Mendi Argia
Design-forward Basque heritage — original stone archways and wooden staircases meet contemporary Scandinavian and Italian furniture. Quiet, intimate, arts-leaning.
Book a room on floors 2–3 (rooms 3–7 per reviews) for the best city views and more natural light
Why It Matters
Featured in the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels, pressed by Condé Nast Traveler Spain, Vogue Spain, Elle Décor, and Le Monde. The Openhouse Studio restoration is itself a design statement, and the site on Mount Ulia — a former whale-watching lookout — gives it a history no new-build can fake.
A restored early 20th-century Basque villa perched on the slopes of Mount Ulia, above the Gros neighbourhood of San Sebastián. Eight rooms, a seasonal infinity pool with city views, and interiors designed by Openhouse Studio using Gervasoni chairs, Nani Marquina textiles, and a Japanese black marble bathtub. The name means 'illuminated mountain' in Basque. And honestly, the view from that pool makes the name feel earned.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Suite Individual Pool View
The smallest room at 18 square metres. A compact solo option with air conditioning, a desk, a balcony with garden views, and a private bathroom. Good value for a solo traveller who wants the same design aesthetic without paying for space they don't need.
18 sqm
Suite Ulia
35 square metres with an interior balcony and a bathtub positioned to take in views of San Sebastián. The bathroom is glassed-in, opening toward the room, and there's an extra-wide sitting terrace ideal for watching the sunset. Sleeps two adults.
35 sqm
Suite Ulia Familiar
The largest room at 45 square metres. Views take in both the swimming pool and the city. Glassed-in bathroom, a proper sitting area, and a sofa-bed. The only room that sleeps four (two adults and two children).
45 sqm
Suite Ulia Pool View
Ground-floor suite with direct access to both the lobby and the pool. Thirty square metres with a small private terrace. Convenient if you're planning to spend time in and out of the water. Sleeps two adults.
30 sqmSuite Ulia Romántica
Thirty square metres with a fireplace and the hotel's signature Japanese-style black marble bathtub. Private terrace or balcony with mountain views. The most design-forward room in the house. For two adults.
30 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The full property can be rented for private events: weddings, birthday celebrations, conferences, wine tastings, yoga sessions, and photoshoots (off-peak season). Overnight capacity is 20 people; total event capacity is 25. Both indoor and outdoor spaces available.
The hotel sits at the edge of the Ulia Natural Park, a forest of oak, beech, and holm oak with coastal views over Gros beach and San Sebastián bay. Zurriola beach is a 1.5 km walk through the woods. Trails are directly accessible on foot from the property.
Seasonal outdoor infinity pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. Open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer season. The views over San Sebastián bay are the real draw.
Private tastings held on-site in partnership with Curdelón. Three tasting tiers: National Wines, International Wines, and International Deluxe. Wine packs (6 bottles each) also available in Premium, Luxury, and Mendi Argia editions.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Shared living room featuring the 'Big Round' art piece by Sabine Marcellis and Brit Van Nerven. Light-filled space used for social evenings and breakfast.
Historic Basque pelota court hidden in the garden — a remnant of the original villa.
Parking at Parking de la Estación (Federico García Lorca Pasealekua Nº 2) at approximately €30/day. Includes two taxi transfers per 24 hours between the car park and the hotel (one each way).
Open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM seasonally. Sun loungers and umbrellas included. Panoramic views over San Sebastián.
BUILD YOUR MENDI ARGIA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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