Since opening in 1912 the recently restored Hotel Maria Cristina has been closely linked to the history and cultural life of San Sebastian. The lavish Belle Époque interior is filled with soaring columns, 19th-century portraits, rich silk brocades and glorious chandeliers making for a truly opulent experience.

The Basque Country’s world-renowned cuisine, along with delicacies from further afield, draws guests to the superb dining venues in the hotel.

Since the San Sebastian International Film Festival was inaugurated in 1953 Hotel Maria Cristina has been the rendezvous spot and preferred accommodation of the stars, attracting legendary names such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Woody Allen and Brad Pitt.

A century of elegance renewed

Experience gracious hospitality on a grand scale in the hotel’s rooms and suites. Decorated in a sophisticated palette of greys and white, the rooms are a quiet haven of luxury. style, technology and a dazzling range of services which combined make for an unforgettable stay.

A city of gastronomy

In a city where gastronomy is one of the principal attractions, Hotel Maria Cristina is at the forefront in providing exquisite venues where you can discover Basque and international haute cuisine.

Start a memorable morning in Easo restaurant, continue your journey in the DRY Bar where the selection of local tapas-style dishes known as pintxos and other light gourmet offerings are complemented by a full range of premium beverages. Tse Yang, the hotel’s haute-cuisine Chinese restaurant, will dazzle you with its vast array of dishes.

Client Testimonials

  • I hadn’t been to Madrid since the late 1980s and I only had 72 hours to get re-acquainted with the city. A friend recommended I hire Ron Otto for a tailored tour of Madrid. Ron’s knowledge of the city – not based on tour books and guides, but on years of experience living in the city and doing events there – allowed me to see Madrid from the eyes of an insider. No long lines, quick access to great views on rooftops in the heart of the city, entrance to small churches off the beaten path, a sense of history and the vibrancy of Madrid now. Working with Ron made my trip memorable and easy and ensured I’ll be back for more!

    Kevin M. O’Connor, New York
    New York
  • Ron’s ability to organize my family’s 2-week trip to Spain was truly amazing – considering it was initially based on a few phone calls and emails. His attention to detail, day trip suggestions, accommodation resources and overall “hand holding” though the planning process and actual trip was second to none. He truly put together a “trip of a lifetime” and I’m so thankful to have worked with him

    Karen Mattson
    General Manager at Great Lakes Cylinders, LLC
  • My family and I spent two weeks in Spain and Ron planned everything. The tours, guides, dinners, accommodations and meals were all amazing. Ron does his research, has great connections and goes out if his way for his clients. Several friends have used him as well and they have nothing but wonderful things to say!

    Kevin Van Eekeren
    Founder & CEO Crave It
  • Ron was invaluable in bringing amazing ideas and connections to the table for our Travel Channel special featuring the best experiences in Spain. He had great creative suggestions, excellent relationships on the ground with vendors, and the tenacity to help us make even the impossible happen. I enjoyed working with him thoroughly and hope to have the opportunity to do it again.

    Corinna Robbins
    Co-Executive Producer at High Noon Entertainment
  • When is a train station not just any train station? When is a ceramic tile not just any ceramic tile? When is a landscape not just any landscape? These are the type of questions you ask when you travel Spain as seen through Ron Otto’s eyes – exploring ‘the best’ through the eyes of an ‘artist’. His unique perspective made my memories of Spain truly unforgettable.

    Ken Cassillo
    London, UK
  • Ron put together the best family trip we have ever had. We had sixteen people of all ages, need and wants and Ron was able to satisfy each and every one of us. From the spectacular tours to the truly uniques customer service, Ron was able to plan a wonderful vacation for my family.

    David Van Eekeren
    President at Land O'Frost
  • Ron is an absolute asset to know! His expertise and efficiency is exceptional and truly value his recent assistance with the planning and logistics of our VIP’s Madrid trip, it was a huge success.

    Ron is a diamond to work with, personable and really understood the requirements. I would have no hesitation to recommend Ron’s services to any organisation.

    Cinzia Delegate
    Executive Assistant & Sales Support, American Express
  • I’m just back from a four day break in Barcelona. Ron masterminded the whole trip, overseeing everything from the fantastic hotel (where his contacts helped us get an upgrade) to a bunch of delicious restaurants. I’ve been to Barcelona a number of times before so I know it pretty well, but Ron recommended and arranged trips to places only the real expert would even know about let alone have ready access to. And he did it all with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency. Next time I go anywhere in Spain, Ron will be the first person I call.

    Oliver Rawlins
    Group Director of Communications, Guardian Media Group
  • Ron did an outstanding job in helping to plan and execute our month long vacation for 11 people (5 adults and 6 children). He was thorough and prompt with information while always being responsive to our requests with a great attitude. Ron understood our travel needs very well and worked hard to ensure that all of the various details were addressed, either by us or those with whom we interacted. Ron was an invaluable resource for us in communicating with people and identifying local items of interest and necessity. Ron helped us find: a house to rent, a day camp, restaurants in over 15 towns, an emergency dentist and doctor, children’s activities, tickets to events, and directions. Ron was a trustworthy and reliable liason who had our best interests in the forefront. I look forward to working with Ron again in the future!

    Ileen Jacobs
  • Ron assisted my company on a large-scale TV production shoot throughout Spain and Morocco. Ron is a class act as a person and his service and skills are top caliber. He faced insane requests and time constraints and never failed to deliver quality.

    Patrick Jager
    SVP, Development and Programming at High Noon Entertainment