<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Image Courtesy of Starwood Hotels<\/span><\/p>\n

Hotel Maria Christina<\/a><\/span> made a solid\u00a0first impression on us before we even left San Diego. About a week before we left, the hotel\u2019s concierge sent us an email asking if they could make us dinner reservations for our stay. Why, yes you may Hotel Maria Cristina! With a combined total of 16 Michelin stars, the\u00a0city of\u00a0San Sebasti\u00e1n, in the Basque region of Spain,\u00a0is \u201cfoody heaven\u201d. We responded and asked for reservations to be made for\u00a0four of our\u00a0five nights there. When we woke up the next morning, we had an email confirming our reservations at four great restaurants.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Photo courtesy of Hotel Maria Cristina<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A week later,\u00a0we arrived\u00a0on the\u00a0steps of this century old beauty. The grandiose fa\u00e7ade is a striking\u00a0standout, but seems to fit perfectly on the outskirts of Old Town and within the “beach glam”\u00a0vibe of San Sebasti\u00e1n. <\/span>Spectacular yet unpretentious, inside and out, it is\u00a0no wonder it\u2019s a favorite among world explorers, celebrities and locals alike.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring San Sebasti\u00e1n. It sits right on the Urumea river and is a short walk to the pintxos and sights of Old Town and La Playa de Zurriola and a short bike (provided by the hotel) ride away from the famous La Concha beach.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The hotel entrance draws you in with its\u00a0old world\u00a0beauty and that wow factor intensifies as you make your way to the lobby area. It\u2019s just stunning. I think I took a photo every time I walked through the doors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When we arrived in our room, there was a plate of local cheeses and\u00a0a bottle of\u00a0wine. Our room was beautiful with warm grey tones and pops of color throughout. The room was also huge. Not just by European standards, but by any standards, which made it really nice to spread out for our five nights there. We had a great view and the bed was\u00a0so comfortable, but my favorite part of our room\u00a0was the d\u00e9cor of the bathroom and the lighted mirror (swoon…).<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0What a view!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As beautiful as the hotel is, the concierge team is what really made our experience great. Not only by reaching out before we arrived and assisting us with our departing flights, but by helping us out with one of our bags that decided it would like to visit Italy instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Somehow (U.S. Airways)<\/span> Eddie\u2019s luggage ended up in Rome. We were able to pick up a few things for him to wear, but really didn\u2019t want to spend our time shopping or trying to locate luggage. The hotel was AMAZING at taking care of this for us. Faviola, at the concierge desk, stayed on the airline, while we enjoyed the city, and had our bag back to us within 48 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the meantime, Eddie threw on his Euro swim trunks and we took the hotel\u2019s beach cruisers for a spin around San Sebasti\u00e1n. We wanted to go to La Concha beach, so the hotel sent us off with drinking water, beach towels and bike locks. The bikes were a perfect way to see the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Beach of La Concha<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We didn\u2019t get a chance to dine at the hotel\u2019s restaurant, though we\u2019ve heard it\u2019s very good.\u00a0We did pop into “Dry”, the\u00a0glamorous martini bar,\u00a0and it was a fabulous continuation of the “wow” factor from the lobby.\u00a0In the evenings, our pre-dinner routine quickly became one that included enjoying the beautiful veranda with a glass of local wine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The lovely veranda<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I love hotels that are so well done and so true to the area that they make you feel like you belong there; they make you feel good. The Hotel Maria Cristina is just that. It is so deeply rooted in the\u00a0glamour and luxury that it was built on, that\u00a0it makes you feel like you have stepped right into the golden era of the 20’s. And really, all of San\u00a0Sebasti\u00e1n felt that way; like we had stepped back into the Belle \u00c9poque. Everything just fit and when you find a harmony between place and setting, like that, you simply fall in love.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Click\u00a0to access infograph hyperlinks: Hotel Maria Cristina infograph<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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• Maria Cristina is one of 105 (and counting)\u00a0properties that make up The Luxury Collection, which is a group of high end hotels located all over the world and part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts\u00a0group. So, if you’re an SPG member, this beautiful hotel is available for you to\u00a0spend your points on.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Have a Gin & Tonic or a glass of the\u00a0local wine on the veranda. Do it.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Check out the hotel’s gourmet shop and inquire about cooking or wine classes.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Use the concierge team. They are top notch.<\/span><\/li>\n
• The hotel will set you up with beach cruisers, which is a great and easy way to explore the city! You can check them out for four hours at a time and I recommend reserving them in advance<\/span>.<\/li>\n
• San\u00a0Sebasti\u00e1n has a mild, seasonal climate. The average highs only get to around the mid 70’s, but it still feels nice and warm on a sunny summer day. The evenings are a bit chilly, so bring a jacket<\/span><\/li>\n
• The sea is beautiful and… “refreshing”. Okay, chilly, but it’s nice for a dip!<\/span><\/li>\n
• Are you American? Yes? Read this bullet. No? Feel free to skip this one. — Hello, my fellow American. You know you’re in Europe, right? Well, that means the beaches are naked (gasp!). It’s okay. In fact, I think it’s something you’ll adapt to seeing quite quickly. However, if you need to work your way into it, we found that La Concha beach was a little less naked than La Playa de Zurriola.<\/span><\/li>\n
• Click here<\/a><\/span> for current Hotel\u00a0Maria Cristina specials.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  <\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Map of northern Spain<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Image Courtesy of Starwood Hotels Hotel Maria Christina made a solid\u00a0first impression on us before we even left San Diego. About a week before we left, the hotel\u2019s concierge sent us an email asking if they could make us dinner reservations for our stay. Why, yes you may Hotel Maria Cristina! With a combined […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2021","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/when-is-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2021","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/when-is-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/when-is-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/when-is-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/when-is-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2021"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/when-is-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2021\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/when-is-now.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2021"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}