Three Hotels That Proved Great Stays Don't Always Need Five Stars
Stayed in Spain & France | July 20–29
After spending the previous part of my road trip staying in several beautiful 5-star hotels across northern Spain, I found myself thinking that the next hotels might feel like a step down.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
One thing I've learned after years of travelling is that a memorable hotel isn't defined by the number of stars on the front door. It's about finding somewhere that suits the destination, gives you a great night's sleep, and makes exploring easy. Sometimes that's a luxury resort with sweeping views, and other times it's a well-designed city hotel in the perfect location or a comfortable boutique stay just a short walk from the beach.
Over the next nine days, my journey took me from the vibrant streets of San Sebastián across the border into France, where I explored Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Along the way, I stayed in two excellent 4-star hotels and one surprisingly impressive 3-star property that proved you don't always need five stars to have a fantastic stay.
If you're planning a similar trip through the Spanish and French Basque Coast, these are the three hotels I'd happily recommend.
1. Hotel Catalonia Donosti: Modern Comfort Above San Sebastián
Image courtesy of Hotel Catalonia Donosti.
Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain | Stayed July 20–23
Arriving in San Sebastián felt completely different from anywhere else I'd visited during my road trip. The city has an unmistakable energy. Elegant Belle Époque architecture, lively pintxos bars, beautiful beaches and locals enjoying life outdoors all combine to create one of Spain's most exciting coastal destinations.
Hotel Catalonia Donosti turned out to be the perfect place to experience it all.
Built inside a beautifully restored historic villa overlooking the city, the hotel immediately stands out from many modern properties. It manages to preserve its original character while offering all the comforts you'd expect from a contemporary four-star hotel.
Images courtesy of Hotel Catalonia Donosti.
From the moment I checked in, everything felt polished without being overly formal. The staff were welcoming, the public spaces were bright and stylish, and despite being so close to the city centre, the hotel maintained a calm atmosphere that made returning each evening something I genuinely looked forward to.
My room was modern, spacious and thoughtfully designed. Soft lighting, comfortable furnishings and a bed that provided an excellent night's sleep made it easy to relax after long days walking around San Sebastián. Like many of the hotels I choose, comfort is far more important to me than unnecessary luxury, and Catalonia Donosti delivered exactly that.
Breakfast was another highlight of the stay.
Each morning offered an excellent buffet featuring fresh fruit, pastries, breads, local cheeses, cold cuts, hot dishes and excellent coffee. It was the kind of breakfast that encourages you to slow down rather than rushing out the door.
One of the hotel's biggest advantages is its location.
Although perched on a hill overlooking the city, it remains within walking distance of La Concha Beach, the Old Town and many of San Sebastián's famous pintxos bars. After dinner each evening, I enjoyed strolling back through the illuminated streets rather than relying on taxis or public transport.
The rooftop terrace was another feature I found myself returning to. Looking across the rooftops towards the bay with a drink in hand was a wonderful way to end each day.
Stayed: July 20–23
Best for: City breaks, food lovers and anyone wanting to explore San Sebastián on foot.
Would I stay again?
Absolutely.
If I return to San Sebastián, Hotel Catalonia Donosti would be right at the top of my shortlist.
2. ALFRED HOTELS – Les Halles: A Boutique Stay in the Heart of Biarritz
Image courtesy of ALFRED HOTELS – Les Halles.
Biarritz, France | Stayed July 23–26
Crossing into France brought a completely different atmosphere.
Biarritz feels effortlessly stylish. Once a favourite destination of European royalty, it's now known for its elegant architecture, surfing culture, lively markets and beautiful Atlantic coastline. It was one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting, and staying right in the centre made exploring incredibly easy.
Unlike the larger hotels I'd stayed in earlier during my trip, ALFRED HOTELS – Les Halles is a boutique three-star property with a much more intimate feel.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear this hotel focused on personality rather than grandeur.
Images courtesy of ALFRED HOTELS – Les Halles.
The reception was friendly and relaxed, the interior featured a modern design with warm colours and contemporary furnishings, and everything felt fresh, clean and thoughtfully presented.
My room wasn't particularly large, but every square metre had been used well. The comfortable bed, quality linens and clever layout meant it never felt cramped. After spending most of the day exploring Biarritz on foot, it provided exactly what I needed: somewhere quiet, comfortable and centrally located.
Its location quickly became the hotel's biggest selling point.
Within just a few minutes, I could walk to Les Halles Market, the beach, cafés, restaurants and many of Biarritz's best-known attractions. Having everything on my doorstep meant I rarely needed the car during my stay.
Although it carries only three stars, I honestly never felt like I was compromising.
The service was warm, the hotel was immaculately maintained, and the overall experience exceeded my expectations. It's a reminder that star ratings don't always tell the full story.
Sometimes location, atmosphere and genuinely friendly hospitality matter far more.
Stayed: July 23–26
Best for: Couples, weekend breaks and travellers wanting to stay in the centre of Biarritz.
Would I stay again?
Without question.
For the price and location, it's one of the best hotel choices I found during my trip.
3. Thalazur Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Relaxing Beside the Atlantic
Image courtesy of Thalazur Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France | Stayed July 26–29
My final stop brought me to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a charming seaside town that instantly felt more relaxed than neighbouring Biarritz.
Known for its colourful Basque houses, sheltered bay and slower pace of life, it turned out to be the perfect destination to finish this stage of my journey.
Thalazur Saint-Jean-de-Luz matched that atmosphere perfectly.
Located right beside the ocean, the hotel combines modern comfort with wellness facilities and beautiful coastal views, making it an ideal place to slow down after several weeks on the road.
Image courtesy of Thalazur Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Walking into the lobby immediately created a sense of calm. Bright interiors, natural light and friendly staff made for an effortless check-in, while the sound of the nearby waves reminded me I was only moments from the beach.
My room was spacious, comfortable and tastefully decorated using soft neutral colours that complemented the seaside setting. It had everything I needed for a relaxing three-night stay, and after busy days exploring the town, it became somewhere I genuinely enjoyed returning to.
Breakfast overlooked the coastline and offered an excellent variety of fresh pastries, breads, fruit, cheeses and hot dishes. Sitting with a coffee while watching the town slowly come to life each morning quickly became one of my favourite routines.
One feature that really sets the hotel apart is its wellness focus.
The spa, seawater pool and relaxation facilities make it an excellent choice if you're looking for more than just somewhere to sleep. Even if you don't spend hours using the facilities, the peaceful atmosphere extends throughout the entire property.
Its location also makes exploring Saint-Jean-de-Luz incredibly easy.
The beach, harbour, restaurants and historic centre are all within easy walking distance, allowing me to leave the car parked while enjoying the town at a much slower pace.
It was exactly the kind of hotel I wanted for the final stop of this journey.
Stayed: July 26–29
Best for: Relaxation, spa breaks, couples and exploring the French Basque Coast.
Would I stay again?
Definitely.
It was the perfect place to finish my time in France before heading home.
Three Hotels, Three Different Experiences
Looking back, it's hard to compare these three hotels because each one suited its destination so well.
Hotel Catalonia Donosti gave me an elegant base for discovering one of Spain's greatest food cities. ALFRED HOTELS – Les Halles proved that a well-run three-star hotel can easily compete with higher-rated properties when location and hospitality are done right. Meanwhile, Thalazur Saint-Jean-de-Luz provided the peaceful ending I was hoping for after several weeks of travelling.
Together, they reminded me why I never choose a hotel based solely on its star rating.
A great stay is about so much more than luxury.
It's about comfort after a long day of exploring, waking up in the right location, being looked after by friendly staff and feeling excited to return each evening.
These three hotels delivered exactly that, and I'd happily recommend every one of them to anyone planning a road trip through the Spanish and French Basque Coast.
