Parador in Hondarribia
 

Would appreciate any feedback from anybody that has stayed in this Parador. Is it worth staying there 2 nights? Do you know what transportation is available between Hondarribia and San Sebastian? Thanks

The Parador in Hondarribia is a very popular destination for several reasons, the first being it’s location. It's also very comfortable, but it doesn't have it's own restaurant, which is not a serious problem because Hondarribia is filled with excellent restaurants, most within walking distance of the Parador. The Parador offers parking around the back. At 185 euros/night it is one of the more expensive Paradors in the system. If you're a member of the Amigos of the Paradors then there might be some advantage in staying there besides the free parking and a complimentary drink when you arrive, but I don't believe this Parador offers any real bargains or discounts because of it's popularity.

There are several other hotels in Hondarribia that you might want to consider, including the Hotel Obispo***, which is only about a half a block away from the Parador. It’s air-conditioned and every bit as nice as the Parador. It also offers parking on a limited basis.

There is also the Hotel Pampinot, also just down the street from the Parador and the Hotel Jaizkibel**** which is located a few blocks away in the newer part of the city.

There is regular bus service between Hondarribia and San Sebastian-Donostia. It takes about 20 minutes to make the trip. Taxi’s are also available and the rates are very reasonable.

It you need any advice on restaurants in Hondarribia or the surrounding area, let me know.

You may want to download a copy of Maribel’s Guides to the Basque Country for a little more information on the area (http://maribelsguides.com) and visit the official web page for the Basque Country (http://www.euskadi.net/r48-2314/en/) to see what’s going on.

Robert,
Thank you for your reply. I would love to get your recommendations regarding restaurants, etc. I'll have 2-3 days to spend in the Hondarribia/ San Sebastian area . Where do you think makes more sense to stay? With regards to the bus between San Sebastian and Hondarribia, I also thought that it would be like 20 mins given its proximity but the Parador tells me it's like 45 mins.(??)I won't have a car that's why I'm inquiring about the bus. Have you ever taken it? Thanks!

The Parador may be correct on this one. The last time we rode the bus we caught it downtown and there was one running about every twenty minutes or so. Generally we drive into San Sebastian-Donostia and it usually takes us less then twenty to twenty-five minutes, depending on the traffic.

With 2 to 3 days I'd stay in San Sebastian-Donostia instead of Hondarribia simply because there is that much more happening. You didn't mention when you would be there, but the jazz festivals begins in early July. It's only one of several festivals taking place through the year. The Hotel Londres sits right on the beach and you can get a sea-view room for less then the Parador, again, depending on the time of year.

For restaurants in Hondarribia there is La Hermandad de Pescadores in the main part of the city and Alameda, one of many gastronomic restaurants in Hondarribia.

Zuberoa is half-way between San Sebastian-Donostia and Hondarribia, as is Mugaritz.

The listing for San Sebastian are nearly endless. There is Arzak of course and Casa Nicolasa to name but two. Some, like Akelarre, can only be reached if you are driving and know where you're going, or by taxi, since it's actually just outside of the main part of the city, overlooking the coast.

The group of chefs who own these restaurants are among the top ten in all of Spain, but it would be hard to wrong at just about anywhere you dined.

Robert,

THank You! If I go it'll be in mid-July.

Cruisluv - Going back so soon? I am green with envy :) I will have had to wait almost three years before I make it back to Spain.

Marigross,

LOL!!! Last year my "excuse" was to visit my son in Salamanca while he was attending a spanish immersion program. This year he might go to Santander or La Coruna for another one , so of course I'll have to visit him again( though my husband knows nothing yet about my plans!).

Hey Cruiluv, I might just have to go on a business trip to Madrid in Feb!!! I might just get away with two trips to the Madre Patria in a year :) Then again - I hate businees trips anyway, no fun whatsoever :(

Marigross,

The funny thing is that years ago I went twice to Madrid on business and stayed there for weeks at a time and it never ocurred to me to do sightseeing outside of Madrid during the weekends or anything! It was all work and no play! Now I know better! Can you stay a few days afteryour business is finished?

I might be able to arrive early but just the first weekend - fly from SJU on Friday and go to work on Monday. If I get to go on the direct flight from Iberia I might not be so beat up and would be able to actually do something Saturday and Sunday.

I might get reaaallly ambitious and try to get to Barcelona but then again there is so much Madrid that I have not seen...:)

To me Madrid is the kind of city that everytime I go I like better. And to me , there is no more beautiful Plaza than the Plaza Mayor all lit up at night!