We’re deeply intrigued by Spain’s mountainous Basque Country, so visiting San Sebastian-Donostia was a no-brainer. After all, what better place to enjoy our romantic second honeymoon than a resort town with lush hillsides and pristine golden beaches? With San Sebastián always having held undeniable allure, we were looking for an equally unforgettable place to stay. And that’s when we chanced upon San Sebastian Villa Soro, which was the absolute cherry on top of our Spanish vacation! Located just 10 minutes from the lovely Zurriola Beach, this newly revamped 19th-century Gothic mansion captured our hearts and bettered our romantic adventures.
Table of contents
A heritage mansion dripping with old-world charm
When we swept up the grand carriageway drive, we felt like we’d just entered the world of The Great Gatsby. Behind the gated walls and the gorgeously lush lawns sits a Belle Epoque mansion with a Tudor façade studded with stained glass. As we entered the marble-clad lobby, we were wowed by the palatial splendor of the entrance hall. Right from the marble floors to the original polished oak staircase to the brilliant lighting fixtures scintillating with crystals, we were mesmerized. On one side sits a beautifully preserved salon with crystal chandeliers, antique French furniture, and an ornate mantel and fireplace. On the other side is a stylish lounge that also contains the new sunlit breakfast room.
The chic and quiet vibe of Villa Siri Hotel San Sebastian got to us; it was just what we wanted for a quiet romantic staycation somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Considering that the hotel is right in the city, it was amazing how the sounds of the streets are just faintly audible during the day – and not at all at night. As the staff checked us in quickly and efficiently, we were able to peruse through a daily selection of English papers. That’s a luxury that shouldn’t be taken for granted in Spain, so brownie points.
Check Rates on:
Lush privacy and splendor in our private garden digs
Since romance to us means everything vintage, the rooms at Villa Soro were primed for amour. Our Garden Privilege Room was one of the best in the house because it came complete with – no surprises here – a lush, private garden. The door opened to a lovely patio with a table and two chairs, extending into a verdant space with plants, shrubs, overgrown vines, and two daybeds to soak in the Spanish sol. On days when we wanted to kick back, we’d order room service with delicious food and even better Rioja Alavesa wine. We’d enjoy them in our private garden, which offered splendid views of the grounds.
On the inside, the room was more luxurious than our imagination and came with carpeted floors, a rarity in Spanish hotels. The Nespresso machines with complementary capsules were our daily morning fix, and the minibars (with Lindt chocolates) were our go-to every evening! Of course, nothing topped the romance of the marble bathroom, where a vase of fresh flowers, slippers, and robes made our for-two bubble baths all the more sensuous.
Check Rates on:
A Sublime Regional Dining Experience
Food is a symbol of love when words fall short, and that’s how dining at San Sebastian Villa Soro is. It’s the sort of place where we could casually make our way down to breakfast as late as 11 am and find many others doing the same. Breakfast in the sunlit room was a delight. Think made-to-order and buffet dishes courtesy of an attentive staff, all as we gazed at the floor-to-ceiling arched French windows and the outdoors. Later, we retreated to the lounge and enjoyed each other’s company while reading books and a glass of the local ‘txakoli’ wine. One day, the staff was more than happy to bring breakfast to our room, which we enjoyed on the terrace.
Come evening, we’d dine on delectable light regional dishes like croquettes, cheese, and quince and Cinco Jotas ham served along with our favorite – Rioja Alavesa wine.
Check Rates on:
Relaxation à la 21st century
The rest of the hotel might be the Roaring ’20s, but the spa is decidedly 21st-century contemporary. In a city-break-focused hotel, the spa is a hit with guests here, including us. It’s housed in former meeting rooms on the lower ground floor, complete with a welcome area and treatment rooms. We maxed out our physical capacity roaming the old narrow streets of the city on this San Sebastian Highlights Walking Tour. Luckily, we’d pre-booked treatments at the spa. The best bit is that we didn’t have to fill out huge forms with endless questions. They asked us what we wanted and whether we were allergic to anything before starting with our couples massage and treatment in the elegant cabins. What’s even better is that they use utterly dreamy Anne Semonin products, which even include pregnancy-safe options.
Check Rates on:
Pros
- This villa hotel offers serene luxury in the heart of San Sebastian, complete with modern digs and amenities.
- It’s a mere 10-minute drive from the beaches, promenade, and city center of San Sebastian.
- Many Michelin-star restaurants are within walking distance of the villa hotel.
Cons
- It might get a little quiet for those who’re used to hotels in city centers of larger Spanish cities.
Conclusion
San Sebastian Villa Soro checks every box for an upscale, luxurious stay in the heart of San Sebastian. What’s more, it offers bespoke luxury while taking care to ensure that guests feel that they’re in an amazing Spanish resort town. For those who want a bit of adventure thrown in, they even have beach towels and posh bicycles that we could borrow. Wonderful digs, even better amenities, top-notch, thoughtful service, and delicious local fare – what more could we want?
Read Also
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is parking available at Hotel Villa Soro?
A: Yes, free parking is available to guests who’re staying here.
Q: Does Hotel Villa Soro have accessible rooms?
A: While all rooms are wheelchair accessible, there’s one room that has no architectural barriers. Also, all common areas are accessible either directly or via lifts.
Check Rates on:
