Hollywood glamour in the Basque country

Since the 1950's San Sebastián, in the Basque country of Northern Spain, has been home to an International Film Festival. The Astoria 7 is located in a former cinema (San Sebastián's first multiscreen), and has been rebuilt to house the seaside city's first contemporary styled hotel.

Photo courtesy of Astoria 7 
Each of the 102 rooms is individually dedicated to actors, directors or personalities who have attended the Film Festival since it began in 1953. There are enormous posters of the stars of stage and screen above each headboard, adding to the unique 1950s-style modernist rooms, which are clean and crisply designed. It could have been kitsch, but it's very tastefully done.

Photo courtesy of Astoria 7
There is a library on the ground floor with books in all languages, and some cool books on San Sebastián itself. There are also seated areas with desks in which to use the free Wi-Fi. There is also a fitness room; restaurant, and snack bar which features a 'tapa' of the month - they promise haute cuisine in miniature!

Photo courtesy of Astoria 7
The hotel is a 15 minute walk from the beach, and the old town, but having said that; there are also bars in the same area as the hotel that charge local prices, and not tourist ones. It's a classy city, with excellent beaches and arguably the best pinchos (tapas) in Spain.  If you need time to chill out, one of the nice features of the hotel is that it has a library of movies, and DVD players in the rooms.

Photo courtesy of Astoria 7
Top tip: The Astoria sells out quickly during summertime and festivals, so book early for stays at the hotel during peak periods. For more information, go to the hotel's official website: www.astoria7hotel.com

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