NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu

The online app was only mentioned to us on day three, so log in as soon as you get to your room. It has loads of information, lets you request pretty much anything you need, and worked much faster than calling, since no one picked up when we tried. We liked the room and thought it was very good, though a smart TV would have made it five-star. The location’s great, but it’s a 40-minute stroll to the old town. Staff service was uneven: some people were exceptional, while others were quite grumpy. The team were very welcoming to our GSD, and room service was fantastic. The hotel is good with dogs, but the GM dog rates are much higher than at other hotels we’ve stayed in across Spain and France, where they were half as much. Parking is expensive, though that’s understandable given the demand and limited space. Street parking is an option if you can find a spot.

We had the car, so the hotel being outside walking distance of the town center didn’t cause us any trouble. The rooms were a good size, and given how expensive San Sebastian can get, especially in summer, it was fairly good value. We stayed a few nights and really enjoyed it. If we return to San Sebastian, we’d definitely stay here again.

The reception staff were friendly and very helpful, and the area felt safe and quiet. It’s very close to the beach, although quite a walk to the old town. The hotel was spotless and the beds comfortable. Even with just our son as the only child we saw, it felt family friendly: the breakfast restaurant had a kids’ corner, and they left him a toiletries bag with a cute cloud sponge and strawberry toothpaste. The bathroom fan needs attention, as black mould is starting to appear. Parking and breakfast are overpriced, and breakfast choices are limited. For a family with a child, 45 euros for breakfast is too much.

We’d stay again for the neighborhood and the promenade’s easy access to town and the beach. Our stay was very pleasant, with spacious rooms, good air conditioning, and helpful reception staff. Dogs are allowed but aren’t meant to be left alone, though we did hear one barking at night. The walls or soundproofing also seem thin, as we could hear the neighbors talking and opening and closing doors.