What is Catalonia Donosti?

Catalonia Donosti is a Selected hotel located in San Sebastian, Spain. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Catalonia Donosti have?

Catalonia Donosti has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Catalonia Donosti located?

Catalonia Donosti is located in San Sebastian, Spain, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Catalonia Donosti?

You can view more details and booking information for Catalonia Donosti through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Catalonia Donosti | Selected in San Sebastian, Spain

Name: Catalonia Donosti
Address: San Sebastian, Europe, Spain
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Catalonia Donosti

Catalonia Donosti: A Michelin Key Selected Gem in San Sebastian

The Catalonia Donosti in San Sebastian, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests for its blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and exceptional service. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th and 18th-century convent, the hotel offers a unique stay with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, La Concha Beach, and the Cathedral.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Catalonia Donosti is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" rating from guests. Agoda reports an impressive overall rating of 9.2, and Michelin Guide guests give it an 18.5 out of 20, indicating a highly satisfying experience for most visitors. Guests frequently highlight the superb service, comfortable accommodations, and prime location as standout features.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about the hotel's stunning rooftop terrace, featuring a seasonal outdoor plunge pool, solarium, and a bar area that provides unsurpassed views over San Sebastian. The design, which blends the historical architecture of the old convent with a modern entrance and British-inspired interiors (featuring velvets, marble, copper, and dark woods), is frequently commended. Other key highlights include the excellent breakfast spread, a well-equipped spa and fitness center, and the incredibly helpful and friendly staff.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Catalonia Donosti are described as spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Many guests appreciate the thoughtful design elements, such as leather headboards, tartan blankets, hardwood floors, and accents in saturated gem tones. A standout feature in the bathrooms is the excellent shower, praised for its powerful water pressure. Rooms come equipped with amenities like espresso machines, mini-fridges, tea kettles, smart TVs, and ample toiletries. Certain room types, including junior suites, offer sea views and private terraces. Family rooms are soundproofed for a peaceful stay.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's buffet breakfast receives exceptional reviews, offering a wide array of delectable options to suit all tastes. Guests can enjoy local meats and cheeses, healthy items, baked goods, fresh orange juice from a machine, cooked eggs and omelettes prepared by a chef, and even a glass of sparkling wine. For lunch and dinner, the Aldapeta Gastrobar pays homage to Basque culinary traditions with touches of Catalan cuisine, utilizing high-quality local ingredients. While the breakfast is a bustling affair, evening crowds at the restaurant are noted to be smaller, likely due to San Sebastian's abundance of Michelin-recognized dining establishments.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Catalonia Donosti are consistently rated as exceptional. Guests frequently describe the team as friendly, helpful, professional, and amazing, going above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay. Specific mentions include the reception staff providing useful information and effectively resolving issues, such as retrieving forgotten items, and the cleaning staff being fabulous.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located on San Bartolomé hill, the hotel boasts an excellent central position, providing stunning panoramic views. It is conveniently situated within walking distance to major attractions such as La Concha Beach, the Cathedral, and the charming Old Town (Parte Vieja) with its vibrant pintxo bars and upscale shops. For added convenience, an elevator and underground hallways offer easy access to the main street and city center. Public transportation is readily available, with Amara-Donostia Station just a 7-minute walk away. The hotel also provides on-site parking for an additional fee.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests consider Catalonia Donosti to offer excellent value for money, with Agoda rating its value at 8.7. While the hotel provides top-notch amenities and services, room prices can fluctuate significantly based on the season. Rates might start as low as $94-$110 in the winter, but can exceed $350-$494 during peak summer months. The average room price is around $350, which is higher than San Sebastian's city average of $257, yet guests feel the quality justifies the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. A few guests expressed disappointment with the value for money specifically regarding the restaurant prices and atmosphere during dinner, especially when large groups of children were present. The bar area has been described by one reviewer as not feeling "terribly cozy." Additionally, although the rooftop offers spectacular views, it lacks a dedicated bar. Some reviews also mention that certain rooms might feel dark due to smaller windows and dark wall colors. Parking is available on-site but comes with an extra charge of approximately €25 per day and cannot be reserved in advance. Access to the spa also incurs an additional fee and has age restrictions, with children under 16 not permitted.