Catalonia Donosti, San Sebastián

Kimkim team favorite · 5.0 (6 reviews) · Comfort
Historic hotel with a rooftop pool and panoramic views over La Concha beach, plus a spa, bar, and restaurant.

Overview

Catalonia Donosti is a boutique hotel in an old convent from the 17th and 18th centuries. Completely refurbished, the hotel offers 128 spacious rooms with an elegant and stately atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an on-site bar, restaurant, wellness area and spa, parking, and meeting rooms. The swimming pool is on a rooftop terrace providing panoramic views over La Concha Beach, the Cathedral, and the city center.

Kimkim's Take

Adam
Adam Gomez kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, November 2024 (Learn more)
Pros
  • The hotel is located in a peaceful neighborhood of San Bartolomé. It offers easy access to San Sebastián's major sites, including a short walk to the Buen Pastor Cathedral and Concha Beach.
  • The rooftop plunge pool provides panoramic views of San Sebastián, the central cathedral, and the Cantabrian Sea. The bar is open seasonally.
  • Rooms blend modern design with historic architecture, featuring English country house decor and unique reconstructed stone walls.
  • The on-site Aldapeta Gastrobar serves Basque and Catalan dishes with city and church views, offering a breakfast buffet and a full menu for lunch and dinner.
  • The spa includes a Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, offering complimentary access for certain room types.
Cons
  • Since the hotel is on a hill, walking up the street requires a little more effort. 
  • Some rooms may not have a beach view, so book early if you prefer the coastal vistas.

Authenticity

Catalonia Donosti is a unique blend of modern design and historical charm, as it is situated on the site of a 17th-century convent. The hotel's entrance incorporates the convent's original three towers and restored central church, providing a glimpse into the past. The interior design takes inspiration from an English country home, featuring velvet fabrics, marble, copper, and dark wood, harmonizing with the reconstructed stone walls and columns. This thoughtful blend of old and new creates an ambiance that respects the site's history while offering contemporary comforts. 

Location

Set atop San Bartolomé Hill, the hotel is right in the center of San Sebastián on a natural viewpoint, providing you with city and seaside views. If you're walking, you'll have to climb the slight hill, but the tradeoff is tucked away on a quiet street. Still, you'll be less than 10 minutes by foot from the cathedral and only seven minutes from La Concha Beach.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms at Catalonia Donosti exude an English country house vibe, with leather benches, velvet or leather headboards, tartan blankets, and floral wallpaper. Room options range from Single Rooms with sea views to spacious Suites with separate living areas. Bathrooms are well-appointed, with walk-in showers, bidets, and ample counter space. Some rooms offer panoramic sea views, and the Terrace Rooms and Junior Suites include complimentary spa access.

Amenities

Besides its historical setting, the big highlight of Catalonia Donosti is its rooftop terrace, complete with a sun deck, seating, an outdoor pool, and incredible views. Other amenities include a gym, on-site parking, and a spa with massage cabins, a steam bath, a cold water pool, shower sensations, and more. You can also lounge or work in the hotel library.  

Family-Friendliness

Catalonia Donosti welcomes children of all ages. Children under three can stay for free, those aged three to 11 get charged a child rate, and those over 11 are considered adults. Family rooms are available; some have bunk beds or extra twin beds. 

Other Highlights

When hungry, head to the Aldapeta Gastrobar, serving traditional dishes with local and quality products and avant-garde touches. There's also a hotel bar and a generous breakfast buffet with more than 100 products. 


 

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34 943 44 42 94
Hotel address icon 9 Alto San Bartolome Kalea

Traveler Reviews

6 total ratings, 4 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.6
Location
4.8
Staff
5.0
Cleanliness & Comfort
5.0
Adam
Adam G.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Dec 05, 2024
This elegant hotel combines historical and modern touches. It has a beautiful entrance with a high ceiling and a welcoming lounge. My room had views of Concha Beach and windows that opened for fresh air. It was modern with local touches. The room was big, and the bed was comfortable. There is a rooftop pool with views of the old town and the beaches, a gym, and a spa. The breakfast buffet had a variety of options for vegans and meat eaters. There is a parking garage under the hotel with... Read more

This elegant hotel combines historical and modern touches. It has a beautiful entrance with a high ceiling and a welcoming lounge.

My room had views of Concha Beach and windows that opened for fresh air. It was modern with local touches. The room was big, and the bed was comfortable. There is a rooftop pool with views of the old town and the beaches, a gym, and a spa.

The breakfast buffet had a variety of options for vegans and meat eaters. There is a parking garage under the hotel with convenient access and an elevator to the lobby.

I am a kimkim staff member and was on a work trip when I stayed at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
It was a former convent and still has local touches from the area!
Location
It offers amazing views of the city from the hill. A 5-10 minute walk to the cathedral and beach
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was clean and modern!
Stayed in November 2024
K
Kirk I.
Campbell, CA | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2023

Great location and facilities. The spa was amazing.

Stayed in July 2023
Jessica
Jessica M.
Bridgewater, NJ | Reviewed on May 19, 2023
This hotel was phenomenal, definitely the most luxurious/nicest amenities. We loved spending time on the rooftop terrace with a pool and plenty of seating. Wonderful location, walkable to the beach, the old town, and our local hiking. Absolutely fantastic daily breakfast! Read more

This hotel was phenomenal, definitely the most luxurious/nicest amenities. We loved spending time on the rooftop terrace with a pool and plenty of seating. Wonderful location, walkable to the beach, the old town, and our local hiking. Absolutely fantastic daily breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
RICARDO
RICARDO R.
Rockledge, FL | Reviewed on Sep 12, 2022
The hotel is centrally located. The staff is friendly. The room was spacious with a good sized bath. The breakfast buffet is excellent. Read more

The hotel is centrally located. The staff is friendly. The room was spacious with a good sized bath. The breakfast buffet is excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2022

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +34 943 44 42 94
Hotel address icon 9 Alto San Bartolome Kalea