from the street. Once the people went to bed, the trash trucks started picking up dumpsters across the street. Did I mention that it was hot? Very poor night's sleep. They fixed the AC the next day, so we could close the door and it was sort of cool in the room. Casa Nicolasa is nicely located....easy walk to the old town, to the beach, etc. Good stay for the slightly adventurous.....

3. Pension Balerdi

C/ San Juan 1 2nd Floor, 20003 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 118 reviews

Pension Balerdi

Pension Balerdi guest house is located in the entrance of the Old Part of Donostia-San Sebastian very close to the main remarkable places of the city, such as its port, beaches, monuments and its great gastronomic area. We have completely reformed Pension Balerdi in 2015 in order to offer high confort in every room, which includes a private bathroom. Besides, it is very confortable to visit the most emblematic places of Donostia-San Sebastian on foot such as La Concha beach, the Kursaal Congress Palace, the well-known restaurants and Pintxo bars since all of them are very close to Pension Balerdi. Just 50 meters away there is a car park and, moreover, the urban and interurban lines have its bus stops that will allow you to visit every nook of the city and discover new places of the Basque Country. If you choose to stay in our place, we will try our best to make your stay memorable.

I am amused

Reviewed By steppinstoned

Don’t cash in your pension, you won’t need to, perfect place, immaculate and so easy to get to everywhere in San Sebastián. Our host, could not have been more helpful, amusing ( it takes a lot) we really had a great time. Don’t be put off by initial entrance, couldn’t have wished for more , felt lucky to find this little gem

4. Pension Garibai

Calle Garibai 22, Planta 1, 20004 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

Pension Garibai

See why so many travelers make Pension Garibai their pension (b&b) of choice when visiting San Sebastian - Donostia. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a trendy setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. While staying at Pension Garibai, visitors can check out Plaza de Guipuzkoa (0.1 mi) and Ayuntamiento de San Sebastian (0.1 mi), some of San Sebastian - Donostia's top attractions. Pension Garibai is a trendy pension (b&b) offering a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The pension (b&b) features a concierge and baggage storage. For guests with a vehicle, there is paid public parking available nearby. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the French restaurants, including Sustrai and Portobello Snack-Bar, all of which are a short distance from Pension Garibai. Plus, during your trip, don’t forget to check out some of the popular art galleries, such as Kubo Kutxa and Vetusart. At Pension Garibai, your comfort and satisfaction come first, and they look forward to welcoming you to San Sebastian - Donostia.

Excellent location, clean & comfortable

Reviewed By greavsey1

This was the best of our 3 accommodations on our trip to Bilbao via Bordeaux. The location is excellent for the Old town and beach. The rooms were clean, comfortable and quiet. The check in staff were friendly. The bar virtually next door was great for breakfast and a night cap so don't let the no food aspect put you off. Lastly the speed in which they dealt with the clothes I left behind was superb, informing me of progress along the way. Very worthy of 5 stars.

5. Pension Nuevas Artes

C/Urbieta 64, 20006 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
28%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 95 reviews

Pension Nuevas Artes

Very tiny room and extremely noisy

Reviewed By Kjellaug T

Very nice staff and good location, so easy to find it and to walk to and from. What I didn't like was that it was very noisy, so very poor sleep quality. Could here everything from the next door rooms, from the reception and the street. The room was also very tiny.

6. Pension San Ignacio Centro

Plaza del Buen Pastor, 18, 20005 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
34%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
8%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 111 reviews

Pension San Ignacio Centro

Dirty!

Reviewed By tossan24

Last stop which we really looked forward to. But, eventhough location great does not compensate for the awful smell in the room and the dirty towels and dirty linen! Asked for a replacement but didn’t seem to go through. So disappointed!!! Select somewhere else for your stay!

7. Pension Penaflorida

Calle Penaflorida 1A, 1, 20004 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Pension Penaflorida

If you’re looking for a charming pension (b&b) in San Sebastian - Donostia, look no further than Pension Penaflorida. Close to some of San Sebastian - Donostia's most popular landmarks, such as Plaza de Guipuzkoa (0.1 mi) and Ayuntamiento de San Sebastian (0.1 mi), Pension Penaflorida is a great destination for tourists. Pension Penaflorida offers guests an array of room amenities including air conditioning, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available. The pension (b&b) offers baggage storage, to make your visit even more pleasant. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to paid public parking available nearby. When you’re feeling hungry, be sure to check out Restaurante Kokotxa, La Mejillonera, and Txoko, which are some seafood restaurants that are popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. Looking to explore? Then look no further than Monte Urgull (0.3 mi) and Parte Vieja (0.2 mi), which are some popular San Sebastian - Donostia attractions – all conveniently located within walking distance of the pension (b&b). The staff at Pension Penaflorida looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.

Good Location, Clean, and Easy to Use (Challenging to locate)

Reviewed By travelcityguy

The Pension is very good, well run, clean, and easy to use. While no breakfast is offered, discounts were available at two "bistros" near the hotel, both of which were not good. The pension is quiet. However, the bedding is not natural fabric and every time I turned in bed I could hear the bedding against my skin and did not leave for a very good night of rest. Overall, the pension is a good value and would be better with breakfast and natural fabrics to sleep in.

8. Pension Aristizabal

Alfonso VIII, 6 4 izq, 20005 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
18%
Good
64%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 22 reviews

Pension Aristizabal

If you’re looking for a budget friendly pension (b&b) in San Sebastian - Donostia, look no further than Pension Aristizabal. For those interested in checking out popular landmarks while visiting San Sebastian - Donostia, Pension Aristizabal is located a short distance from Buen Pastor Cathedral (0.1 mi) and Plaza de Guipuzkoa (0.3 mi). Pension Aristizabal offers guests an array of room amenities including a flat screen TV, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available. The pension (b&b) offers express check-in and check-out, to make your visit even more pleasant. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to secured parking. While in San Sebastian - Donostia, you may want to check out some of the restaurants that are a short walk away from Pension Aristizabal, including La Cuchara de San Telmo (0.6 mi), Bar Nestor (0.5 mi), and Gandarias Jatetxea (0.5 mi). If you’re looking for something to do, Monte Urgull (0.6 mi) and Parte Vieja (0.5 mi) are a nice way to spend some time, and they are all within walking distance of Pension Aristizabal. The staff at Pension Aristizabal looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.

Great Location

Reviewed By Jirecarol

Located really close to train and bus station in a quiet area. A little hard to find so keep your eyes open. It is located on the 5th floor. Staff is quite helpful. Some rooms have shared baths and it can be a little noisy. The room with bath is pretty quiet however, for some it is worth the price.

9. Pension San Fermin

Fermin Calbeton 23, 20003 San Sebastian - Donostia Spain
Excellent
26%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
9%
Terrible
19%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 43 reviews

Pension San Fermin

Totally renovated, all rooms with private bath, air conditioning. San Fermin returns to give them the best.......In the middle of the Old Town,in Fermin Calbeton Street. where we offer , clean rooms, wifi, lockers, receptionist...Nice for groups. Full bathroom in each room.You could have sun, read a book quietly or feel the life of the town just whatching the people pass!

Average hostel stay

Reviewed By Celine799

The beds were unmade when we arrived and housekeeping only gave us only 1 clean sheet, we did not have 2 clean sheets for a bed sheet and a cover on top. We had to sleep on the mattress cover. There is also a bar right under this hotel that plays music all night, and we could hear it in our room. You have to pay €2 to rent a towel. However, the spaces are clean and there are lockers in the room with your own key.

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