Akelarre Relais & Châteaux is at Paseo del Padre Orkolaga 56 in Monte Igueldo, San Sebastián. Listings describe about 22 sea-view rooms and suites, an 800 m² spa and free parking, with a shuttle to the city on request; the on-site restaurant holds three Michelin stars. It is about 5.1 km in a straight line from the Parte Vieja.
Akelarre Relais & Châteaux stands at Paseo del Padre Orkolaga 56 on the western slope of Monte Igueldo, in San Sebastián (Donostia), Gipuzkoa, in Spain's Basque Country. The property sits roughly 5.1 km in a straight line from the Parte Vieja, so it works as a retreat above the Bay of Biscay rather than a base for walking between pintxo bars. Listings describe a Relais & Châteaux-classified hotel of about 22 rooms and suites, most of them with sea views, which keeps the scale intimate and the service personal.
The hillside setting is the main part of the appeal. Rooms look out over the Cantabrian coast, and the grounds offer the quiet that the central districts cannot. Room types listed include double, twin and single rooms alongside suites, and the price range of roughly €400 to €1,200 per night places the hotel firmly in the luxury tier, with the final rate depending on room, view and season.
Dining is the other draw. The on-site restaurant holds three Michelin stars, making it one of the best-known tasting-menu addresses in the Basque Country, and guests staying at the hotel have the advantage of eating at the property without travelling back into town. Reservations at the restaurant are normally made well ahead of the stay, particularly in summer and during the September film festival period.
Wellness facilities include an 800 m² spa with a hydrotherapy pool, Turkish bath and sauna. Free parking is available, which matters on Monte Igueldo where public transport is less frequent than in the centre, and a shuttle into the city is offered on request according to listings. Reception is staffed, and private bathrooms are standard throughout.
The service character is that of a destination hotel for couples, food travellers and special-occasion stays rather than a family or business base. Visitors who want to combine the property with sightseeing typically use the shuttle, a taxi or a rental car to reach La Concha, the Parte Vieja and the Kursaal, then return to the quiet of the hill for the evening.
| Price | €400–€1,200/night (~$460–$1,380) |
|---|---|
| Address | Paseo del Padre Orkolaga 56, 20008 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Room types
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
Amenities
- Relais & Châteaux classification
- Monte Igueldo location
- Private bathrooms
- Staffed reception
- 800 m² spa with hydrotherapy pool, Turkish bath and sauna
- Free parking
- Sea-view rooms and suites
Location
Paseo del Padre Orkolaga 56, 20008 Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3078, -2.0431 View on map
Highlights
- Relais & Châteaux property of about 22 sea-view rooms and suites on Monte Igueldo
- On-site restaurant holding three Michelin stars
- 800 m² spa with hydrotherapy pool, Turkish bath and sauna
- Free parking and a city shuttle on request
Tips for visiting
- Reserve the restaurant table at the same time as the room, as tasting-menu seats fill early.
- Ask for a sea-view room when booking, since not every category faces the coast.
- Arrange the shuttle or a taxi in advance for trips into the Parte Vieja, about 5 km away.
- Expect rates near the top of the €400-€1,200 range during August and the film festival in September.
- Allow time for the spa, which is a significant part of the stay rather than an add-on.
When to visit
Late spring and early autumn combine mild weather with clear sea views; summer and the September film festival are the busiest and most expensive periods.
Accessibility
Mobility access details are not confirmed in available sources. Guests with wheelchair or mobility needs should contact the hotel before booking to confirm room and spa access.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Akelarre from the Parte Vieja?
About 5.1 km in a straight line, on the western slope of Monte Igueldo. A shuttle to the city is available on request according to listings.
Does the hotel have a Michelin-starred restaurant?
Yes, the on-site restaurant holds three Michelin stars. Advance reservation is advisable.
Is parking available?
Free parking is listed for guests, which is useful given the hillside location.
What spa facilities are there?
An 800 m² spa with a hydrotherapy pool, Turkish bath and sauna.