Pensión Aia

If there were an Olympic gold medal for cleanliness, it would be awarded to Pension Aia. In addition to being spotless, it is an inviting, well-designed space with a welcoming common kitchen. The kitchen has a toaster, a microwave, a fridge, plates, bowls, silverware --- everything a traveler needs. The hosts are lovely and helpful. The location is convenient: it's in Gros, right across the bridge from the old town. Details to be aware of: some rooms don't have a window (the cozy design of the room more than makes up for it, though), and most of the double beds are a couple of inches narrower than the U.S. queen size mattress --- very comfortable, fits two people, but just a tad smaller than you might be used to. And if you have booked a room with a shared bathroom and you're not sure what that means, do not fret: there is a shower in each room. The toilets are indeed shared, but there are plenty of them (4 or 5), each one looks like a private bathroom with a door, they are spotlessly clean, they are in the hall, and you don't hear them. A really comfortable experience overall.

This was a great, centrally located, and affordable accommodation for the expensive town of San Sebastian. My spouse and I are in our late 30s and haven't stayed in a hostel since our early 20s, so we were a bit leery, but we booked the option with a private bathroom and crossed our fingers. Paulo checked in with us the day of our reservation, as we were driving from Zaragoza, and helpfully sent us detailed instructions and links to nearby parking garages. When we arrived around 1am, much later than expected and totally worn out, we couldn't quite figure out how to get into our room. Paulo responded right away via text to help us get in. We were relieved to find that our room was spotlessly clean and comfortable, with an excellent AC. FYI there's no affiliated parking lot, so you pay one of the underground lots for overnight parking, but Paulo recommended the closest places. A pension is like a hostel, and it's laid out as such. You enter a building, take a tiny elevator upstairs, put in the keycode, and enter the pension. To one side are about a dozen bedrooms with a few shared bathrooms, with a nice shared kitchen in the center. To the other side, behind a door, are a couple of bedrooms with private bathrooms, which is what we chose. We only stayed one night so can't speak to noise and didn't get a chance to meet other guests. However, we did get to speak to Paulo's wife - whose name I'm so sorry to say I didn't write down and therefore forgot - who kindly recommended a breakfast place nearby and chatted with us about Basque sites and history. We would happily stay here again!

This is not a hotel, or even a B&B! We arrived to find a locked door and a buzzer to push to get inside. We took a TINY elevator upstairs to find several rooms. The owner greeted us. The hallway carpet is about 50 years old and there was an area where we could have cereal. I was appalled at where we were staying. At no time were we aware that this was not a proper hotel or inn. Trip Advisor should not be listing this as a place to stay for travelers. This is one of the worst places I have ever stayed. Do not stay here!

Great place to discover Donostia on foot. Paulo and his wife are wonderful hosts which provide you with tips you do not get in any travel guide. Spotlessly clean. Plenty of restaurants nearby and breakfast bar right opposite. Everywhere there are benches to have a break without having to spend money.

Excellent location. Wonderful hosts. Once you walk in, they show you the spots to go, the restaurants. They show you pretty much everything you want to do in San Sebastián. Comes with a shared kitchen and some books to read. Ask the hosts for food recommendations, they will not steer you wrong. They recommend us a place called Bergara Bar. It ended up being a solid bar with a Michelin star that was reasonably priced. I went with a friend for 2 nights, which came out to €80 in total. Essentially 20€ a night. What a steal. Room was clean, location was secure, and hosts are literally the best.

10/10. Excellent staff and stay. Easy check in and out, clean space, comfortable bed, good shower, quality linens & towels, perfect location, very helpful employees, everything you need. Highly recommend! …………………………………………………………………