Silken Amara Plaza San Sebastián - Donostia

Stayed here 4 nights, after cancelling the room we had booked at the Barcelo Costa Vasca. Very nice hotel - room was a reasonable size, and the bathroom was good with lovely toiletries. Good price overall considering the time of year etc.

Yes its a 20 minute walk to the beach, but its a nice walk. And in the evening it was just under €5 in a cab home from old quarter.

The cafe was good, and non-smoking. The bar was good for a drink after a night out, but often we found it quite smoky which was quite unpleasant.

Didn't try the breakfast, so can't comment on that!

Well worth a visit.

We stayed at this hotel for 2 nights in early May 2006. The hotel is very good with large rooms and decent sized bathrooms. They have exceptional toiletries, which were replenished every day.

The only downside is the 20 minute walk into town - it is a very nice walk though. The main bus station is right beside the hotel, so it is very convenient. They offer car parking for a fee - just make sure you get your ticket validated each time you want to leave the car park or else you will get hit up for a hefty fee.

first up, this hotel won't give you a sea view. you may get a bus station view or a river view but it's a good 20-30 minute walk to the beaches. but the walk is a very nice one, along tree lined boulevards either by the river or through the city past handy pinchos bars and designer shops. it's great in the morning and a nice stroll home in the evening. if your legs are a little worse for wear after a few too many cervezas then a taxi will take you home for five euros.

the hotel is literally in the carpark of san sebastian's small bus station, great for heading to bilbao and back. my room backed on to it and while not a great view, it was very quiet and you could see plenty people going about their daily business on the streets below.

the hotel is modern, spotlessly clean, large rooms, very comfortable beds, good aircon and the staff were great with very good english spoken. rooms have good sized tv, well stocked minibars, large bathrooms with powerful showers over the baths, big towels, bidet, huge mirrors and plenty of marble. very nice.

all in all, a good hotel if you don't mind a little exercise

Just back from a three night stay at the Silken Amara. PLeasant enought rooms but have stayed in much nicer hotels in Spain for much less than the €130 per night the Amara charged. Reception staff were quite rude and disinterested. Breakfast buffett was big on selection but low on quality.

There is a big hole in the wall on the stairs which looks like it will never be filled in. No atmosphere, nothing exceptional about it. Location fine- I enjoyed the 20 minute walk to the city.

Overall it was fine but I wont be returning there.

The hotel is clean, modern, friendly, and easy to get to with a car. It is a very nice 30 minute walk to the beach along the river or a 5 minute cab ride. I have been to San Sebastian twice and feel the beach is a nice setting for a great town...not the other way around, so not having the beach at my doorstep wasn't a big deal for me.

One of the best things about the hotel was that is was adjacent to the bus station which was super convenient if you are planning to go to Bilbao on a day trip (about an hour ride on the bus). No small consideration if you have limited time.

P.S. Skip breakfast. Plenty of cheaper and at least as good places all around the neighborhood.

Room was very clean and comfortable as was the bathroom. Reception staff were fine. The hotel is located right beside the main bus station with buses going to Bilbao Pamplona Madrid. The one downside to the hotel is the location its a good 20 minute walk at least to the beach and old town.

my boyfriend & i just returned from san sebastian, spain & had a wonderful time. the silken amara hotel is not on the beach nor centrally located, but is a good deal for the money. it is only a 15 minute walk to the beach or a $5 taxi to the beach/old town. the rooms are modern, a decent size for europe and clean. the front desk personal are extremely helpful and spoke english well. the tapas places in the old town are a great deal for lunch or dinner, they are about the only thing open at lunch time. brush up on your spanish, it will make your trip easier. also try the "thalassotherapy" at the la perla spa, very cool experience. also, be sure to take a beach towel with you when you go to the beach, it is hard to find them for sale around the beach oddly enough. san sebastian is a great vacation spot, but you can do it all in 4-5 days.