When the movie stars and Hollywood directors are in the María Cristina, the supporting actors and the film auteurs from struggling countries try to stay at this dowager property on the northern edge of Playa de la Concha. It’s grand in a Belle Epoque style, but has loosened up its corset stays over the years. The semiformal public rooms have large windows that overlook the beach and flood the spaces with light, and comfortable armchairs to sink into to enjoy the comings and goings of the guests. Guest rooms are commodious, with marble bathrooms.