Boutique Hotel Mendi Argia

Boutique Hotel Mendi Argia

Mendi Argia occupies a century-old villa on the slopes of Mount Ulia, brought back from years of ruin by Openhouse Studio; an old Basque pelota court still stands hidden among the garden's trees, and the original wooden staircase and stone arches remain. There are only eight rooms and no elevator, so anyone with heavy cases or mobility needs should look elsewhere, but those who climb the stairs get a small, considered place rather than a corridor of identical doors. The hotel sits within walking distance of San Sebastian's centre, close to Zurriola Beach, San Ignacio Church and Tabakalera. Outside there is a garden with outdoor furniture, a terrace, a sun deck and a seasonal outdoor pool, plus a beach shuttle for days when the sand wins out over the hill. Rooms vary: the Deluxe Queen looks over the city at 377 square feet, the Standard Double over the garden at 194, both able to sleep up to four adults and three children, with air conditioning, private bathrooms and television as standard, and balconies in many rooms. Breakfast, coffee and tea, and a small bar cover the day, and the 24-hour, multilingual desk handles tours, tickets, laundry and dry-cleaning without fuss. What no other boutique address nearby can offer is that pelota court and the house's past as a lookout on Mount Ulia, Basque history built into the walls rather than added for decoration. This suits couples and small groups who want design and quiet over a central address, and pets are not permitted. From a balcony, the sunset over Mount Igeldo and the glass front of the Kursaal is the sort of view that outlasts the memory of the room. An eight-room villa on Mount Ulia with a hidden Basque pelota court, walking distance from central San Sebastian and Zurriola Beach. Expect a seasonal pool, a beach shuttle, and no elevator. It suits couples wanting quiet and design over a central address, not those needing step-free access or bringing pets.