In the heart of San Sebastián, just steps from the famous La Concha beach, there is a hotel that offers guests not just a place to stay, but a true immersion into Basque culture. Housed in a majestic 19th-century neoclassical building beneath the shadow of the Good Shepherd Cathedral, this is a place where the imposing historical façade conceals a modern and welcoming spirit, creating a unique experience for travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility.
A Fusion of Eras in the Heart of Donostia
Part of the monumental complex of Buen Pastor Square, the hotel’s building has been carefully restored by the Fiark Arkitectos team. The architects managed to preserve its historical heritage while infusing it with contemporary character. The interiors feature natural materials: wood, stone, and fine textiles. Instead of a traditional reception desk, guests are greeted personally, immediately setting a tone of comfort and hospitality. This is more than just a hotel—it’s an urban retreat where handcrafted aesthetics and local culture engage in a dialogue with modern design, offering guests a respite from city bustle.
Personal Space: From Design to Comfort
The hotel offers 50 rooms, each named in the Basque language. Since the building’s original structure has been preserved, every room is unique in its shape and proportions, ranging from standard 23-square-meter rooms to spacious suites and two-level apartments. The interiors feature iconic furniture pieces by designers such as Norman Foster and Isamu Noguchi, harmoniously blended with works by local artisans inspired by Basque traditions. Noteworthy are the suites overlooking the cathedral and attic duplexes with fireplaces. Excellent soundproofing ensures a tranquil stay, despite the hotel’s proximity to the city’s main shopping and dining streets.
Narru: the hotel’s gastronomic heart
The restaurant Narru, led by chef Iñigo Peña, is one of the hotel’s main highlights. Its cuisine is built on three pillars: seasonality, product quality, and proximity to the source. Guests can start their day with a tasting breakfast, which has become the signature of the venue. It features fresh seasonal fruits, Goenaga natural yogurt, fresh-squeezed juice, a basket of fresh pastries, artisanal jams, cold cuts, and eggs cooked to order. The main menu is an ode to the products of the Cantabrian Sea and Basque land. Here you can try fresh oysters, anchovies, tuna belly, and grilled lobster. Among the meat dishes, standouts include pork tail with carabinero shrimp, Iberian pork with chestnuts, and premium chuleta steak. The freshest fish is grilled to preserve its pure flavor. Desserts such as warm cheese cream with red berries or apple tart with milk ice cream perfectly round off the meal. For the ultimate experience, a six-course tasting set is offered.
Luxury in every detail and attentive guest care
The hotel’s concept is based on the idea of sustainable luxury, with nightly rates starting at 400 euros. Guests have access to a wide range of services designed for maximum comfort, including electric bikes for city rides, a gym, saunas, beach towels, and valet parking. Every detail—from handcrafted tableware in the restaurant to the background music in the lobby—has been carefully considered to create a sense of complete tranquility and well-being in the dynamic heart of San Sebastián.
