Akelarre - Restaurant & Hotel

Amazing hotel! We stayed a few years ago at end of March-loved the food, the location and overall stay. One of my favorite

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.

Very warm and welcoming staff, with exceptional service throughout our visit. Houssin was particularly attentive, friendly, and helpful, always making sure we were well taken care of. His professionalism and genuine hospitality made our experience even more enjoyable. We truly appreciated the excellent service and would gladly return.

Hotel Akelarre: Beautiful organic, sustainable and award winning architecture meets legendary Michelin fine dining in the Basque countryside. I’ll start this review off by saying the purpose of this hotel choice was for the most special trip of my life, proposing to my girlfriend and asking her to become my fiancée, so when I tell you the choice was incredibly important, that is an understatement. I spent countless hours looking through all of the best 5-star hotels in Europe and immediately Hotel Akelarre stood out to me. Whilst its legendary reputation centres around its infamous 3 Michelin star restaurant by Pedro Subijana, in 2017 the boutique hotel was built around this, including 22 spacious rooms overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The hotel has earned itself quite a reputation, with 2 Michelin Keys and a place on the Condé Nast 2026 Gold List, setting the bar very high. The setting is truly special. Located in the peaceful Igueldo countryside, you feel completely removed from the world, yet you are only a 15-minute drive from the centre of San Sebastián. This balance between total tranquillity and accessibility is one of the hotel’s greatest strengths. Waking up to uninterrupted views over the Bay of Biscay, with nothing but birds and distant cowbells, is something we will genuinely never forget. From the moment you arrive, the experience feels seamless and considered. We were warmly welcomed, assisted with our luggage, and offered a beautiful glass of local wine on the terrace while taking in the incredible view. The design of the hotel is exceptional. It is a masterclass in modern, minimal and organic architecture, seamlessly blending into the surrounding Basque landscape. Every detail feels intentional, from the materials used such as wood, metal and fabric, to the lighting, finishes and overall layout. The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel constantly frame the ocean, creating an incredible indoor and outdoor feel that is present in almost every space. The central spiral staircase is a true architectural statement and adds a real sense of identity and flow to the building. Our room (Superior Horizon) was spacious, immaculately clean, and incredibly well thought out. The bed was huge with exceptional linens, and we had some of the best sleep we’ve ever had in any hotel. The room is also incredibly quiet, which adds to the overall feeling of calm and comfort. The bathroom was equally impressive, with a rainfall shower, his and hers sinks, and a bath overlooking the sea, an experience in itself and one of the standout features of the stay. Breakfast was genuinely the best we have ever had anywhere in the world. A perfect mix of high-quality local ingredients, pastries, fruits, meats and made-to-order dishes. The Spanish omelette was excellent, and the truffle egg was one of the standout dishes of the entire trip. There is a clear emphasis on quality, seasonality and local produce. The spa is beautifully designed and offers a calm, relaxing space with a pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation area, all with incredible views. With only 22 rooms in the hotel, the entire experience feels quiet, private and intimate, more like staying in a luxury residence than a traditional hotel. Service throughout our stay was warm, professional and attentive without ever feeling overbearing. The team were always happy to assist with anything we needed, from taxis to small requests in the room. A special thank you to Mikel, who was incredibly helpful and responsive in the lead up to our stay and assisted me in coordinating elements of the proposal. If I had one small note, it would be that cocktail options on the terrace were limited to more classic choices, which felt slightly at odds with the otherwise exceptional and refined experience. Overall, Hotel Akelarre fully deserves its reputation and accolades. For a special occasion or simply an unforgettable stay, I genuinely don’t think you could choose better. It is a place that manages to feel both world-class and deeply personal at the same time.