Hotel Zinema7 ★★★★

Nestled in a cosy cove, the sands of La Concha glint Oscar-statuette gold in the bright summer sunshine. San Sebastián is the burgeoning, undiscovered star of the Bay of Biscay. Housed in a renovated former cinema, the Hotel Zinema 7 combines proximity to the city centre with a slightly-out-of-the-way exclusivity. Every aspect of the hotel, from its contemporary architecture to the meticulous decorative details, is linked to the world of cinema.

As I approached the front desk, I was asked, “Which star will stay with you tonight?” This cheeky enquiry set the tone for my stay in the hotel: service at the Hotel Zinema 7 is polite, professional, attentive and discreet, and the staff make guests feel like privileged stars whose every demand is met.

In my gorgeous Double Room, my tiled bathroom was clean with a large walk-in shower and complimentary toiletries. I was treated to a flat-screen TV with DVD player; more appreciated was the complimentary Wi-Fi, desk and laptop-sized safe, meaning even guests who can’t avoid working on a beach getaway are catered for.

The Bistroteka restaurant also offers the best of Basque cuisine. The menu, largely based around local produce, offers traditional flavours in a contemporary setting. Although the cuisine is of a high quality, don’t miss the city centre and Old Town of San Sebastián, which boasts some of the most famous authentic Basque restaurants in Spain.

The Hotel Zinema 7 is a luxurious base to return to after a long day. Following a viewing in the private cinema room, I retreated to the cool, peaceful ambience of my room. The contemporary sophistication and warm hospitality of the Hotel Zinema 7 make it an ideally located and uniquely charming destination hotel.