Mendi Argia

Mendi Argia, a Michelin Key Selected property in San Sebastian, Spain, is widely praised as a charming and luxurious boutique hotel, offering an intimate atmosphere and stylish design amidst serene surroundings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

While the Michelin Guide itself indicates "No verified stays yet" for guest scores through its own system, the overall sentiment from other sources is exceptionally positive. Mendi Argia is described as a "sanctuary of respite, style and intimate hospitality" and a "small and luxurious boutique hotel" that acts as an "oasis of tranquility". Hotels.com gives high marks for cleanliness (9.8), and staff & service (9.8), and amenities (9.0). The property is lauded for its blend of modern design with historical roots.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently appreciate the hotel's stunning infinity-edge pool, which offers memorable views of San Sebastian. The meticulous and creative restoration of the early 20th-century villa by Openhouse Studio is a significant highlight, preserving original elements like the wooden staircase, antique stone archways, and a pelota court in the garden, while integrating a coolly modern and retro-chic aesthetic. The hotel's quiet ambiance and the sense of a warm glow, particularly when afternoon sunshine fills the elegant interiors, also stand out. Private wine tastings are also offered on-site.

3. Room Quality

Mendi Argia features seven or eight luxurious and spacious rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed. The rooms are described as quietly understated yet stylish, furnished with high-end pieces like Gervasoni chairs, oak writing desks, and BC2 wall lamps. A unique feature in some rooms is a Japanese-style black marble bathtub. Guests can expect comfortable beds, fluffy bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, and either balconies or terraces providing views of San Sebastian, the mountains, or the swimming pool. Room amenities also include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities. Specific suites like "Suite Ulia" offer a large terrace and a freestanding bathtub with city views, while "Suite Ulia Familiar" includes a kingsize bed and a sleeper sofa, making it suitable for families.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel provides a daily buffet breakfast, available for a surcharge of approximately EUR 25 for adults and children. There is also an à la carte restaurant on-site specializing in Spanish cuisine. Coffee and tea are available in the lobby, and the hotel offers options for private picnics and has a snack bar/deli. For alternative dining, Bar Adamo, known for Spanish dishes, is about a 16-minute walk away.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Mendi Argia receives high praise, with Hotels.com reporting a 9.8 rating for staff & service. Descriptions suggest an attentive and personalized experience, with guests feeling "waited on hand and foot". The hotel also offers multilingual staff and a 24-hour front desk to assist guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Ulia, Mendi Argia offers spectacular views overlooking San Sebastian and the Ziriolla Beach. It's situated in the Gros neighborhood and is considered a "green oasis" within the Ulia Natural Park. While it provides a tranquil escape just outside the city, the center of San Sebastian and its famous beaches are easily accessible, being about a 20-minute walk, or a 5-minute public transport ride away. The Donostia / San Sebastian airport is approximately 20-21 km from the hotel. A local bus stop, Erlojua/Reloj, is located about 950 meters from the property.

7. Value & Pricing

Rates for Mendi Argia can vary, with indications from approximately €151 to €378 per night, and season deals sometimes starting from €286. The Michelin Guide guarantees the best prices when booking directly through their platform. Additional costs include a buffet breakfast at EUR 25 per person and public parking nearby for EUR 30 per day. For families, children aged 3-12 incur a charge of €90 per night when using an existing bed, while children up to 2 years old stay for €20 with a cot or free using an existing bed.

8. Common Complaints

Given that the Michelin Guide itself has "No verified stays yet" for guest reviews on its platform, there aren't many widely reported common complaints in that specific context. However, some practical considerations include:

• Parking: While public parking is available nearby for a fee, it can be limited due to the hotel's location in a protected natural area. Guests are advised that the offsite parking lot is about 3 miles (5 km) away, with the hotel offering two one-way taxi transfers per 24 hours.
• Accessibility: The property does not have an elevator, which might be a concern for some guests.
• Policies: Pets are not allowed, and a strict no-smoking policy inside the hotel carries a penalty of 100 euros for non-compliance.

Sources

1. michelin.com
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16. mendiargia.com