SAN SEBASTIAN HOTELS

Sorry I cannot be of more help, but we stayed at the Niza and loved the location. We were also lucky and got an ocean front room. That made our stay all the better.

Stay in town, not outside. Everywhere in town is close to the beach and all three beaches are fantastic. Good hotels will be booked soon, San Sebastian is where the well heeled Spanish and French go.

I always stsy at/recommend the Hotel Zaragoza Plaza.Small hotel-only a couple of floors with the rest of the floors in a building of condos. Very clean with A/C, free wi/fi and breakfast included.I ask for a room in the front because I like to have a balcony and a glimpse of the sea!I don't understand the one star rating-should be a three!
When it comes to parking,San Sebastian is really trying to cut down on in town parking and so the cost is up there!
I heard that there is free parking at the university but you will have to walk back or take the bus or taxi to the hotel.

We are going to San Sebastian for a wedding in July. I cant wait! Our friends from madrid have arranged the hotel - I wish I could help.
Have fun - I hear it is amazing!

http://www.donostiasansebastian.com/mercadosanmartin.html
Great website for San Sebastian-it lists just about everything you need to know-where to eat sleep park etc. Live webcam, videosand suggested walks around SS
Last summer there was construction on the promenade just past the square with the carousel which really caused alot of congestion for pedestrians-I hope it's finshed. I also hope the renovations of the San Telmo museum and the beautiful church of Santa Maria in the old part of town are also finished!
I have never enjoyed walking as much as I do in San Sebastian!

I didn't like the Niza, except for the downstairs bar. I found the beds uncomfortable and the room got noise from people outiside, elevators, etc. Since I wasn't "lucky" enough to get a sea room, not much compensated for the otherwise typical 3* feel, especially at the price.

Next time, I would check Tripadvisor for a well reviewed 2*.

I've stayed at the Hotel Barcelo Costa Vasca - a real nice place, close to the beach (5 minute walk), but also tucked behind the main drag in a more residential area. As of last October, there was on street parking that was free.
http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/Spain/SanSebastian/CostaVasca/Home

Have a great time - San Sebastian is an amazing place!

I stayed at the Niza too, in 2008. While the hotel itself is nice enough, we were promised a sea-view room, which we didn't get. This really annoyed me and left me a bit prejudiced against the hotel. Breakfast is expensive, but you can pick up a cheaper breakfast nearby in any cafe.

The location is excellent, and we had no other complaints. We loved our time in SS and would love to return.

Fredmadcel...

I'll be in San Sebastian in mid-May and have booked the Hotel Parma. Having not been there before I can't speak to the particulars, but based on the information on their website it appears to be a good location and there were several favorable reviews on Trip Advisor. The rate I was quoted was 102 Euro per night for mid-May. Since I don't need parking I'm not sure if they offer it.

Here is the hotel's website:
http://www.hotelparma.com/

Pensión Alemana is great value, just behind Niza and 50 mtrs from the La Concha beach promenade and in the middle of everything (80€/double): http://www.hostalalemana.com/

We've also enjoyed very much staying at charming and quiet Pension Chomín, close to the excellent Ondarreta beach (the extension of La Concha and a bit less crowded) and a 15-20 mins walk along the fabolous La Concha promenade to the city center and the vibrant Parte vieja/Old town (68€/double). Should be possible to find parking here, and it's not too far from the university (10 mins walking). http://www.pensionchomin.net/

Have never stayed in Hotel Parma, but the location is great, just on the outskirts of the Parte vieja and with views over the final stretch of the city river Urumea and the Zurriola beach.

Chomín would be the quieter of the three.

Week-ends are fun, I especially recommend to go for pintxos/basque tapas in the Parte vieja/Old town on Sunday for lunch. Unbeatable atmosphere! Here's a great site of this by far most important local pastime:
http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php?lang=en

Regarding the need for a car: Excellent and affordable public transportation in and around the city. Buses or trains will take you from San Sebastián to any small village, both inland and along the coast.