Akelarre - Relais & Châteaux

Beautiful hotel, amazing breakfast

I really like this hotel for its unique location on the coast and its modern architecture, which blends in perfectly and creates a peaceful feeling. The rooms are big and offer a high level of comfort and are very quiet. I love the floor-to-ceiling windows and the deck with views of the ocean. Service was perfect and personalized, from the moment I parked my car right in front of the hotel. Food was amazing, especially breakfast! They also have a really cool cocktail bar on the main deck at sunset. The hotel is a good base to explore San Sebastian by car and there is a bus stop right in front. There are also some nice hikes starting from the hotel. The price is on the expensive side, but I would definitely come back for the beauty of the place.

My husband and I initially intended to visit Akelarre only for lunch at the 3 Michelin starred restaurant and return to San Sebastián old town. But after some thought, we decided to fully immerse ourselves in the Akelarre experience and also booked spa treatments and an overnight stay to enjoy the terrace at sunset. This was the way to go. From the concierge, to the spa staff, the terrace waiters, and everyone at Akelarre restaurant, a truly visionary experience was delivered. While each of these experiences were excellent on their own, the relaxation invoked by the skilled spa staff, the legendary meal and service at Akelarre restaurant, the continuation of cocktails and atmosphere on the terrace, culminating with the enjoyment of a golden sunset from our room balcony, all I can say is it was simply perfection and a time we won’t soon forget. Thank you to everyone at Akelarre for delivering such an impeccable and genuinely warm and exceptional experience.

This review would easily have been 5 stars were it not for one (rectifiable) flaw - the spa needs an upgrade. The hotel does not have an outdoor swimming pool or access to the ocean, so this is particularly important. However, there is only a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool. The sauna is tired and not what I would consider premium spec; it is out of keeping for a hotel of this calibre and price. Also in the hydrotherapy pool, one of the taps was hanging off for the duration of my stay, so maintenance standards are questionable. With that said, the hotel itself is absolutely spectacular. The setting and views are amazing. The food is also superb, albeit I was disappointed to find that the main restaurant (3 Michelin stars) was fully booked, largely by diners not staying in the hotel. I would have thought, given the prices of the rooms, that an allowance would have been made for that. Nonetheless, I would stay again. As with all hotels, what really makes Akelarre is the staff. Everyone was very friendly, helpful and professional. In particular, Laura on breakfast service was outstanding. I imagine that if she chooses to stay in the hospitality industry, she will go very far indeed. Bravo.

Clothing stolen and room accessed by staff twice with do not disturb in place. Very upsetting and ruined our stay at what was otherwise a premium hotel.