The first person to cross the threshold of the Hotel Maria Cristina when it opened in 1912 was Queen Regent Maria Cristina. San Sebastian had become one of the best regarded and chic destinations for illustrious European aristocracy who had become captivated by the unique beauty of the country, surrounded by La Concha Bay, the old town and the river Urumea. For more than 100 years, the Hotel Maria Cristina has been intimately associated with the history and cultural life of San Sebastian. An important element of this is its connection to the International San Sebastian Film Festival, which was held for the first time in 1953. Over the years major international movie stars such as Gregory Peck, Robert De Niro, Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts and Bette Davis have stayed at this hotel.
In fact, the last photograph of Bette Davis before she passed away was taken in the Hotel Maria Cristina during the San Sebastian Film festival in 1989. In her honour, the hotel recently opened the Suite Bette Davis, decorated with exclusive portraits of the iconic actress. This majestic hotel was given a complete facelift in 2012 to mark its 100th anniversary and it will continue as the place to stay in San Sebastian for years to come.