About Olarain
Olarain is located on the campus of Universidad del País Vasco. It combines present day accommodation requirements in a setting that encompasses artifacts from around the world.
Rooms at Olarain are basic in format, although they are en-suite and include heating, colour TV, desk, telephone and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms are adapted for use by disabled guests and they all have external views.
There are library, table tennis, billiards, sauna and fitness areas. Luggage storage, computer room, 24-hour front desk and a lift also feature. Parking (surcharge) is available.
Meals are served in the large on-site café/bar area where special dietary requirements can be catered for. Nearby restaurant alternatives include Igueldo, Rekondo and the Abakando.
It is a little over a mile to the old town. City centre buses leave from 350 yards away. San Sebastian’s Ondarreta Beach is 550 yards from the accommodation.
Positive Reviews
positive:
Good accommodation and services.
Accommodation is immaculate and is cleaned daily with towels replaced. Included are a refrigerator, hairdryer and all the things you'd expect in a ‘hotel'. The cafe offers an imaginative menu and the prices are equally appealing. Breakfast is well worth sampling, before starting the day.
positive:
Good transport links.
It's about 20 minutes to walk into town. If that's too much exercise, it's so easy to jump on a bus. Buses leave every few minutes. There is absolutely no point in using the car and incurring unnecessary hassle.
positive:
San Sebastian is a hidden treasure.
Most visitors to Spain head straight for the Costas ... overlooking, entirely, the rugged coastline to the north. San Sebastian is a great city and as a resort, it is reminiscent of how things used to be - not a bad thing at all! The climate is a better version of the south UK, the landscape is spectacular and skiing is a popular winter pastime in the region's mountainous areas. The local beach, Playa de Ondarreta is about 10 minutes walk from the accommodation.
Negative Reviews
negative:
Rubbish and hot air
This region has more clearly defined seasons than those bordering the Med, so it can get chilly. The summer months, though, can get extremely hot and that's when you'll pine for some decent air conditioning. There's none here. What there is, though, is a band of enthusiastic refuse collectors who are up and about, noisily and very early, every morning. Soundproofing is non-existent, so … sleep can be difficult.
negative:
Masquerading as a hotel.
It's got all the trappings of a hotel, but there's still the overriding feeling that you're in a Spanish hostal.
negative:
Learning lessons.
At the end of the day, it's rather expensive for what it is … student accommodation!