The historic Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian has welcomed international screen stars including Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom as the northern Spanish city hosts its annual film festival.
Overnight stays at the five-star property during the festival period start between 900 euros and 1,200 euros per night for standard rooms, while top-tier options such as presidential suites and the Royal Suite frequently exceed 4,000 euros to 5,000 euros a night.
American actor Brad Pitt landed in Spain several days earlier than originally scheduled, eager to reconnect with Spanish cinema fans before attending festival screenings and events in the city.
Pitt leads a prominent lineup of international Hollywood and cinema figures arriving in the Basque Country for the gathering, alongside British actor Orlando Bloom, Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts, and acclaimed Argentine actor Ricardo Darin.
Red carpet glamour in Donostia
Spanish cinema talent has also gathered in force in Donostia, the Basque language name for San Sebastian. Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz made a notable red carpet appearance wearing a black feathered dress designed by French fashion house Chanel.
Domestic figures attending the festival include Goya Award-winning actors Javier Camara and Belen Cuesta, alongside directing duo Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, known collectively as Los Javis. The pair drew significant attention while presenting work in the festival's Perlak section.
Spanish performers Ana Mena and Maribel Verdu also presented their project Furia Parte 2 at the festival, stepping out on the red carpet in attire featuring sheer fabrics, denim, and animal prints.
The San Sebastian International Film Festival, established in 1953, officially opened the curtain on its current edition on September 18, 2026. Held annually in the capital of Gipuzkoa province, the gathering stands alongside Cannes, Venice, and Berlin as one of Europe's premier competitive film events.
The festival's Perlak section, named after the Basque word for pearls, traditionally showcases a curated selection of critically acclaimed feature films that have been honored at other major international film festivals earlier in the year.
Belle Epoque luxury on the Urumea
To accommodate visiting actors, directors, and studio executives, the festival relies on the Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Situated on the banks of the Urumea River, the property sits just a short walk from the shores of the Cantabrian Sea.
The landmark hotel was designed by French architect Charles Mewes, whose celebrated portfolio also includes the Hotel Ritz in Paris and the Ritz Hotel in London. Queen Maria Cristina of Spain officially inaugurated the grand building in 1912.
Queen Maria Cristina established San Sebastian as the official summer residence of the Spanish royal court during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transforming the coastal fishing city into a fashionable retreat for European aristocracy and high society.
For more than a century, the Hotel Maria Cristina has served as a central haven of elegance and luxury in the Basque Country. Guests entering its grand lobby pass marble columns and crystal chandeliers crafted in the classic Belle Epoque architectural tradition.
Fine dining and signature cocktails
The hotel features a varied culinary program that pairs high-end local Basque cuisine made from regional market produce with select international dishes. San Sebastian is globally recognized for its culinary culture, boasting a high density of world-class dining establishments.
The property also houses Dry San Sebastian, an iconic cocktail lounge developed in collaboration with celebrated Spanish bartender Javier de las Muzas. The bar combines signature handcrafted cocktails with a refined atmosphere popular among festival guests and local patrons.
Guest rooms and suites across the building are decorated in pastel tones with silk accents and noble wood furnishings. The rooms offer panoramic views overlooking the Urumea River or the historic streets of San Sebastian's old town.
Exclusive suites for celebrity guests
The establishment maintains absolute privacy for high-profile visitors, supported by a top-tier concierge service equipped to fulfill last-minute requests around the clock.
Top-tier luxury accommodation spaces reserved for stars such as Pitt and Bloom feature private outdoor terraces with unobstructed views, large independent living rooms, and marble bathrooms fitted with hydromassage bathtubs.
The hotel continues to serve as the primary residence for visiting talent as film screenings, press conferences, and awards galas proceed throughout the festival schedule in San Sebastian.
