Hilton to make its debut in culinary hub San Sebastián

by | 29 May 2022 | Hotel Openings, Projects

Imagery © 2022 Hilton

Hilton has announced plans to open its first hotel in the coastal city of San Sebastián in Spain’s Basque Country.

Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton is expected to open in 2024 following a redevelopment of the hotel site.

A historic redevelopment

Having entered a franchise agreement with Sociedad Anónima Deportes y Espectáculos, S.A., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo SADE, Hilton is now putting plans in place to develop this hotel celebrating its site’s architectural heritage and overall history. On opening, the hotel is to be managed by Grupo SADE.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development in EMEA for Hilton, said: “San Sebastián is a city which has a wealth of cultural attractions, making it the perfect home for Curio Collection by Hilton. From its thriving restaurant scene – featuring more Michelin stars per square metre than any other global city – to its lively pintxo bars, jazz festival and food markets – our international guests will enjoy soaking up the atmosphere while exploring the city.”

“Curio Collection by Hilton has grown exponentially across Europe, with new openings this year in Lisbon, Madrid, Santorini, Krakow, London and Reykjavik, and Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton is a very welcome addition to the expanding portfolio of 190 hotels trading or under development around the world.”

Esteban Basterretxea Badiola, general manager at GRUPO SADE, added: “We are pleased to be reviving the Bellas Artes, one of the city’s most emblematic buildings. We are also excited to be working with Hilton to open under its Curio Collection, which will allow us to celebrate the individual qualities of this important building.”

“The franchise model enables SADE to manage the hotel and maintain its brand purpose; to offer enjoyable experiences through its century-old connection to the city’s cultural scene. I would also like to thank PHG Hotels & Resorts for their effort, which was key to fulfilling this agreement.”

A celebration of its locale

Once the redevelopment is complete, Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton will house 82 stylish guest rooms, including eight suites, along with an array of luxury facilities.

Facilities within the property are to include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and meeting rooms, all in space celebrating the 1914-built site’s past as the Amara district’s Fine Arts Theatre, which was originally designed by the local architect Ramón Cortázar.

The property will introduce guests to an area of the coast known for its three beaches, annual cultural and culinary events and internationally renowned food scene.

Each property in the Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio is chosen for its distinct character. In total, Hilton currently has 25 hotels open or under development across Spain.

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