Gorka Room Mate, San Sebastián

Pros

• It's hard to get any more central than this hotel: it's right on the pretty Plaza de Gipuzkoa and within easy walking distance of La Concha and Zurriola beaches, the Old Town, and the San Sebastián Cathedral.
• The historic 19th-century building still retains original Belle Époque touches throughout, including intricate stained glass, wrought-iron balconies, and French doors. 
• The contemporary interiors feature nods to Art Deco opulence in the jewel-toned velvet furniture and brass light fixtures.
• Choose from three spacious room types, all including premium mattresses, high ceilings, herringbone parquet floors, and marble bathrooms.
• You can head down to the lobby bar for pintxos and cocktails in a stylish setting, which opens onto a terrace in warmer weather.

Cons

• The best views come with the rooms facing the plaza, which can be a little noisy.

Authenticity

Gorka Room Mate was opened in 2018 by the Madrid-based Room Mate group, after an extensive renovation transformed the historic Belle Époque building into one of the city's most stylish small hotels. You'll still find original period features like iron balconies, collonades, and stained glass, but the luxe interiors now read as contemporary with a dash of Art Deco (think jewel-tone velvets, marble accents, and brass light fittings). Look out for the creative nods to San Sebastián integrated into the modern redesign, including circular metalwork that echoes the iconic railings of La Concha promenade.

Location

An address on Plaza de Gipuzkoa puts you among the Belle Époque mansions of the Área Romántica, overlooking one of the city's most charming leafy squares. San Sebastián's historic Old Town (or Parte Vieja) is just over a block away, and you can stroll to the central Plaza de la Constitución and La Concha Beach in about five minutes. The train station is 10 minutes south on foot, and the 35-minute bus to the airport stops directly in front of the hotel. There's no parking on-site, but the hotel can help you arrange public parking just over the river in Gros, about a 10-minute walk away. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 33 air-conditioned rooms are elegant and contemporary, decorated in cool, pale tones with nods to the building's history in the high ceilings, herringbone parquet floors, and decorative molding. Doubles face the bright interior patio, while the larger Executive rooms overlook the square with French doors and wrought iron Juliet balconies. Duplex units add more space with separate living rooms. All rooms include premium mattresses, high thread-count linens, and sleek marble bathrooms with rain-style showers and eco-friendly toiletries. Some rooms are accessible, and all floors are reached by elevator. 

Amenities

You won't find the amenities of a larger hotel at this city center property, but the lobby's stylish Bar Gorka is a handy spot to enjoy a glass of wine and some pintxos (the Basque equivalent of tapas) amid plush Art Deco stylings. Downstairs, a daily breakfast buffet includes a thoughtful selection of local cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and traditional pastries among the more standard continental fare. The hotel also offers a small but well-equipped (and nicely lit) fitness center, and the front desk is open around the clock.  

Family-Friendliness

Room Mate Gorka Hotel welcomes children of all ages. Complimentary cribs and extra beds are available for those under 12, and you can request a room with a sofa bed for more sleeping options. The property is stroller-friendly, with an elevator to the upper floors.