Akelarre
Minimalist Basque modernism. Stone, pale oak, and filitia stone inside. Very quiet, very adult (no children under 14, no pets). The kind of place where the architecture and the cooking compete for your attention — and both win.
Book the 3-star AKELARRE restaurant the moment you confirm your room — the two reservations are completely separate and the restaurant fills up fast
Why It Matters
One of the very few hotels in the world where you sleep inside a three-Michelin-star restaurant complex. The hotel itself holds Michelin's 2 Keys distinction. Rooms start at 50 sqm and the Ocean Suites hit 100 sqm, each with a private plunge pool. Pedro Subijana has been at the stove here for 50 years.
Akelarre is one of a rare breed: a luxury boutique hotel built entirely around a single chef. Pedro Subijana opened his restaurant here on Mount Igeldo in 1970, earned three Michelin stars by 2007, and in 2017 added 22 hotel rooms, an 800 m² spa, and Espazio Oteiza — a sprawling terrace restaurant open to the public. The building, designed by Madrid studio Mecanismo, is all stone, oak, and floor-to-ceiling glass, and every room looks straight out over the Bay of Biscay.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
AKELARRE Ocean Suite
The top of the house. Each Ocean Suite comes with a private indoor/outdoor heated plunge pool (5.5 sqm) that opens onto the sea view — plus a freestanding bathtub positioned directly in front of the floor-to-ceiling bay window. There are two separate dressing rooms. This is the suite format that makes guests never want to leave the room.
King Size · 100 sqm
Panoramic Junior Suite
Larger than the Superior Horizon, these suites lean into the view with oversized bay windows running the full width of the room. There's a proper lounge area with sofas, a desk, a large dressing room, and a furnished terrace. Bathtub is available in most (subject to availability); all have the rain shower. One room in this category meets full accessibility standards.
King Size
Superior Horizon
The entry-level room at Akelarre — and 50 sqm is not entry-level by any normal measure. These are open, light-filled spaces with King Size beds, a furnished private terrace with sea views, and a large dressing room. Bathrooms include both a soaking bathtub and a separate rain shower. Woods Copenhagen toiletries throughout.
King Size · 50 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A 90-minute session in Akelarre's private research kitchen (Aula de Cocina) with the R&D team, led by chef Borja García Argüelles (with the restaurant since 1995). Groups of 10 or more only. Covers ingredients, techniques and recipe development; some techniques are demonstrated via video as used in professional culinary conferences. The session ends before the tasting menu dinner. Contact restaurante@akelarre.net or +34 943 311 209.
Signature cocktails by Patxi Troitiño served on the 1,400 m² terrace of Espazio Oteiza from 4pm until nightfall, subject to availability and good weather. No reservation needed.
A guided walk along the old pilgrimage route, from La Zurriola beach along coastal paths with views of the sea and the French Basque coast.
A full-day guided walk over valleys and clifftops along the Basque coastline. Arranged via the concierge.
Guided ascent to the highest peak of the San Sebastián mountain range, through mountain scenery and forested hillsides. Contact the concierge at concierge@akelarre.net to arrange.
Sunset sailing on a historic 1927 Dutch yacht designed by naval architect G. De Vries Lentsch Jr. Holds up to 12 people. Available as a 2-hour or 4-hour sunset experience. Contact concierge@akelarre.net.
Intimate sunset sailing for up to 4 people on a 1961 yacht commissioned by French adventurer Henry De Monfried — a boat that has circumnavigated the globe. Available as 2- or 4-hour sunset excursion. Contact concierge@akelarre.net.
Private wine tasting in the Akelarre wine cellar, which holds more than 650 labels. Available for a surcharge; arrange via the hotel.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Multiple outdoor terrace areas, including the expansive Espazio Oteiza terrace (1,400 m²) and garden areas.
High-speed WiFi throughout the property.
Free daily breakfast served at Espazio Oteiza, included in room rates. À la carte format — not a buffet.
Akelarre's private wine cellar holds over 650 labels. Available for tastings at a surcharge.
Open around the clock for hotel guests. Technogym equipment: barbells, treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical cross trainers, Kinesis training device. Adults only (18+).
Around-the-clock room service with hot dishes, snacks, breakfast, and a curated wine list bearing the AKELARRE stamp.
Heated indoor pool in the spa with hydromassage jets, back waterfalls and a hot tub. Access is part of the spa circuit. Adults only (18+).
Gift vouchers available for stays, dining experiences and spa treatments.
Full concierge service (concierge@akelarre.net) for activities, dining reservations, transfers and local recommendations.
Akelarre holds the EU Ecolabel sustainability certification.
Free private indoor and outdoor parking available on site.
Hotel offers complimentary shuttle transfers to San Sebastián city center and nearby beaches, subject to availability.
Car hire available through the hotel.
Turkish steam room in the spa circuit.
Dry sauna in the spa circuit.
BUILD YOUR AKELARRE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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