Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian

Just had a glorious 4 nights at the Maria Christina hotel. Having accumulated almost 1000 nights with Marriott Bonvoy around the world, it’s difficult to be overawed with any hotel but this hotel delivers on every metric that is important to travelers seeking luxury and elegance. From the moment we...

Just had a glorious 4 nights at the Maria Christina hotel. Having accumulated almost 1000 nights with Marriott Bonvoy around the world, it’s difficult to be overawed with any hotel but this hotel delivers on every metric that is important to travelers seeking luxury and elegance. From the moment we arrived and the Delightful Patricia greeted us, we were loving every moment of returning to this marvellous hotel. Here are the positives. 1. Front desk staff, especially Patricia with her warm smile and professional approach were perfect. 2. Rooms are elegant, quiet, and beds super comfortable. 3. Location is the best in San Sebastián. 5 minutes walk to the train station, bus station, Gros district, new town district and old town district. Pintxos bars, cafes, 5 star restaurants all are close by. 4. Fitness centre excellent. 5. Breakfast is beyond excellent. Service perfect, and buffet choice typically Spanish and plentiful, but the alacarte defies belief. So many choices such as omelettes with truffle or spider crab. Eggs Benedict were perfect too. 6. The lobby, the cafe, and the little gourmet shop adjoining the hotel are beautiful. 7. The staff. Everyone has a typical Spanish warmth, smile and professional approach. All this led by a very personable GM, Rafael who makes himself available to guests and leads by example. This is our fourth return to the Maria Christina and it keeps on getting better and better if that is possible. We will return and never hesitate to recommend the MC to our friends and colleagues.

We love this hotel! This is one of our favorites hotels in whole world! We were greeted warmly at check in by Julia and were pleasantly surprised to find out that we had been upgraded to a beautiful room 316 (amazing suite!) The staff is always amazing from housekeeping to...

We love this hotel! This is one of our favorites hotels in whole world! We were greeted warmly at check in by Julia and were pleasantly surprised to find out that we had been upgraded to a beautiful room 316 (amazing suite!) The staff is always amazing from housekeeping to concierge to bar staff to breakfast staff. For example at the Concierge, Minerva gave us some great new ideas as we had been to San Sebastian numerous times and all of her suggestions were amazing. She recommended Eduardo Chillida musuem and we loved it; excellent suggestion! Breakfast staff also are amazing and breakfast always is a highlight and this time once again we were left satisfied. Alesandro and Yescia (dont know if this is correct spelling she is a wonderful Peruvian woman) were all attentive and friendly. Lastly one cant come here and not enjoy a wonderful drink at the Dry San Sebastian Bar and once again service and drinks were superb! Luca was friendly and great. Highly recommend!

We do aim for outstanding hotels in lovely or interesting locations and when expectations are exceeded this makes a long journey so worthwhile. That is when I just have to post a review. However Concierge Mariana Rodriguez has been so excellent in the week before we have even arrived this...

We do aim for outstanding hotels in lovely or interesting locations and when expectations are exceeded this makes a long journey so worthwhile. That is when I just have to post a review. However Concierge Mariana Rodriguez has been so excellent in the week before we have even arrived this review is just about pre-arrival service and I will update it later. Hotels tend to be so occupied with existing guests that this level of service and thoughtful consideration is the exception. I will be editing this short review after my stay with an update. Mariana started off after first reaching out to me well over a week before our arrival by arranging an excellent transfer from our hotel in the city which we are visiting first, being an S class Mercedes. She has since put in a considerable effort with slightly complicated restaurant booking arrangements including for my wife's birthday. We were also pre-warned by Mariana about a major event in the city on our day of departure which could affect arrangements transferring to the airport. This is the first Relais & Chateau Hotel we have booked for quite some time. We used to book them regularly 30 years ago especially throughout France and they were always special. When a hotel is this good in advance, the anticipation of a lovely trip is heightened.

We had the best time in San Sebastian, and definitely our stay at Maria Cristina was unforgettable! We made yearly visits to various European cities and by far Maria Cristina @ San Sebastian wins hands down! The warmth, smiles and greetings from the doormen, to reception, to breakfast restaurant were...

We had the best time in San Sebastian, and definitely our stay at Maria Cristina was unforgettable! We made yearly visits to various European cities and by far Maria Cristina @ San Sebastian wins hands down! The warmth, smiles and greetings from the doormen, to reception, to breakfast restaurant were ever so friendly and welcoming. The waitresses at the restaurant always remembered our favourite drinks and our breakfast items that we ate consecutively for 3-4 days. Our beds were warm and inviting. Our room temperature were perfect and can be easily controlled within the room. We had absolutely no complaints of any sorts whatsoever. It was just perfect! Thank you, Maria Cristina! We hope to be back again!

We’ve stayed here 4 times. 1 before Marriott and 3 after. But never again, Our last stay cured us forever. Three things happened: 1. At check in we were asked if we were staying in San Sebastian for the first time. We’ve stayed at this hotel 4 times, the time...

We’ve stayed here 4 times. 1 before Marriott and 3 after. But never again, Our last stay cured us forever. Three things happened: 1. At check in we were asked if we were staying in San Sebastian for the first time. We’ve stayed at this hotel 4 times, the time before last in Feb 2024. NOT a hotel that cares about repeat business. 2. After driving 5 hours from outside Madrid, and with a full pintxos bar tour mapped out, we dropped by the bar at the hotel and without looking at menus, simply asked ro 2 Negronis. We were charged 25 dollars each. Maybe okay in Manhattan, but Spain? Insane mark-up. 3. On our second night the staff knocked on the door to offer turn-down service. We were both a bit indisposed from having eaten something a bit off at lunch. We said no to the turn-down, but asked that our 2 free water bottles be replenished (as had happened the previous night without charge or problem). The staff did not understand what we asked for, so reception called up and spoke to us in English. We explained we were a bit ill, didn’t need the full turn-down service, but would appreciate our water being replenished. 10 minutes later a man showed up at the door with 2 small bottles of water and said they’d have to charge us 6 euros each per bottle. We declined. So the hotel is beautiful and has a lovely location. But for 500 euros (550 usd) per night, the persistent Marriott nickel-and-diming really rankled. It’s not the money, but rather the attitude. You are not a guest, but a cash cow to be exploited. After all, it’s not like you will be a repeat visitor, right? So if you are well-off and don’t mind being relentlessly exploited (almost forced to buy their 15 euro a day wifi upgrade, no nespresso in the room, very high valet charges) , then go and enjoy. We will never/ever stay at this Skinner box of corporate cash extraction ever again, and will look to high-end Airbnb rentals instead. Shame that such a beautiful hotel, with such a truly decent and friendly staff, has been so totally ruined by a rapacious corporation. At the end of the day it is not luxury — collection or otherwise — it’s just Marriott. Yuck.

Even before we arrived in San Sebastian the staff at the Maria Cristina was extremely helpful in arranging to get our luggage from the Bilbao airport to the hotel (we had spent 3 days without our luggage - thanks Jetblue). Upon our arrival at the hotel the reception we received...

Even before we arrived in San Sebastian the staff at the Maria Cristina was extremely helpful in arranging to get our luggage from the Bilbao airport to the hotel (we had spent 3 days without our luggage - thanks Jetblue). Upon our arrival at the hotel the reception we received was fantastic - we were made to feel like old friends. Our rooms were gorgeous and the hotel location is second to none. I can not think of anything negative to say about the Maria Cristina, and I have no doubt that my wife and I will stay there next time we visit San Sebastian.

This place is the yardstick by which hotels should be judged Stunning historic building Wonderful cheerful and super helpful staff Gorgeous grand rooms with excellent bathroom and loveky views Only thing missing is tea/coffee The cocktail bar is superb as is the Vietnamese restaurant Gym is well stocked with cardio...

This place is the yardstick by which hotels should be judged Stunning historic building Wonderful cheerful and super helpful staff Gorgeous grand rooms with excellent bathroom and loveky views Only thing missing is tea/coffee The cocktail bar is superb as is the Vietnamese restaurant Gym is well stocked with cardio machines (although a rowing machine wouldn’t go amiss) and there are a few weight machines and a selection of light dumbells The location is perfect and the car valet service worked like clockwork The breakfast is superb with either table service or buffet or both and the crab omelette is to die for We loved our stay at this delightful hotel

This hotel exceeded all my expectations! The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly front desk staff. A special shoutout to Brian who went above and beyond to ensure my stay was perfect. He was simply amazing, surprisingly speaking my native language . The room was spacious,...

This hotel exceeded all my expectations! The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly front desk staff. A special shoutout to Brian who went above and beyond to ensure my stay was perfect. He was simply amazing, surprisingly speaking my native language . The room was spacious, clean, and the breakfast is delicious with a great variety of options. Overall, my experience was wonderful, and I can’t thank Brian and the rest of the team enough for their exceptional service. I will definitely be returning to Maria Cristina on my next visit!

We spent 6 days at the Hotel Maria Cristina using it as our base camp for exploring Northern Spain and the French Basque Country. An early 20th century Belle Epoque grande dame ensconced on San Sebastian’s river promenade to the southern Bay of Biscay, this Marriott Bonvoy Luxury Collection 136-room...

We spent 6 days at the Hotel Maria Cristina using it as our base camp for exploring Northern Spain and the French Basque Country. An early 20th century Belle Epoque grande dame ensconced on San Sebastian’s river promenade to the southern Bay of Biscay, this Marriott Bonvoy Luxury Collection 136-room property is a very regal establishment (upholding its royal namesake Maria Cristina who opened it in 1912) with excellent service staff, welcoming reception desk hospitality and accomplished 24-hour professional concierge support. The public rooms are very plushly comfortable, the living quarters elegantly furnished and the restaurants serve up quite satisfactory fare. To fully enjoy its top tier sojourning experience, try to settle into one of its top floor Terrace Suites whose french windows open onto very expansive furnished terraces with spectacular panoramic views of the broad promenade and gently flowing river below, the city architecture across the river, and a spectacular up-close view of the wide river mouth feeding into the scenic Bay of Biscay on the left. You may even be pestered by a cheeky visiting seagull that impudently beads its eyes at you from the terraces’ carved stone balustrades in hopes of a tossed crumb or two at sundown or sunset.

A gorgeous, luxurious hotel with friendly and accommodating staff, and the location could not have been better. Every part of the hotel--including our room--was stunning, and the breakfast is phenomenal. (We looked forward to it every day.) We can't wait to stay here again!

We stayed here 5 nights for holiday. We were lucky and were upgraded (thanks for AmEx partnership). The room was lovely and everything worked properly. The bed and pillows were exceptionally comfortable. The property has a lovely lobby and great common spaces. We enjoyed breakfast (which had an excellent variety...

We stayed here 5 nights for holiday. We were lucky and were upgraded (thanks for AmEx partnership). The room was lovely and everything worked properly. The bed and pillows were exceptionally comfortable. The property has a lovely lobby and great common spaces. We enjoyed breakfast (which had an excellent variety of options) and drinks at the bar. We even grabbed a table and caught up on email with a cocktail one evening. The only minor misses were (1) rooms do not have coffee makers and there is not a coffee station in the lobby. (2) we asked the concierge for a lunch reservation on our departure day, which apparently was made but we were not informed. Other arrangements made by the concierge were fine. I still give this 5 stars because I knew there would not be coffee in the room (thanks to other reviewers) and we had no problem finding a great place for lunch on our own. The concierge was apologetic for the communication error.

Beautiful hotel in an excellent location with absolutely top notch service! With our status we were upgraded to a river view room which was spacious and grand. We loved the high ceilings, juliet balcony and large bathroom. The room was a relaxing respite after busy days exploring the city. Breakfast...

Beautiful hotel in an excellent location with absolutely top notch service! With our status we were upgraded to a river view room which was spacious and grand. We loved the high ceilings, juliet balcony and large bathroom. The room was a relaxing respite after busy days exploring the city. Breakfast was included as a Bonvoy member, which comprised of an expansive buffet as well as an a la carte menu. One afternoon we tried a few menu items at Saigon, the Asian restaurant onsite. We enjoyed the food and environment. The onsite gourmet and gift shop carried unique gift items by local artisans, a nice change from your generic souvenirs. While we enjoyed all aspects of the hotel the service was what really stood out to us! Everyone there was so friendly and helpful, really going above and beyond. The concierge service helped us explore transportation options and book our return flights back to Madrid. We aslo asked for assistance on where to purchase an item due to some shops being closed on a Saturday. One of the concierges, Ginevra, went above and beyond offering to not only research options for us, but had someone go and purchase the item for us, later to be delivered to our room. We were so grateful for this extra step!

This has got to be the best service we have had at a hotel ever. It was a last minute stay (called ahead 15 minutes before and got a beautiful room).From before we even pulled up the valet attendants were there waiting to get our bags and park the car....

This has got to be the best service we have had at a hotel ever. It was a last minute stay (called ahead 15 minutes before and got a beautiful room).From before we even pulled up the valet attendants were there waiting to get our bags and park the car. Whilst they were doing this, I was bought into reception and checked in straightaway with ease. And offered a local wine which was a great touch. Staff gave recommendations for places to eat and lots of information about the town. We had a lovely meal which was booked by the hotel for us and had an amazing night in the town. Every single staff member is friendly and helpful. We were waited on hand and foot and made to feel special. We’ve decided we will be visiting again and coming back here as there wouldn’t be anywhere that could top the service we had. As the waiter who served us said “ this is now your home”. See you again very soon xxx

Do I have to leave?? This hotel is among the best we’ve ever stayed at. The rooms are elegant, the service outstanding , nothing could be better The hotel was able to upgrade us due to our Marriott status on arrival. The suite they put us in was gorgeous! However,...

Do I have to leave?? This hotel is among the best we’ve ever stayed at. The rooms are elegant, the service outstanding , nothing could be better The hotel was able to upgrade us due to our Marriott status on arrival. The suite they put us in was gorgeous! However, there was a technical issue during the night and they said we’d have to change rooms. I feared we’d be put back to our original room but instead they put us in an even nicer suite. I spent the whole trip feeling thankful and blessed- it really made our getaway shine. The rooms were Uber comfortable, the beds just the right of firmness. The breakfast that was included with our status was abundant and delicious. On top of all of this, the hotel is ideally located. The old town and the main square are an easy walk, and anywhere else you want to go they happily arrange a ride An extra tip: check out the gourmet store adjacent to the lobby. We went there several times to take advantage of their wines, snacks and souvenirs. You won’t regret it!!