Hotel Maria Cristina
by mikey_e
A large number of buildings went up in the Ensanche during the latter half of the 18th century (during the Belle Époque period), so it should surprise you that there ones seem to outnumber the Gothic and Baroque churches one comes to expect from a city on the Iberian Peninsula. The Hotel Maria Cristina is one such building, named after the woman who essentially brought the Belle Époque with her to San Sebastian. In 1885, after the death of King Alfonso XII, his wife Queen Maria Cristina decided to move the entire court to San Sebastian every summer. This led to a spur of building in the Queen’s honour, which leaves you with no doubt why one of the most impressive and sumptuous buildings in the whole of the centre would be named after her. The Hotel, which was inaugurated in 1912, is still used for its original purpose (unlike, say, the Casino), and staying here is still prohibitively expensive – somewhere in the 500+ euro range. Nevertheless, admiring the building from outside is still permitted, and it is certain to grab your eye and more than a few of your pictures.
Teatro Victoria Eugenia
by mikey_e
The Teatro Victoria Eugenia forms a sort of Belle Époque – Neo-Renaissance block in the centre of Donostia together with the Hotel Maria Cristina. In fact, the two buildings were built at the same time and both inaugurated in 1912. They both retain their original functions. The theatre was a very important centre for Spanish drama throughout its history and has also played a fairly important role in global cinema, hosting the San Sebastian International Film Festival. The fact that San Sebastian was once a summer vacation spot reserved exclusively for the rich and famous of Europe and North America has helped to attract some of the biggest names in entertainment and theatre to the Victoria Eugenia. Indeed, Hitchcock’s Vertigo was premiered here at the Film Festival. The theatre underwent considerable – and no less controversial – renovations during the period 2001 to 2007. Some say that its interior has been modify far too much from the original design, although the most profound changes have been in materials and colouring rather than changes to the layout. The theatre is still an important location for cinephiles and receives its fair share of media attention every year, when the globe’s top movie starts converge on San Sebastian for the Film Festival.
Forum Posts
Airport transportation for 5 from San Sabestian Airport to Hotel Maria Cristina
by HildaP
5 of us will be arriving at San Sebastian Airport on June 9th. We are staying at the Hotel Maria Cristina. Is there an airport shuttle from the airport or is a taxi a better bet, keep in mind we have luggage for 5. How much does a taxi cost from the airport? Thanks!
Re: Airport transportation for 5 from San Sabestian Airport to Hotel Maria Cristina
by nomad7890
I recognized the hotel as one of the Starwoods ... I love them because the concierge will respond to your emails. I'm sure you've seen their web page - if not go to http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=86 ... look for "Contact us" right by the hotel's phone number and send them a note - they always provide a response.
May want to ask the Concierge where is the Solbes store that sells the good cheese and fresh fruit - it's walking distance from the hotel (the store also had beautiful flowers!).
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Hotel Maria Cristina
Hotel Maria Cristina
