Hotel Arrizul Congress

A few blocks from San Sebastian’s La Concha beach, this warm, relaxed and family-friendly hotel goes the extra mile for foodies and first-timers who really want to tap into the city scene.

Neoclassical on the outside, minimalist and contemporary within, it offers free guided tours of the city in English, tastings of Basque foods and wines, a complimentary coffee and soft drink corner, and a handy free guide to the local restaurants and pintxo bars.

There’s a petite, modern gym, and rooms come in various shapes and sizes from single (great for solo travellers) to a grand suite with a terrace, sleeping four. Brilliant value for groups or families.

They also have bikes for rental – and if you’re here to ride the waves on Zurriola, the city’s surfing beach, they will store your board and wetsuit (a nearby shop rents them out).