Maria Cristina hotel

Spain

Inaugurated in 1912, the Maria Cristina hotel in San Sebastián is a symbol of the Belle Époque elegance and a landmark of luxury in the city. Designed by French architect Charles Mewès—renowned for his work on the Ritz hotels in Paris and Madrid—the building stands out for its refined neoclassical style with Art Nouveau influences, perfectly integrated into the urban landscape along the Urumea River. Since its inception, the Maria Cristina hotel has been a meeting place for European aristocracy, royalty, and, since 1953, the glamorous heart of the San Sebastián International Film Festival.

After decades of splendor, the María Cristina required a comprehensive update. The last major renovation dated back to 1986, so in 2012, coinciding with its centenary, an ambitious refurbishment was undertaken, led by the IDOM studio in collaboration with HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates), responsible for the interior design and aesthetic renewal of the spaces.

The main challenge was to carry out a complete renovation in just 10 months, without compromising the quality or historical character of the building. IDOM oversaw the architectural, structural, and systems rehabilitation, preserving protected original elements such as the façades, staircases, and grand salons. Guest rooms, common areas, and technical systems were fully modernized, ensuring energy efficiency, universal accessibility, and contemporary comfort.

HBA, for its part, reinterpreted classic luxury with a cinematic approach, paying tribute to the many stars who have stayed at the Maria Cristina hotel. The interior design blends Art Nouveau details with noble materials and a sophisticated color palette, evoking the elegance of golden-age film divas and the splendor of bygone eras.

Thanks to this intervention, the Hotel María Cristina not only regained its original grandeur but also reaffirmed its status as an international benchmark in luxury hospitality, where history, architecture, and design coexist in perfect harmony.

Architecture : Design : Hospitality : Project Management : Project Management