Bike hotels are often functional places. Everything is there, but if you’re being honest, you wouldn’t book that hotel with your partner. Unless you both love cycling, but then again, that’s not a given. Basque Country they have found something there. The beautiful Arima Hotel & Spa, At the south of San Sebastian, Arima Hotel in San Sebastián is an oasis of peace, beauty and completely carbon-negative (!). When we stayed here, it was quickly clear that Arima Hotel in San Sebastián deserves the label. Cycling Destination Approved. Do you want to know why? Then keep reading!
Text: Sander Kolsloot, photos: Sander Kolsloot – Arima Hotel & Spa – Stijn Kanters
Stylish and chic
As a cyclist, you want a location that exudes tranquility. Especially after an intense day on the bike, a busy environment with all kinds of stimuli is the last thing you want. A place where you can still put your feet up, read a book, or calmly chat with your fellow cyclists. A central location in the city is too much. At Arima, all of that is in order. The hotel exudes ‘chic and stylish’. The lounge upon arrival is sleekly decorated and you can immediately grab a nice cold glass of water. From the outside, it looks sleek, with straight lines, some greenery, and a nice vibe.
Everything for the bike
What you don’t see is the many facilities that the hotel has to offer. In the parking garage there is a real bike storage room, with not only a hanging system for multiple bikes, but also a drainage system, a key set and the ability to lock the bikes behind a lock and a padlock. Really very stylish. From there you can start your ride and you also have a good feeling about leaving your two-wheeler safely behind.
Eating at a high level
On a cycling holiday, it often comes down to a few simple things: food, drink, route and surroundings, and sleeping. In random order, of course. Food and drink are very well taken care of at Arima. In the morning there is an extensive breakfast buffet, where you can not only eat well but also healthily. Responsible carbohydrate intake is no problem here. Various types of (non-)dairy products, fruit, granola, nuts. Everything is available. Of course, there is also a croissant or other local specialty for the sweet tooth.
Even in the evening, there is no shortage of delicious treats. In the restaurant, all kinds of nutritious dishes are served, whether vegetarian or not, that could make a great place in any restaurant. The restaurant is open until 22:00, so even late-night trips are possible.
I’m dreaming
Not insignificant, the bedrooms. Here too everything is neatly arranged. Neat but charmingly decorated rooms, with spacious bathrooms and a view of the green surroundings. The hotel is located on a spacious park that is accessible to the public. The hallways are a haven of peace. No screaming children or drunken groups of revelers. In other words: completely at ease.
All the extras
If you think: this is already quite okay, there’s more. A complete Technogym fitness room, a wonderful spa where you can book treatments, but where you can also just go into an infrared sauna for a quick dip in the pool. Yoga class? It’s available! Bad weather outside? Then you’ll just cycle inside. The complete spa menu is better than the average spa in the Netherlands. This is really something else entirely.
So if you were still unsure about a location around San Sebastian, especially with the beautiful Tour photos from 2023, then Arima Hotel & Spa is your ‘place to be’. With full Cycling Destination Approved status
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Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.