San Sebastián Turns Old Cinema Into Hotel
San Sebastián has gained a new hotel inside one of Spain’s early cinema buildings. Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened in a 1914 Beaux Arts landmark that once operated as a filmhouse. The project keeps the building’s cinematic character while turning it into an 81-room stay in the city centre.
Inside the Former Cinema Hotel
- Hotel: Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián
- Brand: Curio Collection by Hilton
- Building: 1914 former cinema and theatre
- Location: Calle Urbieta 61, San Sebastián
- Rooms: 81
- Floors: Six
- Restaurant: Lotu
- Bookings: Accepted for stays dated 1 July 2026 onwards
- Check-in: 15:00
- Check-out: 12:00
Architect Ignacio Quemada led the restoration, including work on the façade and the reconstruction of the building’s dome. Guests now enter through the former stage area and pass beneath the old proscenium arch, while room categories keep the theatre theme with gallery, amphitheatre, grand stalls, front box and corner box options. The hotel also includes 81 cinema-inspired works by Basque artist Lander Andonegi, one for each guest room, and Lotu restaurant now occupies the theatre’s former box over two floors with a menu by chef Andoni Luis Aduriz.
The opening gives visitors another central base for exploring San Sebastián’s food, beaches and cultural sites. Hilton highlights that the hotel is within reach of La Concha, the cathedral and pintxo bars, which makes it useful for first-time stays as well as film or design-led trips. The city’s Old Town, river walks and seaside routes can be folded into the same itinerary.
This is not just another polished city hotel with a heritage label slapped on the door. The building gives San Sebastián a stay that connects directly with its film culture, local art and food scene. For visitors, the appeal is simple: sleep inside a restored cinema, then step out into one of Spain’s best cities for eating and walking.