Lodging suggestions in San Sebastian, Bilbao

The hotels we stayed in during an RS tour in May 2012 were nice. Hotel Parma in San Sebastián and Petit Palace Arana in Bilbao. The Bilbao hotel is in the old town, so lots of restaurants and night life. Not too noisy if you ask for a room on a high floor at the back and this is not too difficult since it does have an elevator. The hotel in San Sebastián does not have an elevator, but it is near the beach and while it is near a road it really quiets down at night. Both were clean and had plenty of amenities. Not sure if they fit the "frugal" part of your request. Typical hotel prices, IMO.

In SS we will be staying at Roger's House. €20 per person per night direct fro their website. Common areas to meet others. Group excursions surfing and pinchos-ing. We booked thru their website-cheaper than agents.

Thanks for the suggestions. Would love to hear how Rogers was.

Gong in November. Will let you know. Hope it's good. Going with 2 18 year old boys who love hosteling. I find if you go with humble expectations they're usually exceeded. :)