Off Beat Guesthouse

Street noise went on until 04:00 on Fridays, and there was only icy cold water for bathing. The beds were bad, and there were only two toilets to share. I’d choose this place only if nothing else were available, or if location mattered more than everything else.

San Sebastián prices are ridiculous, and this hotel is fairly priced compared with others. The location is great, and the shared bathrooms were quite clean. But the room was tiny, with barely any wardrobe space, and the extremely worn mattress gave me a backache. I can’t remember the last time I slept in such an uncomfortable bed. The lighting was awkward too, either a big neon light or little dim ones. There was only a small window onto the patio, so airing the room was practically impossible. There was no reception or staff member to check in with, only phone contact. We booked through booking.com but weren’t sent the passcodes for the front doors and room. Luckily, someone helped when we called a number. Guests who pay a lot should get their access codes. If you want a good night’s sleep and a comfortable, relaxing holiday, don’t book here. I also don’t understand the ratings praising the decor, comfort, and welcoming hosts when it’s a self check-in hotel. Honestly, they seem fake to me.

Off Beat Guesthouse had a calm, peaceful feel, and the cozy room was spotless and thoughtfully decorated. The staff were warm and welcoming, and seemed passionate about their work. You can see the care put into every corner. I liked the original concept, with comfort and mindfulness in mind. A relaxing, more conscious stay in San Sebastián. I’d love to come back.

Being in the old town was hard to beat, though if you have a rental car, even the closest parking is a five minute walk and costs 20€/day or more. That’s manageable without much luggage, but parking any nearer seems impossible. The room was nice and the facilities were clean. The walls don’t block sound well, though there are rules asking guests to keep relatively quiet. The night I arrived, every bathroom had only freezing cold water, and it was the same the next morning before 9:30am. I couldn’t shower, as I was already catching a cold. I didn’t tell the “security guard” because it didn’t seem appropriate, but later learned that was who I should have contacted. The other numbers didn’t reach anyone working after hours, and one WhatsApp contact wasn’t even a WhatsApp number. I asked for compensation for the lack of hot water and still haven’t heard back. They made excuses, and it sounded like they probably wouldn’t compensate me.