The former theater Palacio Bellas Arte is to be transformed into an 82 rooms Hilton property under the soft brand Curio Collection by Hilton.

After several years of struggle with the residents, the Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton is to open in 2024. The former theater designed in 1913 by the Basque architect Ramon Cortázar had been declared in critical condition by local authorities. It has been closed to the public from 1989. The former cinema is to be managed by Grupo SADE which also manages cinemas and cultural events in San Sebastián. The Spanish company opened its first hotel in 2009 and manages two other properties in the Basque city.

The building listed as a patrimonial asset, will be refurbished respecting its historical heritage. Grupo SADE has initially announced a hostel or residence in September 2021 and finally chose the American brand. The 74 rooms and 8 suites hotels will feature a bar, a restaurant, meeting spaces and a gym center.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton said, “San Sebastián is a city which has a wealth of cultural attractions, making it the perfect home for Curio Collection by Hilton. [..] Curio Collection by Hilton has grown exponentially across Europe, with new openings this year in Lisbon, Madrid, Santorini, Krakow, London and Reykjavik, and Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton is a very welcome addition to the expanding portfolio of 190 hotels trading or under development around the world.”

Esteban Basterretxea Badiola, general manager at GRUPO SADE, added, “We are pleased to be reviving the Bellas Artes, one of the city's most emblematic buildings. We are also excited to be working with Hilton to open under its Curio Collection, which will allow us to celebrate the individual qualities of this important building. The franchise model enables SADE to manage the hotel and maintain its brand purpose; to offer enjoyable experiences through its century-old connection to the city’s cultural scene.”