Lasala Plaza Hotel in San Sebastián, Spain

SDSan Sebastián Boutique Hotels › Lasala Plaza Review
Updated: May 12, 2022

Essentials
• Location: Plaza Lasala, facing the marina.
• Hotel website: lasalaplazahotel.com
• Hotel phone: +34 943 547 000
Check prices for Lasala Plaza

Review of Lasala Plaza Hotel in San Sebastián, Spain.

The beautiful Lasala Plaza hotel is located in a century-old building facing the marina, with modern and comfortable rooms packed with gadgets and a magnificent rooftop terrace and pool.

Lasala Plaza – Stylish boutique hotel on the harbor with the best roof terrace in town.

Everything about relative newcomer Lasala Plaza is exquisite: from the pleasing interior design that borrows motifs from the city and the sea, to its fortunate location in the Parte Vieja, wedged between the harbor and a graceful plaza. The second you walk into either of the entrances – via the lobby on Plaza Lasala or via the restaurant on the walkway along the harbor – you realize you’ve found something special. The building itself is a Belle Époque beauty from 1917 and the interiors, decked out in fashionable marble and velvet, ooze a sophisticated glamor. And the beauty is not just skin-deep; the hotel’s rooms have been thoughtfully kitted out with lots of luxuries. But rather than being a fashionable flash-in-the-pan, Lasala Plaza already feels firmly embedded in San Sebastián life. It commemorates the classic Donostia, especially with its divine roof terrace with panoramic views and excellent restaurant by a popular local chef.

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Lasala Plaza – Location

  • Address: Plaza Lasala, 2, San Sebastián.
  • Nearest Bus: Local buses can be caught on the Boulevard (0.2 mile).
  • Area: The hotel is in the Parte Vieja (old town), right on the puerto (port). It’s the absolute best place for first timers as it is packed with attractions (La Bretxa market, the harbor, Aquarium, stunning Plaza de la Constitución, San Telmo Museum, historic churches, and Mount Urgull with its hilltop castle-museum, to name a few), and it has the most concentrated number of pintxo (pin-cho) bars in the city.
  • How to Get There: From San Sebastián Airport, the hotel is approximately 30 minutes (13 miles) via car or 60 minutes via public transport. From Bilbao Airport, the hotel is approximately 90 minutes (62 miles) via car or public transport. If taking public transport, you’ll either come into the main bus station (Donostiako Autobus Geltokia) and the long-distance (Renfe) Donostia-San Sebastián train station (0.8 mile), which are beside each other on the east side of the River Urumea, or the Amara regional train station (0.8 mile) just south of the Área Romántica.
  • Handy to: La Concha Bay, Aquarium, Monte Urgull.

Lasala Plaza – The Basics

  • Ages: The hotel welcomes all ages and is child-friendly. Under 5s stay free, and there is a cheaper breakfast rate for the under 11s. Childcare can be arranged (extra cost). The Deluxe Double and Premium Double rooms can sleep up to 4 people, and there are interconnecting rooms. Restaurant La Jarana offers food options for children.
  • View: Rooms either have a view of the port and La Concha Bay or of Plaza Lasala in the Parte Vieja. The roof terrace offers 360-degree panoramas of the sea and old town.
  • Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools or jacuzzis.
  • Laundry: Laundry services available (extra charge).
  • Parking: There is no garage in the immediate vicinity, but the hotel offers valet parking (€33/day).
  • Extras: Breakfast in bed, 24-hour concierge, soundproof rooms, guests-only roof terrace with pool and sun loungers, international channels, personalized minibars.
  • When to Book: Book well ahead (3-6 months) if you’re planning on coming during one of the city’s major festivals (January, August, September, December), during high season (May-October), or over Christmas.
  • How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
  • Phone: +34 943 547 000
  • Email: info@lasalaplazahotel.com
  • Website: lasalaplazahotel.com

Lasala Plaza – Amenities

  • Pool: There is a small, guests-only rooftop swimming pool (open March-December) surrounded by sun loungers and tables. A rooftop bar opens in the evenings during the summer months.
  • Spa: The hotel organizes treatments with nearby spa Massay, a 9-minute walk (0.5 mile) away. The hotel also gets special rates at the famous La Perla spa/fitness center.
  • Fitness Center: No fitness center, but there are several gyms nearby. The hotel gets special rates at the famous La Perla spa/fitness center.
  • For Disabled Guests: The hotel is fully wheelchair accessible – including 2 fully accessible Historical rooms with grab rails and roll-in showers – and the building has an elevator to all floors.
  • For Families: Under 5s stay free, and there is a cheaper breakfast rate for the under 11s. Childcare can be arranged (extra cost). Restaurant La Jarana offers food options for children.
  • Activities: Pampering treatments and massages are available via a partner business in the city, and the hotel offers several food-related tours in Gipuzkoa province.

Lasala Plaza – Food and Drink

  • Restaurant/Bar: La Jarana Taberna is on the ground floor of the hotel and some tables have sea views. It’s run by renowned chef Ander González of Astelena 1997 (see below under Restaurants). He aims to take diners on “a delicious tour of traditional Basque cuisine with a modern touch”. As well as local wine, beer, and cider, there are cocktails and hot drinks all day. There’s a pintxos menu and a daily 3-course lunch menu as well as an evening menu that changes seasonally, with dishes such as a starter of shrimp carpaccio with pistachio and berries, or an entrée of ribeye steak with fries and roasted piquillo red peppers. $-$$$$. Open from 10:30 am Monday-Friday, or 11:30 am Saturday-Sunday and holidays, and closes at 11:30 pm Sunday-Thursday or 1 am Friday-Saturday.
  • Lounge: There are comfortable seating areas in the lobby and on the roof terrace.
  • Breakfast: A full buffet breakfast is available for €27.40 (€14 for children under 11), served from 8-11 am in the breakfast room on the 2nd floor.
  • Room Service: Yes, 24 hours. From noon-11 pm you can order dishes from the restaurant; outside of those hours, there is a limited menu.

Lasala Plaza – Rooms

    Historical rooms overlook the Parte Vieja, while Sea View rooms overlook La Concha Bay. All can be arranged either with a king-sized bed or twin single beds.

  • Room Types: Small Historical • Sea View • Historical • Deluxe Historical • Premium Historical • Grand Deluxe Seaview • List of all Rooms
  • Smoking Rooms: Lasala Plaza is 100% smoke-free.
  • Best Room: The best room is the Grand Deluxe Sea View. It’s the only category with a bathtub as well as a rain shower and it’s pretty spacious (over 530 sqft) – given that this is a historical property – and has a large living area with plenty of seating. It is on the top floor of the hotel and the large windows offer wonderful views of the entire bay. That’s on top of the facilities all rooms share: king-sized extra long beds, 49″ Smart 4K TVs, Nespresso coffee machines and tea-making facilities, customizable minibars, climate control, and marble bathrooms with next-generation toilets, ionic hair dryers, anti-fog mirrors, and underfloor heating.
  • For Families: No family rooms per se, but the Deluxe Double and Premium Double rooms can sleep up to 4 people and there are interconnecting rooms.

Lasala Plaza – Local Transport

  • Walking: San Sebastián is excellent for walking and Lasala Plaza is well placed to explore most of the main attractions on foot. Within a 15-minute walk, you can get to everywhere in the Parte Vieja, Área Romántica, and Gros, and in 25 minutes, you can reach the Tabakalera in Egia or the Miramar Palace in Antiguo.
  • Tram/Bus: The city is served by local buses known as D-Bus and regional buses known as Lurraldebus, as well as long-distance coaches. Many D-Bus and Lurraldebus lines can be caught from the Boulevard (0.2 mile). Long-distance and international buses can be caught from the main bus station (Donostiako Autobus Geltokia), just east of the River Urumea at the María Cristina Bridge (0.8 mile).
  • Train: Regional trains come into Amara Station (0.8 mile), while long-distance (Renfe) and international trains come into the main station on the east side of the River Urumea (0.8 mile).
  • Taxis, Uber, Lyft: Taxis are well regulated in the city; there is an official tariff and only licensed companies are allowed to operate. Taxi ranks are numerous and there is one close to the hotel on the Boulevard (0.1 mile). If you need to book in advance, try Taxi Donosti, which offers a 24-hour service (+34 943 46 46 46).

Lasala Plaza – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

  • Electric Bike Tour – As San Sebastián sprawls along the coast (and over a few hills), electric bikes are a fantastic way to get around. The company, Go Local, offers free walking tours and bike rentals from their office in Plaza Sarriegi, right by La Bretxa Market, behind the main tourist office on the Boulevard. (0.2 mile).
  • Mimo – Located in the basement of Maria Cristina, this reputable company offers several high-end gastronomic experiences, including pintxo tours, wine tours, and private cooking classes. (0.5 mile).
  • Pintxos Like a Local – This guided tour of the historic center’s best pintxo bars is fabulous, with tons of fun facts and a good range of bars and local delicacies included in the price; the same company also does cider tours if you fancy getting out of the city. Tours set out from the cathedral, a 9-minute walk (0.5 mile) from the hotel.

Best Nearby Pintxo Bars

    There are hundreds of bars in this city and nearly all of them serve some sort of pintxo, aka the Basque version of tapas. Whether they come hot or cold, from the kitchen, pre-prepared on the bar, or grilled on skewers, the pintxos here are second to none; every local has their favorite place. Some are bar-restaurants, some are more like fast-food joints, while others are bars with snacks, but all of the picks below will offer amazing tapas washed down with good drinks. Pintxos are cheap, but eating several (plus drinks) can soon add up, so look out for pintxo-pote offers, where a drink plus tapas will set you back just €1 or €2.

  • La Mejillonera – This place is unmissable for its fresh mussels and patatas bravas washed down with a beer or wine. (0.1 mile).
  • Atari – Bar-restaurant outside the basilica with exceptional pintxos like artichokes with duck. Make sure to try the seasonal specials. (0.1 mile).
  • A Fuego Negro – Michelin-recommended trendy and avante garde pintxos; bookings and tasting menus available. (0.1 mile).
  • Borda Berri – A local favorite for its changing menus of fresh cooked small plates. Pretty much everything is great, but the risottos (actually made from orzo pasta rather than rice) are fantastic. (0.2 mile).
  • Txepetxa – Anchovies, anchovies, and more anchovies served dozens of ways on a slice of baguette. A fish lover’s paradise. (0.2 mile).
  • Bar Sport – A really traditional haunt and favorite among locals, who rightfully love the fried foie gras and txangurro (spider crab) crepes. (0.2 mile).
  • MendaurBerria – Don’t let the somewhat sterile interiors put you off: the flavors this place packs into its small plates are wonderful. (0.2 mile).
  • Rojo y Negro – Unlike many other places that only open for lunch and dinner, this place is open all day everyday (7 am-midnight) and serves pintxos as well as heartier mains and breakfasts. (0.4 mile).
  • The New Sansse – Contemporary pintxos as well as grilled meats and burgers in a trendy modern space. (0.4 mile).
  • La Espiga – This place might look slick and modern, with its distinctive wood and muralled interior, but it is in fact one of the city’s oldest bars and its food carries the mark of a generations-old family-run business. (0.4 mile).
  • Antonio Bar – A humble-looking place whose freshly-made pintxos delight. (0.5 mile).
  • Casa Valles – This place claims to have invented the ubiquitous gilda pintxo (a stick with green peppers, an anchovy, and an olive, named for the famous film), but don’t miss its other offerings; all are excellent value. (0.6 mile).

Best Nearby Restaurants

    The area is known for its extraordinary and creative high cuisine, and there are a handful of world-famous restaurants that have 2 or 3 Michelin Stars ($$$$) a short distance out of San Sebastián, including: Arzak (2.5 miles), Martín Berasategui (5 miles), Akelaŕe (4 miles), and Mugaritz (7 miles). But even if you can’t travel, there are several 1-star options in the city, including Amelia (0.5 mile) and Kokotxa (150m). Reservations are recommended at all restaurants in San Sebastián, especially when there are views involved.

  • La Fabrica – Chic, contemporary fine dining with a daily menu, tasting menu, and a la carte dishes amid exposed brick and copper walls. $$-$$$$. (0.1 mile).
  • Casa Urola – While this restaurant has been an old-town staple since the 1950s, it is only in the last decade that its plates have become artistic masterpieces thanks to Chef Pablo Loureiro Rodil. $$-$$$. (0.1 mile).
  • Bodegón Alejandro – Outstanding basement restaurant that does hearty Basque dishes with the best ingredients. Informal and friendly. The lunch menu is extremely good value. $$-$$$$. (0.2 mile).
  • Igeldo – Super-fresh fish and seafood at this friendly family-run joint on the harbor. $$-$$$$. (0.2 mile).
  • Astelena 1997 – Wonderful, refined Basque cuisine in a romantic modern dining room. $$$-$$$$. (0.3 mile).
  • Ni Neu – In the Kursaal, this place has a superb location and is a great place to dine any time of day. $-$$$. (0.4 mile).
  • Kata4 Oyster Bar – Specializes in oysters and champagne, but offers delectable entrées and desserts, too. $$-$$$. (0.5 mile).
  • Iturrioz – Classic city café-restaurant on the Plaza del Buen Pastor, opposite the cathedral. Pintxos as well as main meals and breakfasts. $-$$. (0.5 mile).

Nearby Cafes, Bakeries, & Confectioners

  • Galparsoro – Artisanal bakery in the old town where delicious bread, croissants, and local specialties roll out of the ovens. Arrive as close as possible to opening hours (8 am & 4:30 pm) to get the best as there are often lines out the door. (100m).
  • Koh Tao – Quirk, cozy cafe with graffiti on the walls, good brunch-style food, and excellent coffee. The kind of place freelancers love. (0.3 mile).
  • Otaegui – Historic confectionery, founded in 1886 and specializing in blocks of marzipan turrón and pantxineta, a Basque layered almond cream cake. The original store is in the Parte Vieja (0.2 mile) and there’s a café in the Plaza del Buen Pastor (0.5 mile).
  • Cafe IruBi – Traditional Italian café and patisserie with a wonderful array of baked goods and sweet treats. (0.5 mile).

Best Nearby Bars

    Had your fill of pintxos bars? Try one of the “regular” bars or clubs below.

  • Dioni’s – This so-called “Coffee Bar and Disco Pub” has been a stalwart of the Sanse scene for decades. Go for a gentle drink and pintxo on the terrace during the day, or party until the early hours every weekend. (75m).
  • Gu – In the iconic boat-shaped building on the harbor, Gu’s focus in the early evening is delectable cocktails – perfect for a sundowner looking over La Concha – before it turns up the music to party into the early hours. (100m).
  • Altxerri JazzBar – Cozy jazz bar in a cave-like basement. Live music, great cocktails, and late closing. (0.3 mile).
  • Bataplan Disco – World-famous club right on La Concha Bay, open year-round. Guests can enjoy its fabulous beachside terrace in the summer months. (0.6 mile).

Nearby Shopping & Cool Shops

    The 2 main shopping hotspots are Parte Vieja, especially Calle Mayor, and Área Romántica, in the streets around the Mercado San Martín (see below, under Markets). It’s worth bearing in mind that many shops – especially in the Parte Vieja – close for lunch from around noon-4 pm. Many places shut altogether on Sundays and holidays.

  • Pohorylle – Beautifully crafted and chic, these unisex canvas and leather bags are handmade in the Basque country from Spanish materials and natural dyes. (0.1 mile).
  • Casa Ponsol – If you want to get the San Sebastián look and don a hat (preferably a beret), look no further than this beautiful old store founded in the 1830s. (0.1 mile).
  • Perfumería Benegas – Run by the Benegas family since 1908, this must be one of the loveliest perfume stores in the world. As well as international brands, their own line of toiletries is covetable. (0.2 mile).
  • Alboka Artesania – For every weird and wonderful Basque souvenir you could hope for. Right on the Plaza de la Constitución. (0.2 mile).
  • SKFK – Sustainable and ethical womenswear brand that offers chic urban garments made from recycled fibers. (0.3 mile).
  • auka – Concept store selling fine things, be they clothing, perfumes, children’s toys, accessories, or simply objects of lust. (0.3 mile).
  • Loreak Mendian – This cult brand was born in San Sebastián, and there are separate womenswear and menswear stores. It shuns seasonal fashion by developing high-quality basics with a twist: bold zippers, odd materials like neoprene, luminous colors, and oversized scarves. Both stores are a short walk. Store 1: (0.3 mile). Store 2: (0.3 mile).
  • Mimo San Sebastian Gourmet Shop – This gourmet food shop is one of the best places in town to find high-end delicacies to take home with you or savor as they are, as well as English-language books on pintxos. The same company runs tours and experiences too (see above under tours). (0.4 mile).
  • Chocolates de Mendaro – Selling the wares of master chocolatiers from Mendaro, a town about halfway between Bilbao and San Sebastián, this place specializes in handmade truffles. (0.5 mile).
  • Pukas – These guys have been hand-crafting surfboards and beach bum apparel in San Sebastián since the 1970s and have a store in the Parte Vieja (100m) and a surf school/board rental shop in Gros (0.6 mile).
  • Room 278 – Trendy San Sebastián related graphic design slapped onto prints, canvas bags, mugs, and more. (0.6 mile).
  • Ezeiza Vinos y Licores – Wonderfully characterful old store that should be your first stop if you want to explore Basque wines and liquors. (0.6 mile).

Nearby Attractions

  • Parte Vieja: The city’s most charismatic neighborhood offers a grid of narrow pedestrianized lanes which create a convivial atmosphere for the city’s favorite pastime: pintxo-bar-hopping. The best streets for this are 31 de Agosto/Abuztuaren 31 and Fermín Calbetón, although there are places with wonderful food on almost every street in this part of the city, including on the magnificent Plaza de la Constitución, where you can see the original Ayuntamiento building, as well as the balconies-cum-viewing platforms from the days when bullfights used to be held here. The square is at its best (and busiest) during one of the city’s many festivals. Near the plaza are 2 of San Sebastián’s loveliest churches: the baroque Basílica de Santa María del Coro, with its unmistakable statue of the city’s eponymous martyr, Saint Sebastian, has a cavernous interior and interesting sculptures, especially the cross by Eduardo Chillida; and the Iglesia de San Vicente, from the early 16th century, which used to form part of the city wall. Its altarpiece from 1586 is overwhelmingly tall and the church is renowned for its stained glass. The San Telmo Museoa offers an in-depth look at Basque culture, which can feel impenetrable to the uninitiated, and there’s a fabulous restaurant inside. A couple of blocks from the museum is Mercado de la Bretxa, which dates back to the 1870s. Today, it’s split into different areas including a food market (see markets, below) and a mini-mall in one of the historic buildings. Everything in the Parte Vieja can be reached within a 7-minute walk.
  • Área Romántica: The so-called Romantic Area is the real heart of the city. It houses most of the administrative buildings, banks, chain stores, and traditional plazas for which the Spanish are famed, and on top of this, it has a graceful unified look, thanks to the excellent town planning and architecture built in this zone during the Belle Époque. To see this area in its full glory, simply stroll along the beachside promenade around Bahía de la Concha, where there is ornate ironwork and the beautiful Cafe del Mar, La Perla Spa, strangely exotic Parque Alderdi Eder, and Ayuntamiento (city hall). On the River Urumea side, there’s the wonderfully symmetrical Teatro Victoria Eugenia next to the glamorous 5-star Maria Cristina as well as the resplendent Puente María Cristina (Maria Christina Bridge). Don’t miss the 2 main plazas in this neighborhood: Plaza del Buen Pastor, which features the neo-gothic Catedral del Buen Pastor and the Basque culture center, Koldo Mitxelena Kulturunea, which has regular exhibitions; and Plaza Gipuzkoa, which features a verdant central square – complete with a duck pond – the regional council headquarters, and shops and bars sheltered under colonnaded sidewalks. Everything in the Área Romántica is within a 12-minute walk from the hotel.
  • Kursaal & Playa Zurriola: On the eastern side of the River Urumea is Zurriola Beach, where the winds whip up brutal waves, making the city a mecca for surfing. If this is why you are in town, head straight to one of the surf schools on the seafront to rent a board or find a teacher. Unmissable is the uber-modern Kursaal, designed by Rafael Moneo. It always has great programming for concerts, from opera and ballet to jazz and pop, as well as a tasty restaurant. Further east, you’ll come to the Sagüés sea wall, the Dove of Peace statue, and after a hike up Monte Ulía, the Michelin-starred restaurant Mirador de Ulía at a gorgeous look-out point. Mount Ulía also marks the start of a stunning coastal park covering some 32 hectares, which includes a section of the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage hike. It’s a 9-minute walk (0.5 mile) to the Kursaal, from where it’s a further 12-minute walk (0.6 mile) along the beach to the base of Mount Ulía.
  • Tabakalera & Around: If you arrived by public transport, you may have already seen the city’s premier culture destination, the Tabakalera, as it is right by the main national and international train station as well as the bus terminal. Set in a sensitively renovated old tobacco factory, the huge building not only houses free exhibitions and events, but also stores, cafes, and a rooftop lookout point with fabulous views. It’s set next to the Parque Cristina Enea with its rolling hills, exotic plants, and a dramatic pedestrian bridge over the train tracks. It’s an 18-minute walk (1 mile) from the hotel to the Tabakalera via the stunning Puente María Cristina (Maria Christina Bridge).
  • Puerto & Monte Urgull: On the peninsula jutting out of the middle of the city stands Monte (mount) Urgull, with the port cradled in its south-western corner. There are several routes up to the top of the hill but most people approach it via the path behind the San Telmo Museoa, the passageway beside the basilica, or via the puerto (port/harbor), where there are fantastic seafood restaurants, and the world-class Aquarium with its walkthrough ocean tunnel (complete with sand tiger sharks). Approaching Monte Urgull from here will not only give you the chance to check out the schedules for boat trips to Isla Santa Clara (the little island in the middle of the bay), but it will also bring you to Jorge Oteiza’s magnificent contemporary sculpture Construcción Vacía (Empty Construction). Up Urgull itself is a tangle of trails flanked with exotic fauna that lead to a fortified castle, Castillo de la Mota, which houses the Casa de la Historia, a city museum. There’s also a 40-foot statue of Christ, a chapel, and an ‘English Cemetery’. From the hotel, it’s a 7-minute walk (0.4 mile) to the Aquarium and a further 10-15 minutes to Monte Urgull’s summit.
  • Bahía de la Concha: The wide yellow crescent of La Concha Bay calls you as soon as you orientate yourself in the city: it is unmistakable and unmissable. If it’s a nice day, head straight to Playa de la Concha (La Concha Beach), which usually has crystalline aqua waters. A stroll west from the hotel along the glorious Belle Èpoque promenade will take you past La Perla Spa to Palacio Miramar (with its lovely gardens) and on to Ondarreta Beach in the Antiguo neighborhood (see below) via a dramatic pedestrian foot tunnel. Meanwhile, walking east will take you through the Parque Alderdi Eder, the de facto main town square, to the grand Ayuntamiento (city hall) and beyond to the Parte Vieja and the puerto (port/harbor). It’s a 2-minute walk (150m) to the port, 6-minute walk (0.3 mile) to the beach, 12-minute walk (0.6 mile) to La Perla, and 23-minute walk (1 mile) to Miramar Palace.
  • Playa de Ondarreta & Monte Igueldo: A walk around La Concha Bay to the neighborhood of Antiguo is a must for any trip to this city. The first place you’ll come to is the whimsical English-style Palacio Miramar with its lovely gardens – a favorite hangout spot for locals. From here you can either wander into Antiguo town, where there are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants clustered around Calle Matia, or head down to the beach. Walk west towards Mount Igueldo to experience the hair-raising antique funicular railway which zips up to the top of the hill for spectacular views, a couple of bars, and a small amusement park. Or, continue on the seafront path to get round to Eduardo Chillida’s Peine del Viento (Wind Comb), a wonderful cluster of statues that during rough seas really do appear to interact with the elements. It’s around a 25 to 35-minute walk to all these places.

Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores

  • Mercado de la Bretxa – These days, the market features a few dozen stalls in and under Plaza la Bretxa, but there’s evidence all around the plaza of its former splendor. The subterranean part of the market also houses a Lidl for anyone needing basic supplies. Stores around the plaza, like Aitor Lasa and Solbes, offer gourmet produce, specialty ingredients, and locally made preserves. (0.3 mile).
  • Mercado San Martín – While there has been a market on this spot since 1884, the modern mall is functional rather than fascinating. Nevertheless, there’s an FNAC department store as well as a food hall with stalls selling fresh produce alongside cured meats, cheeses, street food, and smoothies. There’s also a supermarket in the basement. (0.4 mile).

Lasala Plaza – The Hotel

The hotel is housed in a century-old building.

The Lasala Plaza hotel’s main entrance is on the Plaza Lasala. The building dates back to 1917.

The iconic city hall is just a block from the hotel.

The Ayuntamiento (city hall) is one block away from the hotel – visible at the end of the street. It is an iconic building and a great way to orient yourself.

The entrance is very striking.

The eye-catching entrance emulates waves and oars. The lobby is large and bright and has some cabinets displaying local luxury products.

The lobby is cozy and minimalist.

Eschewing minimalism, the lobby offers a comfy and oddly cozy place to hang out.

La Jarana Taberna has a seafront entrance.

The entrance on the seafront leads straight into La Jarana Taberna, the hotel’s bar-restaurant.

The restaurant has a warm tone and decor.

The restaurant is decked out in neutral, natural colors, with lights clinging to the ceiling like barnacles.

Small rooms are small but beds are big.

The Small rooms may be petit, but they have huge king-sized beds for full relaxation.

Sea View rooms are spacious and bright.

Sea View rooms are special, thanks to their large windows and yes, that view.

The large Premium Historical room can sleep 4.

The Premium Historical room has lots of space and can sleep up to 4 people.

The Grand Deluxe Sea View suite has the best view.

The Grand Deluxe Sea View suite has separate living and sleeping areas, as well as the best views from any room.

The bathroom has a bathtub and a rain shower.

It also benefits from a tub as well as a rain shower.

Mod cons include smart toilets.

The hotel’s rooms are packed with gadgets, from ambient lighting to climate control and smart toilets.

The roof terrace is spectacular.

If the hotel weren’t beautiful enough already, wait until you see the roof terrace in real life. It’s simply spectacular.

The restaurant exit is right by the port.

If you exit the hotel from the restaurant side, this is the view that awaits you.

Calle 31 de Agosto has the best pintxo bars.

The other way to exit is through the main entrance, which lets you out right into the Parte Vieja, a block away from this scene: the little plaza by the Basílica on the 31 de Agosto, one of the most popular streets for pintxos.

Pukas is a great place to shop for surfing gear.

Heading south from the Basílica is the Calle Mayor, one of the best shopping streets in the Parte Vieja. Look out for Pukas, the longest-established surf brand in town. Their shop in the Parte Vieja is a great place to get your gear before heading over to their surf school on Zurriola Beach and testing the waters.

Galparsoro is arguably the city's best bakery.

A couple of doors further south is Galparsoro, one of the best bakeries in the city, with different specialties on offer each day. Don’t leave it too late or they sell out. The hotel serves Galparsoro bread at breakfast.

Bullfights were once held in the Plaza de la Constitución.

Head into the center of old town and you’ll find the Plaza de la Constitución. It is the city’s main square when it comes to tradition, parades, or festivals. The attractive balconies, with their shuttered windows, once doubled as the spectator areas for bullfights.

Alboka sells quirky souvenirs.

On the plaza is Alboka, a quirky souvenir shop for all things Basque.

148 Gastroleku specializes in gourmet pintxos.

Opposite Alboka is 148 Gastroleku (sister restaurant to Atari and Gu), renowned for its gourmet pintxos and superb grilled meats.

Borda Berri is great for pintxos.

One block south from the Plaza is one of the best streets for pintxos: Fermín Calbeton. A great place to start is Borda Berri, which does mostly hot small plates freshly made to order.

Bodegón Alejandro serves rustic Basque fare.

On the same street is Bodegón Alejandro, an underground restaurant that offers rustic-but-classy Basque food.

Plaza la Bretxa and its market are always busy.

On the eastern side of the Parte Vieja is Plaza la Bretxa which is always bustling and is a great place for people watching. The current iteration of the eponymous market is in the middle, surrounded by the old market buildings.

San Telmo Museum is a must-visit.

A few blocks north of the market is the San Telmo Museum. Its architecture, which allows plants to sprout out of the holes in the concrete, makes it look like it’s a living part of Monte Urgull. It’s set in a pleasant plaza and has a fantastic restaurant.

Altxerri is a cute underground jazz bar.

Around the corner from La Bretxa and on the Boulevard is the super-cool Altxerri jazz bar.

The Kursaal building has interesting architecture.

From the jazz bar, you can see this eye-catching bridge over to the neighborhood of Gros. The ultra-modern Kursaal building, which hosts many international shows as well as the San Sebastián Film Festival, is unmissable.

Playa Zurriola is a year-round surfing destination.

Just behind the Kursaal is the start of Playa Zurriola, which has become a year-round mecca for surfers thanks to its excellent waves.

The Tabakalera cultural center is a great exhibition space.

South of Gros is the Egia neighborhood, home to the main train and bus stations. This photo is taken from the roof of the Tabakalera cultural center which is right next to the station. It’s free to wander around and offers awesome views of Mount Urgull.

The aquarium is an interesting attraction.

To climb Mount Urgull, you can either take the path that leads behind the hotel or walk around the harbor. Doing this means you can go via the amazing Aquarium.

Basque artist Jorge Oteiza's sculpture is remarkable.

Keep walking around the base of Mount Urgull from the Aquarium and within a few minutes, you’ll reach this remarkable sculpture by Basque artist Jorge Oteiza.

Mount Urgull offers panoramic views of the city.

Scale Mount Urgull and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. From this angle, you can just about see the roof of the hotel below.

Gu bar/club at the Nautical Club is great for a sundowner.

Back at sea level, as you walk along the seafront towards La Concha Beach, you’ll pass the odd boat-shaped building of Real Club Náutico (Royal Nautical Club), which houses various facilities including the Gu cocktail bar-club.

The city hall was once a casino.

Just past the Nautical Club is the iconic Ayuntamiento (city hall) in the Alderdi Eder Park. It was originally built as a casino.

auka is a cool shop near Plaza Gipuzkoa.

The blocks between the park and Plaza Gipuzkoa are filled with cool shops like auka.

La Concha Beach becomes Ondarreta Beach further on.

Back on the seafront, La Concha Beach swoops right around the bay until it becomes Ondarreta Beach in the Antiguo neighborhood. The ornate ironwork on the railings and street lamps are a perfect example of the famous Belle Èpoque style.

La Perla spa offers pools and jacuzzis wit sea views.

It’s worth pausing at the elegant Belle Èpoque complex that houses Café de la Concha and the wonderful La Perla Centro Talasosport, where there are several heated seawater pools kitted out with different ways to exercise and relax.

The Miramar Palace gardens are very graceful.

Walk around the bay far enough and you’ll come to the quirky Miramar Palace. Its graceful gardens slope down to the beach and are a favorite for locals to hang out.

The funicular is a fun way to go up the mountain.

Continue walking west towards Mount Igueldo and you’ll soon find the entrance to the creaking old funicular railway. It’s a wonderful – albeit terrifying – way to get up the mountain.

Mount Igueldo offers magnificent views.

Whether you ride the funicular or hike, it’s more than worth it to ascend Igueldo on a clear day for the views. Check rates and availability: Lasala Plaza

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