Villa Soro, San Sebastián

Pros

• You'll stay in a beautifully renovated 19th-century heritage villa with plenty of period touches, including a carved oak staircase, stained glass windows, and a chapel.
• The hotel offers amenities like a gym with weights and cardio equipment, free bikes, and a beautiful garden with an outdoor bar and terrace serving cocktails, wine, tea, breakfast, and traditional snacks.
• Enjoy other meals and downtime at the villa's restaurant, Eguzki Soro, which serves delicious regional products and Basque cuisine in a relaxed setting.
• The rooms blend modern and historic with cozy countryside decor and furnishings, plus pretty tiled bathrooms.

Cons

• The Old Town is a 30-minute walk away, including a section on a busy road. 
• Villa Soro doesn't have a pool. 
• Travelers staying on the first floor may hear noise from the reception and lobby (or street noise).

Authenticity

Villa Soro, originally built as a home for a British family in the 19th century, exudes old-world charm and historical significance. As part of the Historical Heritage of San Sebastián, the hotel has period touches such as fireplace lounges, a carved oak staircase, and stained glass windows throughout the property. The hotel showcases artwork by renowned Basque artists like Jorge Oteiza and Chillida, adding to its ambience and connection to the local culture.

Location

Located amid beautiful gardens and set back from the main road, Villa Soro is a 10-15 minute walk from San Sebastián's city center and about 30 minutes (on foot) from the Old Town and La Concha Beach. Though any route must start on a fairly busy street, you'll eventually reach the trendy surf neighborhood of Gros, which is filled with restaurants and shops and located right on Zurriola Beach. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's rooms extend across both the original home and the converted stables, offering a variety of options. Each is warm, cozy, elegantly decorated, and charming—some have terraces, private gardens, or views of the stately homes in the Ulía neighborhood and the hills. The bathrooms are spacious and well-appointed, maintaining the property's historical charm with black and white tiling while still providing modern comfort.

Amenities

Relax in the cozy Londaiz Room with a fireplace and natural light, or work out in the hotel's gym featuring a full set of weights, strength training equipment, and cardio machines. For added convenience, free bikes are available to explore the area. And when ready to unwind, relax in Villa Soro's spa with various treatments and massages.

Family-Friendliness

With its large gardens and residential location, Villa Soro is a logical choice for families. Kids up to age four stay for free, and cots or cribs can be added to their rooms at no extra charge; adding a cot for kids aged 5-10 has an additional fee, and the rate goes up for kids aged 11 or older. There's a babysitting service for a fee, and the hotel is stroller-friendly.

Other Highlights

Villa Soro's Eguzki Soro bar and garden are designed to resemble an English cocktail bar and delicatessen. The space includes an elegant dining room with a fireplace, large arched French windows facing the gardens, and a second dining room with wood-paneled walls and parquet floors. Breakfast is served here, either as a buffet or a la carte, and later, a full bar opens, serving drinks and snacks until late.