We have been spending several months a year in San Sebastián-Donostia for the last several years, and have rented a number of apartments in different parts of town. Luis & Terese´s wonderful “Merlot” apartment is in the perfect location for the person or couple that wants to enjoy the best of the Old Town, as well as explore all of the the other best neighborhoods in San Sebastián. Located on the historic 31 de agosto street, and at the base of Monte Urgull (with its great walking trails and hill top views), Merlot is just steps from some of the best pintxo bars in town — in between the well-known Atari and Gandarias, and very close to the less-known, but highly recommended Dakara Bi (try their Taco de Solomillo con Foie, or one of their excellent bocadillos). And it is an easy several minute walk to the hip Gros neighborhood and its Zurriola beach (to the east), Concha beach (to the west), and the Romantic area (to the south).
One of our concerns renting in the heart of the Old Town was that it would be too loud. To the contrary, Merlot has been the quietest apartment that we have stayed in in San Sebastián, as it is on the top floor, in the back of the building (thus, far from the street). Other apartments we have stayed in are in what are seemingly quieter neighborhoods, until you realize that the large communal trash and recycling bins located on the streets are picked up at all hours (mostly early morning), or that there is traffic; neither of these things happen in the heart of the Old Town, which is made up of pedestrian streets.
Luis & Terese have created a wonderful, stylish space. The apartment perfectly blends the modern kitchen and many unique furniture and artwork pieces with the historic building. This is a very unique space, not a cookie-cutter corporate style apartment. And it is has a brand new memory foam bed! Regarding a dryer, note that there is only line-drying for the wash, but this is what is typical in town and worked fine for us. Also, something that really sets Merlot apart from other apartments is how bright it is. The living room and bedroom face south, which gives it light from the morning through the afternoon. And while it does not have a balcony/deck, the two large windows in the living room open inward, giving you an indoor-outdoor living feel, when sitting on the stools at the built in “bar” below the windows. This area is equally as nice in the colder months, as the bar area can feel warm relative to the outside temperature. Other apartments we have stayed in have been nicely decorated, but colder and darker as they have been lower down in their respective buildings. Merlot, at the top of its building, and with the neighboring buildings being a bit lower, doesn’t have any competition for the sun.
On top of that, Luis is a very gregarious and helpful owner. He has a personalized touch that you can only get from an owner (as opposed to a rental agency). From the time we first met him, he has gone out of his way to make sure that we are comfortable and happy.
Merlot is a unique, stylish space, in a great “Old Town” location, and with wonderful owners. We highly recommend it for your stay — if we are not there!