hi there,

We have just made plans to be in Spain this summer :jump: for 7 weeks! I am thrilled! We have rented an apartment in Salamanca for the entire month of July (my daughters and I are taking classes there) and then we are off to the north! We are hoping to stay in Santander for a few days and San Sebastian for a few days before heading down thru Aragon and then to Madrid! Just wondering if anyone has suggestions for good (not expensive) places to stay in Santander and San Sebastian. We will be 4 people... probably needing 2 rooms (or an apartment if possible). I did do a search and found some ideas. Just wondering if there are more current suggestions.

Also, MadridMan...I am hoping we can finally all meet when we are in Madrid!! I hope you will be around the last few days of June when we arrive...

You might already be aware that Santander AND San Sebastián-Donostia are two summertime "Hot Spots" for many MANY Spaniards. Expect to pay "High Season" rates. Also, if you haven't already, check into the San Sebastián-Donostia Lodgings page of MadridMan.com.

Hope to meet you while you're here in Madrid.

Saludos, MadridMan

I can vouch for the Hotel Niza in San Sebastian. Very charming and a great location (right on the promenade along the beach) but without the higher prices of the swankier hotels. Great views (request a room with a view of the water), very clean and well appointed rooms.

We loved San Sebastian--when we win the lottery, that's where we're retiring! Have fun!

thanks for the tip, Liz! I was wondering if Eddie had any suggestions for Santander? MadridMan, I did use your lodgings page to do a good search. Thanks!

Hello
I can honestly say that Adore Plaza in Constitution Square is THE BEST hostel I have ever stayed in!! VERY friendly staff, great location and very reasonable rates....the washrooms are impeccably clean.....really, I highly recommend this one!!

thanks, France! their website is Adore Plaza

You won't regret it if you book a room there...it's sooooo nice!!! And it overlooks the Plaza....well some rooms do....it'll be great for you and your daughters!

I stayed in Hostal La mexicana in Santander four years ago (May '02) and was very pleasant. Family run, comfortable, reasonable rates, and well located just meters away from the City Hall and the Central Market (that, by the way, is located in Plaza de la esperanza ). I see in their Website that it has been refurbished in 2003, so even better.

Hotel Europa is 2 blocks from the beach w/o the water view, but probably a better value than Niza (which I think is high to beat.) Europa also has a good little cafe w/ excellent pinchos.

Esperanza: I sent you two Private Messages about Santander (lodging, etc.).

I have also stayed at Hostal Liebana on c/Salmerón just north of the FEVE Station: not recommended! I was on my way to Potes (Liebana) for Año Jubilar 2000. 2006 should also be a Jubilee Year for Liebana: Santo Toribio fell on Sunday, Apr 16 (which was also Easter Sunday). In 2000 it fell on Palm/Passion Sunday. I don't know if they're doing anything special at the Monastery (just outside Potes).