Maria Cristina Hotel in San Sebastian.

Getty Images

Hotel Maria Cristina

San Sebastián


A wonderful example of belle époque architecture, the Hotel Maria Cristina was designed by Charles Mewes, the architect responsible for the Ritz hotels in Paris and London. It first opened its doors in 1912; the first guest was the regent of Spain, Maria Cristina. Today, anyone can enter the lobby and admire the understated luxury, or browse the items on sale at the Mimo San Sebastián Gourmet Shop.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Sebastián attractions

1. Plaza de Gipuzkoa

0.12 MILES

It might be called a plaza, but with its duck pond, flower beds and many trees this tiny square is as much a formal garden park as a city plaza. It was…

2. Plaza de Gipuzkoa

0.12 MILES

Designed in 1877 by French landscape artist Pierre Ducasse, who also created the Jardines de Miramar, this little park is one of San Sebastián's loveliest…

3. Kursaal

0.18 MILES

Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…

4. Parque de Alderdi Eder

0.27 MILES

One of the most attractive and enjoyable little outdoor spaces in San Sebastián, the Parque de Alderdi Eder is actually more of an elongated plaza shaded…

5. Plaza de la Constitución

0.27 MILES

One of the Basque Country's most attractive city squares, the Plaza de la Constitución was built in 1813 at the heart of the old town on the site of an…

6. Iglesia de San Vicente

0.28 MILES

Lording it over the Parte Vieja, this striking church is thought to be the oldest building in San Sebastián. Its origins date to the 12th century, but it…

7. Ayuntamiento

0.29 MILES

San Sebastián's town hall is an impressive configuration of belle époque towers and domed ceilings that stands proudly at the meeting point between Playa…

8. Puente de Maria Cristina

0.33 MILES

Several bridges span the narrow Río Urumea, but by far the most impressive is the Puente de Maria Cristina. Opened in 1905, the belle époque structure is…