Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian, Spain (pre 2013 renovation) [Master Thread]
Jun 6, 2011, 9:29 am
#91
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Switzerland
Programs: plenty
Posts: 57
Great Hotel!
We just stayed 6 nights at the MC. As Platinum got upgraded to a very nice 1BR suite. The Hotel is magnificient, much nicer than for example the Gritti Palace in Venice.
Food at the Asian Restaurant was good and very reasonably priced.
The ladies from the Guest Service Center did a great job, made excellent restaurant reservations for us and were really extremely nice and efficient.
Everybody was very friendly, from arrival to check out.
This is a Starwood hotel I can honestly recommend, even before the upcoming renovation.
Food at the Asian Restaurant was good and very reasonably priced.
The ladies from the Guest Service Center did a great job, made excellent restaurant reservations for us and were really extremely nice and efficient.
Everybody was very friendly, from arrival to check out.
This is a Starwood hotel I can honestly recommend, even before the upcoming renovation.
Aug 15, 2011, 11:36 pm
#92
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: California, SMF
Programs: UA, AA, AS, DL, BA, HA, WN, SPG-PL, Hyatt-Dia, HH-Dia, Marr-Pl, US Mint/VR(retired)
Posts: 945
Aug 16, 2011, 6:46 am
#93
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: United MM- Marriott Titanium - Air France/KLM Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 4,835
Another wonderful stay at the Maria Christina.. was upgraded to a junior suite with large terrace on the last floor, beautiful room, beautiful view and as always great service. Really a great property
Aug 16, 2011, 6:54 pm
#94
Join Date: Jun 2002
Programs: UA 1MM, JAL JGC Diamond, SPG Lifetime PLT, AMEX PLT
Posts: 1,231
I found this info, and I believe this information is what you want:
<<If you have a hire car and are coming to San Sebastian for more than a day, park your car for free at one of the car parks off Avenida de tolosa next to the University (to the west of the city centre) and get the 5 or 25 Donostia Bus service into town (€1.20 /single). Otherwise 24hr underground garages in the centre cost about €13/day and there is no long term street parking anywhere near the city centre.
Universidad del Pais Vasco, Avenida de Tolosa, San Sebastian-Donostia>>
This is the info in 2008, and now the city underground parking would be around 20 euro.
I stayed at this hotel in last April through FHR rate.
I got a corner huge 1BR suite facing square and river/ocean(far).
Living room is rounded with sofas and center dining table.
It was not a modern suite(that is why they make renovation soon), but very spacious with a lot of windows.
Since I had 80 Euro dining credit, we had a dinner at Cafe Saigon and could not spend all so we enjoyed afternoon cafe at Bar, too.
I really enjoyed the stay!
For parking, I saw underground parking just in front of the hotel. I prefer the convenience so if I were you, I just park there and pay for it.
<<If you have a hire car and are coming to San Sebastian for more than a day, park your car for free at one of the car parks off Avenida de tolosa next to the University (to the west of the city centre) and get the 5 or 25 Donostia Bus service into town (€1.20 /single). Otherwise 24hr underground garages in the centre cost about €13/day and there is no long term street parking anywhere near the city centre.
Universidad del Pais Vasco, Avenida de Tolosa, San Sebastian-Donostia>>
This is the info in 2008, and now the city underground parking would be around 20 euro.
I stayed at this hotel in last April through FHR rate.
I got a corner huge 1BR suite facing square and river/ocean(far).
Living room is rounded with sofas and center dining table.
It was not a modern suite(that is why they make renovation soon), but very spacious with a lot of windows.
Since I had 80 Euro dining credit, we had a dinner at Cafe Saigon and could not spend all so we enjoyed afternoon cafe at Bar, too.
I really enjoyed the stay!
For parking, I saw underground parking just in front of the hotel. I prefer the convenience so if I were you, I just park there and pay for it.
Last edited by Tak; Aug 16, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Aug 16, 2011, 8:34 pm
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
That's why I selected it for my SPG card. Classically superb property!
Aug 16, 2011, 10:49 pm
#96
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Oslo, Norway.
Programs: SK EBD, AX Cent, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Club-A Plat, Avis' PC, CC Gold,Hertz PC, CX Diamond,BA Bronz
Posts: 683
Parking in SS is elsewise extremely difficult with the local traffic wardens obviously on a commision (And believe me; I AM used to Spanish double-or triple parking.) Do NOT try creative parking nearby any public buildings, the local authorities still have ETA awareness and will have you towed away within 5 minutes..
Aug 17, 2011, 8:58 am
#97
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: United MM- Marriott Titanium - Air France/KLM Flying Blue Platinum
Posts: 4,835
Aug 17, 2011, 3:49 pm
#98
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: California, SMF
Programs: UA, AA, AS, DL, BA, HA, WN, SPG-PL, Hyatt-Dia, HH-Dia, Marr-Pl, US Mint/VR(retired)
Posts: 945
Re: Parking
I received this from the hotel....
Good morning,
We offer to our guest the posibility to park their car in the public parking located in front of the Hotel Maria Cristina.
Our guest can park it theirselves and they have to pay the rate in the parking machine 22,7 Euros by day.
On the other hand, we can park the car in the same public parking and charge 22,70 Euros by day + 18% taxes plus 8 Euros + 8% taxes for the valet service.
Concerning the University free spaces parking, kindly note that it is located in the suburbs of the city and it´s a long way from the hotel.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance
Best regards
Almudena Calderón
Good morning,
We offer to our guest the posibility to park their car in the public parking located in front of the Hotel Maria Cristina.
Our guest can park it theirselves and they have to pay the rate in the parking machine 22,7 Euros by day.
On the other hand, we can park the car in the same public parking and charge 22,70 Euros by day + 18% taxes plus 8 Euros + 8% taxes for the valet service.
Concerning the University free spaces parking, kindly note that it is located in the suburbs of the city and it´s a long way from the hotel.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance
Best regards
Almudena Calderón
Aug 24, 2011, 12:27 pm
#99
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: SPG Plat, UA 1P, Hertz PC
Posts: 16
Stayed at the Maria Christina for 5 nights on points (5th night free) for our honeymoon in July.
I am a SPG Plat and I also indicated to the SPG concierge that we would be traveling on our honeymoon. She contacted the hotels where we would be staying to request an upgrade on our behalf as well.
We were upgraded to a terrace suite on the top floor with a large outdoor terrace. The hotel is quite nice and "grand". The rooms and hotel are somewhat aged, but this did not take away from our experience and enjoyment of the property. I can see why they are doing a rehab to bring the hotel in line with modern Luxury Collection standards.
The spa area is nice, we did not take advantage of any of the services, but did enjoy the steam room / sauna / hot tub.
The location of the property is great and San Sebastian is a wonderful place to visit. We drove from Nice, dropped off the car in Irun, and took the Euskotren in.
I am a SPG Plat and I also indicated to the SPG concierge that we would be traveling on our honeymoon. She contacted the hotels where we would be staying to request an upgrade on our behalf as well.
We were upgraded to a terrace suite on the top floor with a large outdoor terrace. The hotel is quite nice and "grand". The rooms and hotel are somewhat aged, but this did not take away from our experience and enjoyment of the property. I can see why they are doing a rehab to bring the hotel in line with modern Luxury Collection standards.
The spa area is nice, we did not take advantage of any of the services, but did enjoy the steam room / sauna / hot tub.
The location of the property is great and San Sebastian is a wonderful place to visit. We drove from Nice, dropped off the car in Irun, and took the Euskotren in.
Aug 24, 2011, 5:32 pm
#100
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,737
The hotel will be closed between October 9 and June 30, 2012, for refurbishment.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...=86#conditions
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...=86#conditions
Jan 19, 2012, 1:30 pm
#101
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, DL Plat, SPG Plat, Hyatt DMD
Posts: 296
Simply the best SPG property I have stayed at as a PLAT, amazing upgrade and San Sebastian is a phenomenal destination. Can't wait for the renovation!
Jan 31, 2012, 8:40 pm
#102
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DTW
Programs: Platinum: Delta, Starwood, Priority Club. Hyatt-Diamond, TA
Posts: 939
Status
Any news regarding the renovation calendar? Are the on schedule??
Jan 31, 2012, 8:46 pm
#103
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DTW
Programs: Platinum: Delta, Starwood, Priority Club. Hyatt-Diamond, TA
Posts: 939
As did I! I've had the great pleasure staying at the Maria Cristina for the past 15 years when attending the San Sebastian Jazz Festival (Jazzaldia) in late July. I hope they re-open the property in time!
May 17, 2012, 2:57 pm
#104
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DTW
Programs: Platinum: Delta, Starwood, Priority Club. Hyatt-Diamond, TA
Posts: 939
Just received an email from the property:
Dear Customer,
As you know, last October 9th, we closed our doors to address a deep refurbishment with the aim to improve our decor, facilities and services in order to be ready for the celebration of our centenary in the best conditions. With this renovation, we are enhancing the Belle Epoque style, giving it a warmer, more “feminine” touch that will allow us not only to maintain, but strength our leadership as a preferred stay in San Sebastian.
The process is all going according to plan, so we are able to ensure we’ll back in full operation on July 6th.
The hotel management and sales staff continue working from temporary offices to handle any request, room bookings and events for dates after the hotel re-opening through our phone number: 943 43 76 00 or contacting us by email at [email protected]
We would be delighted that you were one of the first to enjoy the benefits and innovations of the new Hotel Maria Cristina. We are working to make your experience with us as enjoyable as possible.
We’ll wait you from July 6th
Dear Customer,
As you know, last October 9th, we closed our doors to address a deep refurbishment with the aim to improve our decor, facilities and services in order to be ready for the celebration of our centenary in the best conditions. With this renovation, we are enhancing the Belle Epoque style, giving it a warmer, more “feminine” touch that will allow us not only to maintain, but strength our leadership as a preferred stay in San Sebastian.
The process is all going according to plan, so we are able to ensure we’ll back in full operation on July 6th.
The hotel management and sales staff continue working from temporary offices to handle any request, room bookings and events for dates after the hotel re-opening through our phone number: 943 43 76 00 or contacting us by email at [email protected]
We would be delighted that you were one of the first to enjoy the benefits and innovations of the new Hotel Maria Cristina. We are working to make your experience with us as enjoyable as possible.
We’ll wait you from July 6th
May 17, 2012, 8:48 pm
#105
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 38
Re: One of the Best SPG Properties
I stayed here in May 2011 ... it had the best room, best views and best service that I have received at any SPG property. ^