Walk down the Paseo de la Concha in San Sebastián. You’ve seen the white railings. You’ve seen the emerald water. But look at the buildings. Most are grand, sure, but they’re mostly mid-century apartments or newer builds. Except for one. A lone, white, 19th-century survivor stands there like it’s holding a grudge against time itself.
That’s Villa Favorita San Sebastian.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle this place still exists. Back in the day, the coastline was dotted with these French-style villas. Queen Maria Christina and her court basically invented the San Sebastián "summer season" here in 1866. One by one, those palaces were torn down for more "practical" developments. Villa Favorita is the last one left. It’s not just a hotel; it’s the final witness to the city's Belle Époque soul.
The Room With The View (No, Really)
Everyone says their hotel has a "great view." Usually, that means if you lean out the window at a 45-degree angle, you can see a sliver of blue. Not here.
At Villa Favorita, the views are aggressive. In the La Concha Bay Panoramic rooms, the windows are essentially walls of glass. You wake up and the bay is just... there. It’s like living inside a postcard you’d send home to make people jealous.
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The design inside is clever. They didn't go for that stuffy, "don't touch the velvet" museum vibe. Instead, designer Rafael Sitges went with a mix of "I'm rich in 1890" and "I'm cool in 2026." Think 300-thread-count cotton sheets, iPads that control the blinds, and GHD hair straighteners on request, but all housed within walls that have seen over 150 years of history.
It's an adults-only spot. Basically, if you want peace, quiet, and a glass of local Txakoli without dodging a toddler in the lobby, this is your place. With only 23 rooms, the staff actually remembers your name. It’s intimate. Sorta like staying at a wealthy friend’s house, if that friend happened to own the best real estate in Spain.
The Michelin Star Elephant in the Room
You can't talk about Villa Favorita San Sebastian without talking about Amelia by Paulo Airaudo.
Most hotel restaurants are an afterthought—a place to get a club sandwich at 11 PM. This is different. Amelia has two Michelin stars. It’s located in the basement, which sounds weird until you walk in. It’s not a stuffy, white-tablecloth kind of joint.
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- The Vibe: It's "sushiya meets dive bar."
- The Decor: You've got Pulp Fiction neon signs and Darth Vader paintings.
- The Food: An "Italian Omakase" that pulls from Airaudo's Argentine roots, Italian heritage, and obsession with Japanese precision.
The tasting menu is pricey. Kinda very pricey. We’re talking over €300 before you even look at the wine list. But for foodies, it’s a pilgrimage. They use every part of the lobster. They serve a caviar, banana, and rum dessert that shouldn't work but somehow changes your life. It’s provocative. It’s loud. It’s exactly the kind of "breath of fresh air" a traditional city like San Sebastián needs.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
San Sebastián is a walking city. If you’re staying at the Maria Cristina, you’re by the river. If you’re in the Old Town, you’re by the pintxos bars. But if you’re at Villa Favorita, you’re exactly in the center of the crescent.
You’re a 10-minute stroll from the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. You’re a 15-minute walk from the Parte Vieja (Old Town) where the best cheesecake on the planet (La Viña) lives.
But the real flex is the Paseo de la Concha. Most people have to commute to this walk. You just step out the front door. At 7 AM, when the bay is misty and the only other people out are the hardcore local swimmers (the "Eguzki-zaleak"), it feels like the whole city belongs to you.
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The Reality Check: What Most People Get Wrong
Look, it’s not all sunshine and Michelin stars. There are a few things to keep in mind before you drop a month's rent on a weekend here.
- Parking is a nightmare: The hotel doesn't have its own massive lot because, well, it was built in 1866. They have valet, but it’s expensive (around €26-€30 a day). Honestly? Don't bring a car. You don't need one.
- Privacy is a priority: The terrace and lounge bar are strictly for guests and diners. If you’re looking for a "scene" where you can see and be seen by the whole city, go to the terrace at Hotel de Londres next door. Villa Favorita is for disappearing.
- Space varies: Some of the city-view rooms are smaller. If you’re coming all this way, get the sea view. Seriously. It’s the whole point of the building.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to stay or just visit for a meal, here’s how to do it right:
- Book Amelia months in advance: Don't show up at check-in expecting a table. It won't happen.
- The "Secret" Wellness: They don't have a massive on-site spa, but they have a partnership with La Perla, the legendary thalassotherapy center just a few steps away. Go there. Soak in the heated seawater while looking at the beach through the glass.
- Breakfast is a highlight: Paulo Airaudo designs the breakfast too. It’s not a soggy buffet. It’s a curated, high-end experience that’s included in the room rate.
- The Happy Hour: The cocktail bar has a happy hour from 16:30 to 18:30. It’s the most affordable way to experience the Villa Favorita vibe if you aren't staying there.
Villa Favorita isn't just another luxury hotel. It's a piece of San Sebastián's survival story. It’s the last of the "Gilded Age" villas, still standing, still elegant, and now, thanks to the food and the tech, actually quite cool. If you want to feel the history of the Basque coast without feeling like you're in a museum, this is the spot.
To make the most of your stay at Villa Favorita, download the official San Sebastián tourism app for real-time pintxos bar recommendations or schedule your La Perla spa treatments at least 48 hours before arrival. For the best photography of the villa's facade against the bay, head to the Alderdi Eder gardens just before sunset when the light hits the white stone perfectly.