Inside Look: The new and improved Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastian

Following a nine month $25MM restoration, the historic Beaux Arts Hotel Maria Cristina has reopened. The reopening, timed to coincide with the iconic hotel’s 100th anniversary this month, has been long-awaited. From what I can see in the most recent photos and renderings of the new sumptuous interiors, it was worth the wait.

Interiors were restored by HBA Design, who took special care to retain the feminine charm that has characterised the grand hotel since it opened in 1912. The public spaces reveal soaring ceilings and grey white Carrara marble floors combined with mocha and copper color velvet upholstery and rugs, silver silk curtains and a champagne color palette on the walls.

The 107 guest rooms and 29 suites are decorated in pastel tones of grey, lavender and sky blue (think Laduree macaroon colors) with gold accents. Plush tufted headboards, Art Nouveau details and white mouldings complete the grandeur. It’s all very decadent and romantic at the same time.

As part of the restoration, two new restaurants are being introduced in the hotel: Tse Yang, a haute cuisine Chinese restaurant and Easo Restaurant featuring local Basque cuisine and river views.  Dry Sebastian (feature picture), a collaboration with Dry Martini Group,  is the new 1950s-style bar that was inspired by legendary actress Bette Davis.

If you are a Starwood Preferred Guest member, this is as good a place as any to use those points (especially in the foodie seaside town of San Sebastian which hosts more Michelin Star restaurants than any other city). Or, you can wait for two other Starwood Luxury Collection hotels completing major renovations in 2013 – Prince de Galles in Paris and The Gritti Palace in Venice.