Historical Traveler Reviews of Pension Bellas Artes San Sebastián - Donostia
As wonderful as advertised.
from wyb
We booked based on previous reviews in Trip Advisor and we were not disappointed. Leire and her mother Maricarmen were lovely -- welcoming and enthusiastic about San Sebastian. They went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and, as others have pointed out, gave us impeccable recommendations for pintxos and sightseeing. Leire goes far beyond the norm to ensure her clients are comfortable. The rooms were clean and comfortable and well-appointed. The Internet was down -- the router was having problems -- but Leire was able to recommend nearby hotspots so that wasn't a big issue. One evening she volunteered to keep an eye on our (not so small) children while we had a quick post-dinner drink. Altogether a wonderful experience.
A great introduction to the city
from NewYorkJosh
We stayed for just one night on a quick trip through the Basque country and found the Pension - and more importantly, it's two prorietresses - to be just as great as the other reviews had promised. The mother and daughter who run the place went far out of their way to help us get oriented to the city (e.g., mapping out the best places to go for Pinxtos, helping my friend find vegetarian food in the city, etc.) and made this part of our trip feel like a true vacation. The place itself is cute - not luxurious, but prettier than we had a right to expect at the price (stone wall in the room, view out onto a picturesque street below), and totally clean, etc. Free internet was also a boon. You'd do well to stop your search and just stay here!
Non ci sono parole
from travellingmamabear
Ci siamo imbattuti in questo gioiello inaspettato durante la nostra frenetica visita a San Sebastian. Ogni aspetto della nostra vacanza č stata arricchita dal nostro breve soggiorno qua. Il comfort, la posizione e la personalitŕ della proprietaria sono tutti di prima qualitŕ. Č uno di quei posti da cui non vorresti mai andartene.
Beyond words
from travellingmamabear
we stumbled onto this unexpected gem on our whirlwind visit to San Sebastian. Every aspect of our stay was enriched by our short time here. Comfort, location and the personality of the proprietor are all top quality. one of those places you would like to keep to yourself.
Un posto fantastico
from JCahillane
Abbiamo soggiornato qui per 3 notti e l'abbiamo trovato adorabile. Si trova in fondo alla strada rispetto al centro cittŕ. La camera era grande. Non riuscivamo a credere che fosse un due stelle. La madre e la figlia che gestiscono il posto sono due bellissime persone. Non ho trovato alcun difetto in questo hotel.
Great place to stay
from JCahillane
Stayed here for 3 nights and loved it. It's located just down the road from the city centre. The room we had was a grand size. Can't believe it's a two star. The mother and daughter running are two of the nicest people you could meet. Couldn't fault the place.
Lovely pension and wonderful hospitality
from PON
When checking in the Pension, I felt that I might stay at the designer Hotel. Room is very clean and has cozy atmosphere. This pension is not only to sleep but also to relax. This pension has 2 star formally, but I want to give 3 or 4 star. It is managed by daughter (Laire) and mother, and they are very kind. Especially Laire speaks English frequently, and she can give various advice of a recommended restaurant or tourist attraction in San Sebastian. It is located in a center of town and 7 min walk from railway station.
Very Nice
from ableson
This Daughter and Mom run Pension is a home away from home, they make you feel like your part of the family. The Pension is very clean and affortable for the budget mined travelers. Its a few blocks from the beach and the downtown shops, but this is not a problem for most travelers if the place is as nice as stated. We spent 2 days at the Pension and the 10 rooms she rents out where all full, so book well in advance of traveling to this location. They have a small kitchen that you can use if you so like.
Excellent service, friendly environment, wonderful surprise!
from Christianna78
Mother and daughter manage this small pension, which offers comfortable and cosy rooms, with carefully selected bed covers and fresh flowers in every room. The rooms are so clean that you forget you are in a pension. The two wonderful ladies (the daughter speaks fluent english) immediately make you feel as if you are part of the family. We had been on the road for almost a month across Europe and we didn't feel so welcome in any other place! They literally take personal care of every customer and give the best tips for restaurants & sightseeing for their elegant basque capital as well as the whole region. I would recommend this pension to anyone. Keep in mind that breakfast is not available, but there are cafes you may chose nearby.
Christianna & Tassos
Greece
Great Pension!
from urbancocoa
A friend and I stayed at the Pension Bellas-Artes for 4 nights on a recent trip to San Sebastian. I would highly recommend it for budget to mid-range travelers. The pension is small (under 10 rooms) and so is very personable. Each room is very clean, nicely decorated and has its own private bathroom. It is in a great location - 1 block from the train station, a 10 min. walk to the bus station and an easy 15 min. walk to the beach. The owner, Leire (who is fluent in English), is fabulous and was great help planning excursions, choosing restaurants and going shopping! She really went out of her way to make our trip enjoyable. Some other selling points are that there is a public computer with Internet access, a small kitchenette, and an elevator.
San Sebastian accommodations are pricey in general because it is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. But, for Sanse this place is a great, affordable find and good for a range of travelers (while we were there there were backpackers, older couples, couples with children, and a famous Spanish dancer!). My only complaint is that the pension is on a main street, so the rooms facing the street can get loud. If noise is an issue for you, request one of the 2 inside rooms or bring earplugs and you'll be fine:)
