Pensión Amaiur

Great location

No bathroom in the room! Even though it says "Private bathroom" it is never indicated that the bathroom is not accessible from inside the bedroom. The ventilation was non-existent in the bathroom, the towels smelled like very very bad. The isolation between the bedrooms is terrible so you hear everything the neighbours are on and about. Pillows were like bricks. No A/C!

The location is amazing especially if you’re visiting San Sebastián for the first time, as it’s right in the middle of the action, in the old town, with so many bars, shops and restaurants nearby and a short walk to the beach. It was clean and it has a communal kitchen which can be useful if you stay for a few days (however it’s closed from 9pm to 9am).

The building is charming and traditional but also very old. Walls and doors are thin so you can hear a lot of what’s going on both inside and outside the building. Earplugs are a must. Access to the hotel is via a long and wonky wooden staircase which can be challenging for people with mobility issues or for carrying heavy suitcases or prams. Considering it wasn’t very comfortable, it was quite pricey, but we paid for the location and the time of year.

Right in the centre of the old town, very clean and well kept. Unexpected little balcony, which was a bonus. Communication was great, and staff were very helpful

Too many keys

Great location within the heart of the old town. Close walk to all notable pintxos bars and we loved the print out of their recommended bars with what to order at each bar. Our room was spacious and bed was comfortable. Bathroom was private but detached from room. Staff were lovely and helped us figure out how to take the bus to San Sebastian airport ahead of time (be wary we were told this bus accepts cards but when we tried to board the bus, only cash was accepted)

Be aware of a long flight of uneven stairs required to reach the property- can be tough well lugging up heavy luggage. Despite no smoking signs everywhere in the property, on one of the nights we stayed, the smell of smoke from another patron's room filled the corridor- I understand this was likely out of their control.

The location is right in the heart of the old town - which is vibey and close to everything - but it is extremely noisy till early morning hours with folk enjoying yhe pintxos bars and then the rubbish vans collecting the empty botles in the early hours of the morning!! So if you need to sleep with your windows open - it is not a great spot. But clean, welcoming and otherwise comfortable.

The Noise

The very high stairs to the room

This reasonably priced pensión is right in the old town, which is a fascinating (if expensive) place, but this owner was generous and helpful. The rooms are gorgeous and quirky, there are STEEP stairs to reach the Pensión which is on the first floor, but much of San Sebastián is steep! There is a communal kitchen (closed 9pm to 9am) and either private or shared bathrooms separate to the bedrooms. It’s an old house, nicely done up, and so close to the park, beach, San Telmo museum and endless bars. Very historical.