My husband lived in San Sebastian for a year in college. This was my first time there, so we splurged with Hotel Niza. It was by far the most expensive hotel we stayed at in Spain. We paid $180.25 a night. (Exchange rate was $1.30= 1 euro). My husband's friend is a city council member in San Sebastian and he recommended this hotel to us. After we saw it listed in Rick Steve's and then great reviews on here, we booked it. The rooms had two double beds that were pushed together, but the bathroom was large. We had a nice balcony too that faced the street, not the beach. We were on the 5th floor, so street traffic was not a problem. Hotel Niza is obviously in a great location to walk to the beach (althought we didn't because it was unseasonably cold), to walk along the promenade, and to walk to pintxo bars in Parte Vieja. We ate at the Italian restaurant downstairs, but I don't recommend it. San Sebastian has the best Spanish food. Enjoy it while you can!

Our family recently stayed at the Niza on advice from Rick Steve's. I was surpised by the lovely decor, more than comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms. We did not have sea view but I was glad to have a/c instead. Rooms were spotless. Whole place had a cozy feel to it. Would definitely stay there again. Ate at pizza place downstairs, mostly due to lack of good restaurant options for amilies in San Sebastian (mostly tapa bars). Very good value and packed by 8:30 (note: restaurants open very late here!).

We were expecting much less since the room would be costing around 123 euros per night so were surprised to find the Niza in a terrific location, right on the water, within walking distance of everything.

The lobby is small and you have to bring in your own bags and take them up yourself, but even so, it's a terrific deal. From the photo and reviews, we'd anticipated a more compromised hotel so were delighted that the only downside is the room is small and they don't promise a view of the water, but that's because they have very few rooms like that. We did not have the view the first night we stayed there and the room smelled of smoke, but the maid quickly sprayed it and left the spray with us in case we needed to repeat the process. Bed was comfortable, as was the bathroom, and it was quiet and comfortable.

On our return, we did get the view, which makes a substantial difference as you hear the ocean and appreciate what's going on out there. Having said that, either type of room is well worth what you're paying.

There is an adjacent parking lot available at a cost and I caution you if you're not used to driving a stick shift and find yourself, as I did, trying to get up the hill out of the underground parking area to the street, you may be seriously challenged, okay, unhappy. With my husband yelling, "gun it," we pulled it off, but upon our return I parked on the street since it was Sunday and parking is permitted.

10 minute walk into the historic center, 30 steps to the beach, in all close to everything San Sebastian has to offer. I give this hotel a 5 star for ambience, location and staff. The downside, and wish fellow trip advisor readers would have noted this, the twin beds are made for men or women under five feet, eight inches tall. We spent 3 great days in San Sebastian but as I'm 6' tall the nights were spent tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. They really need to do something here!