Hotel Leku Eder

An old Basque house with a pink-and-white facade has been converted into the family-run Hotel Leku Eder. Inside, the look is cozy and eclectic. A grandfather clock, wooden carvings hung from the walls, framed picture collages, antique chandeliers, and rustic wooden furniture are mixed together in a charming way in the lobby and hallways. Most guests’ attention will be directed away from the hotel, however, as the view of San Sebastian and the sea from many sides of the hotel is breathtaking. There's a communal vibe here, including a shared sitting room and a dining area with coffee and tea that bring guests together in a social way. Since the hotel isn’t in the city center, but is instead set in more rural surroundings, the hotel attracts groups, families, couples, or solo travelers who are friendly and open to making new friends in these rustic environs, away from the tourist fray. 

Hotel Leku Eder sits in the Igueldo quarter, on Mount Igueldo. The area is located in the western outskirts of the city proper, and the surroundings are surprisingly rural given how close it is to downtown San Sebastian. A famous amusement park with a funicular to the bottom of the mountain is just a few minutes' drive from the hotel, and there’s also a public square and church for those looking to soak up some of the local scene. Views from the hotel of the city, the bay, and the beaches are outstanding. Travelers who want easy access to La Concha Beach or the sights and attractions of the Old Town may want to look elsewhere unless they have their own cars. However, a bus stops directly in front of the hotel every 30 minutes, and the ride takes about 20 minutes to La Concha and about 35 minutes to the restaurants in Old Town. The local airport is about 25 minutes away by car, and the international airport in Bilbao can be reached in about an hour by car. 

Rooms at the Hotel Leku Eder are homey and classic, though the style is a bit dated, and comfort level may depend on which side of the hotel the room is located. Rooms that face the road are affected by traffic noise, while rooms on the other side are quieter and have excellent views of the sea from balconies. While the balconies are big, there is little to no furniture on them and they show significant signs of wear and tear. That goes for the decor inside the rooms too, where the furnishings look worn and some bedspreads have holes or stains. It's also worth noting that walls in this old building are noticeably thin. Still, there is a rustic charm to the overall feel and all rooms have basic features including a flat-screen TV, desk, mirror, and a wooden wardrobe, but no mini-fridge or air-conditioning. Rooms are average sized, and can accommodate two in the double rooms and up to four in the Family Room with extra twin beds. Bathrooms are all en-suite, and are clean and renovated with some creative touches like colored marble tiles, and big bathtubs. Bathrooms have bar soap but no other toiletries. Wi-Fi is free in rooms, as it is in the rest of the hotel. 

As with most budget hotels in the area, the Hotel Leku Eder has limited amenities. A buffet breakfast is available for a small extra fee, and includes a typical cold spread of pastries, fruit, and yogurt as well as coffee and tea. Those hot beverages are available throughout the day and are best sipped on a large communal terrace that overlooks a garden with a slide and swing set, which are popular with families. There is a small lounge area on the first floor that feels like a cozy living room in someone’s home, with sturdy armchairs and a big bookcase full of books and board games. In the same spirit of communal living, there's a shared refrigerator in the kitchen that can be used by guests to store groceries, as there are no mini-fridges in rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A large parking lot allows for plenty of free parking space.