Since opening in 1912, the restored Hotel Maria Cristina has been closely linked to the history and cultural life of San Sebastian. Experience gracious hospitality on a grand scale in the hotel’s rooms and suites.
Decorated in a sophisticated palette of greys and white, the rooms are a quiet haven of luxury, style, technology and a dazzling range of services which, combined, make for an unforgettable stay.
Since it opened in 1912 the 136-room Hotel Maria Cristina has been intimately linked to the history and cultural life of San Sebastian.
In the late 19th century the seaside town on the southern point of the Bay of Biscay became a favorite destination for royalty and aristocrats who came to enjoy the sunshine and newly recognized therapeutic properties of sea bathing.
A traditional afternoon stroll along the boardwalk offered an opportunity to see and be seen while the many cafés and open-air terraces were filled with high society.
San Sebastian had passed from being a sleepy fishing village into a thriving cosmopolitan town requiring luxurious, modern facilities to meet the demands of its discerning guests.
Serendipitously this urban blossoming occurred at the height of the Belle Époque era, and today the majority of buildings flanking the famed La Concha beach, including the city hall, Victoria Eugenia Theater and the Hotel Maria Cristina, are constructed in this style.
The majestic design of the hotel by architect Charles Mewes, the man responsible for the Ritz in Madrid and Paris, combined with the property’s enviable river setting and sea views, resulted in it immediately becoming the favored accommodation for international high society.
In July 1912 the hotel’s namesake, Spain’s regent Maria Cristina, was the first person to cross the threshold. Over 40 years later, with the inauguration of the San Sebastian Film Festival in 1953, the hotel was still attracting big names - screen stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Woody Allen, Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Brad Pitt and Susan Sarandon.
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel's 136 elegant guestrooms are individually decorated in soothing shades of grey, turquoise, and purple.
Luxury Beds with custom pillow-top mattresses; and framed historical prints.
The three unique Royal Suites at the hotel offer enviable view of San Sebastian, and combine visual indulgence with luxury at the city’s most sought-after address, signature in the suites is the
imperial oval-shaped living room that introduces a state-of-the-art Bose sound system.
Combining contemporary style with original Belle Époque elements such as the ornate marble fireplaces, these suites are
the perfect juxtaposition of classic and contemporary. Artful black and white photographs add to their air of sophistication.
The same Suite Bette Davis stayed at is today dedicated to the legendary actress, Miss Bette Davis, whose classic films have graced the world resided at Hotel Maria Cristina in September
1989. Though out the suite, guest will discover a personal collection of pictures from her sojourn in San Sebastian as well as some of the most relevant films of the actress's career.
The River view Suites immerse guests in the singular elegance of Hotel Maria Cristina. Along with dramatic river viewsthese
alluring residences offer a spacious living room with state-of-the-art technology and an expansive bedroom.
Overlooking the sparkling river and beyond, the Junior Suites enrapture guests from every angle. The spacious foyer embodies the suite’s grandeur with a plush sofa and credenza, and leads into the living room.
Here, a harmonious grey, eggshell, and green palette provides a timeless backdrop for the suite’s enchanting blend of Belle Époque architecture and contemporary décor.
Extra Spacious rooms with one king bed and up to two extra children’s beds or cribs. With a flexible layout from families
of three or four, the room can feature up to two children’s beds or 1 extra bed and 1 crib. Adult and children amenities.
In a city where haute cuisine is one of the principal attractions Hotel Maria Cristina is at the forefront in providing exquisite dining venues where you can discover the Basque and international haute cuisine. Start your gastronomic journey with the best breakfast in San Sebastian.
Have a break in the Dry Martini Bar where the pintxos , and other light gourmet offerings are complemented by a full range of premium beverages. Alternatively, the extensive In Room Dining menu offers local, Chinese and international favorites.
Perfectly integrated in the elegant classic atmosphere of the Hotel Maria Cristina, Café Saigon is a unique space, with spectacular views over the historic Victoria Eugenia Theatre, offering a famed Asian menu, with specialties from Indochina, Japan or Vietnam amongst others. Natural fabrics, tapestries and
delicate porcelain pieces occupy every corner of the restaurant. The attention to detail, passion for things well done, using the best products and personalized service define the philosophy of this restaurant, a meeting place for locals and hotel guests.
Lunch13.00h - 15.00h Dinner 20.00h - 22.30h
Lunch13.00h - 15.00h Dinner 20.00h - 23.00h
Dry Bar pays homage to the days of glamour and its frequent Hollywood guests, such as Bette Davis, whose portrait sits at the center of the Bar. Located just a few meters away from the iconic
Playa de la Concha, Dry Bar is a sophisticated space where you can enjoy afternoon tea, classic and signature cocktails, and a wide variety of traditional Spanish tapas or main courses.
11.00h - 00.30h
11.00h - 02.00h
Savour Michelin starred cuisine from Chef Francis Paniego at this year's Pop Up Restaurant at the Hotel Maria Cristina.
You’ll want to linger each morning over a second cup of coffee while you take in the sumptuous 1912 decor and slice of San Sebastian history represented by the grand breakfast room. The tempting selection includes fresh fruit, Basque cheeses,
smoked salmon, a wide variety of hot dishes and, for Asian guests, Congee soup. All bread, cakes and fruit pastries are baked in-house each morning.
07.00h - 11.00h
The Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, free weights and complimentary fitness classes is at the disposition of the hotel's guests. Open 24 hours 7 days a week.
MEETINGS & EVENTS
Whatever your meeting or event´s characteristics, the hotel's specialists will take care of every tiny detail to make sure everything will be perfect and exceed your guest´s expectations. Working and doing business at the Hotel Maria Cristina will be a pleasure.
Conveniently located on the ground floor off the grand gallery, are the hotel’s three palatial reception rooms: the 282 square meter Ibaia; Elcano, which offers 206 square meters; and Zubia, covering 109 square meters. All rooms are filled with natural daylightand offer high-speed Wi-Fi plus the latest facilities for computer-generated audio-visual presentations.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
There are a thousand reasons to visit San Sebastian. Nature, its breathtaking beaches, its wonderful location in amongst the mountains, the beauty of its monuments and streets all in Belle-Époque style, the animated cultural life and spirit of leisure make this the perfect destination for a get away.
The Hotel is close to the historic city centre of San Sebastian, near the main attractions like the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, the Church of San Vicente and the Plaza de la Constitución.
Each building represents a period with co-existent classic constructions demonstrating works of the French court, along with Belle-Epoque style avant-garde buildings.
San Sebastian's beaches are one of the main attractions in the summer and have been recognized worldwide for its beauty.
High quality of its gastronomy is recognised and applauded at an international level and has accumulated as many as 16 Michelin stars.
Whatever your meeting or event´s characteristics, the specialists will take care of every tiny detail to make sure everything will be perfect and exceed your guest´s expectations.
San Sebastian is surrounded by mountains that embrace and protect the city, giving it a beautiful and picturesque appearance.
San Sebastian is a work of art outdoors, which allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of its landscapes and their unique works.
Luxury Collection service and the exclusive care of every last detail make the Hotel Maria Cristina the perfect choice to enjoy a unique experience, exceeding your expectations and those of your guests.
HOTEL MARIA CRISTINA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL
Paseo Republica Argentina, 4San Sebastian20004Spain