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Hotel · San Sebastian · Basque Country

Albergue/Auberge Ulia Youth Hostel - San Sebastian

A hilltop youth hostel above San Sebastian with panoramic views, a friendly bar, and direct access to walking trails.

  • Stunning hilltop views over the city and bay
  • Dog-friendly with nearby woods for walks
  • Easy access to hiking trails and the Camino del Norte
8.3 Great 331 reviews Booking.com 8.3 · 331 reviews

About

Albergue/Auberge Ulia Youth Hostel - San Sebastian

Albergue/Auberge Ulia Youth Hostel sits on a hill above San Sebastian, with views over the city and the bay. It is about a 25-minute walk from Plaza Gipuzkoa and close to hiking trails, including the Camino del Norte. The property offers free Wi-Fi throughout and a range of practical amenities, from a shared kitchen to a terrace and garden area.

Rooms range from family doubles and studios to quadruple rooms, all kept clean and quiet. The on-site bar-restaurant is a social hub with a terrace view, and the staff are consistently praised for being friendly and helpful. Pets are allowed, making it a practical choice for travellers with dogs, and paid shuttle service can be arranged to the town centre.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Exceptional hilltop location — Perched above the city, the hostel offers panoramic views over San Sebastian and the bay, with easy access to hiking trails and the Camino del Norte.
  • Friendly, helpful staff — Guests consistently praise the staff for their warmth and willingness to assist, from early check-in to arranging taxis and even offering food to tired hikers.
  • Clean and comfortable rooms — Rooms are described as spotless, modern, and quiet, with comfortable beds and well-equipped kitchens in some units.
  • Dog-friendly with walking access — Pets are allowed, and the nearby woods provide convenient walking trails, making it a practical choice for guests with dogs.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Steep walk to the city — The hostel is on a hill, and walking to central San Sebastian takes about 30 minutes down a steep slope. Guests recommend good footwear and note that the return walk is uphill.
  • Limited public transport — Buses are limited, and while the hostel can arrange taxis to the town centre at a cost (around €15), guests without a car may find getting around less convenient.
  • Bar-restaurant has limited kitchen capacity — The on-site bar-restaurant offers good views and atmosphere, but a guest noted that the kitchen capacity is limited, which might affect meal choices.
  • Location can be tricky to find — A guest noted that the hostel was a bit challenging to locate initially, though the scenery made it worthwhile.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Family Double Room

  • 1 Double bed

Quadruple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
  • Shower
  • Heating

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • Wi-Fi
  • No smoking on site
  • 24-hour security
  • Key card access
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Outdoor & Recreation

  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Garden area
  • Children's play area
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Table tennis

Food & Drink

  • Shared kitchen
  • Dining table
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Vending machines
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Services & Facilities

  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Paid shuttle service
  • Tours/ Ticket assistance
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/ Photocopying
  • Laundry (inferred from vending machines? Not listed, so omitted)

Accessibility & Family

  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Toilet for disabled
  • Playpen
  • Board games

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.3
Great 331 reviews

Guest-rated 8.3/10 from 331 reviews

Booking.com · 8.3 · 331 reviews
8.3Verified guest

“A stunning hilltop setting with incredible views over the city. The staff are friendly and helpful, offering great recommendations for restaurants. Rooms are clean and quiet, and breakfast is good with a welcoming staff member. Dog-friendly with easy access to woods for walking. The bar has a great atmosphere and an impressive view.”

8.3Verified guest

“Friendly manager, dog-friendly, good woods for dog walking, great atmosphere, fabulous view, helpful staff.”

8.3Verified guest

“Amazing value for money. The room was spacious and comfortable for a group of friends. The location is beautiful, overlooking the bay, and the staff were friendly and helpful.”

8.3Verified guest

“Perfect location just a few meters off the trail, saving us a few kilometers of walking. Amazing views and great value for a private hostel room. The staff even offered us food when we were exhausted from hiking. Highly recommend for a peaceful escape near the Camino del Norte.”

8.3Verified guest

“The location is amazing with stunning views and easy access to hiking trails. The staff are attentive and helpful, even organizing taxis to the town center at reasonable rates. The studio apartments are clean and comfortable.”

8.3Verified guest

“The reception staff were really nice and helpful, checking us in early and upgrading our room. The bar patio had amazing views over the city and drinks were cheap. Great walking trails around the hostel for exploring the wooded area.”

04 — Location

Getting around San Sebastian

The property sits in San Sebastian.

San Sebastian: The hostel is about a 25-minute walk from Plaza Gipuzkoa, with the city centre further downhill. Guests recommend sturdy shoes for the walk and note that taxis are available for around €15.

Outdoor activities: The hostel is close to hiking trails, including the Camino del Norte, and guests praise the access to wooded areas for dog walking and relaxation.

Paseo De Ulia, 297, San Sebastian, Basque Country, 20013, Spain

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 16:00-23:00
Check-out
By 08:00-11:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Allowed
Property
12 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 16:00 to 23:00, and check-out is from 08:00 to 11:00.

Is parking available at the hostel?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity, though no further details are provided.

Are pets allowed at the hostel?

Yes, pets are allowed, and the nearby woods are popular for dog walking.

How do I get to the city centre from the hostel?

The city centre is about a 30-minute walk down a steep slope. Buses are limited, but the staff can arrange taxis for around €15.

Is there a restaurant or bar on site?

Yes, there is a bar-restaurant with a terrace offering views over the city. Note that the kitchen capacity is limited.

What amenities are available in the rooms?

Rooms vary, but some include heating, a shower, and tea and coffee facilities. Family studios and apartments have a kitchenette with cookware.

The bottom line

A well-rated, dog-friendly hilltop hostel that wins on views, staff, and trail access, though you'll trade a steep walk for the panorama.

8.3Based on guest ratings and reviews

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