You know that feeling when you walk into a hotel and it just... clicks? That’s the vibe at One Shot Tabakalera House. It isn’t your typical cookie-cutter stay. It’s tucked inside the massive, repurposed tobacco factory known as the Tabakalera International Centre for Contemporary Culture. This isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a living part of San Sebastián’s soul.
San Sebastián—or Donostia, if you want to sound like a local—is famous for its Michelin stars and La Concha beach. But the Egia neighborhood, where this hotel sits, is the city's creative heart. Most tourists stay near the Old Town. They miss out. By staying here, you're literally sleeping inside an art gallery. It’s weird. It’s cool. It’s definitely not for people who want beige walls and floral curtains.
The Architecture of a Tobacco Factory
The building is a beast. Built in 1913, the Tabakalera was a functional factory for almost a century. When it reopened in 2015 as a cultural hub, the city didn't just scrub away the grime; they kept the industrial grit. You see it in the high ceilings. You feel it in the wide, echoing hallways. One Shot Tabakalera House occupies part of this massive structure, and they’ve leaned hard into that "industrial chic" aesthetic.
Honestly, some people find it a bit cold at first. The concrete. The exposed pipes. But then you notice the furniture. The One Shot brand is known for curated photography and bold design choices. They use rich woods and velvet fabrics to soften the edges of the factory's skeleton. It's a contrast that works surprisingly well.
The rooms are huge. Like, actually huge. Because they were originally designed for industrial use, the floor-to-ceiling heights are massive. You don't feel cramped. You feel like you have room to breathe, which is rare in European city hotels where you can often touch both walls at once.
What it’s Really Like Inside One Shot Tabakalera House
Let’s talk about the logistics because that’s what actually matters when you’re tired from a flight. The entrance is a bit hidden. You enter through the main Tabakalera doors, and the hotel has its own dedicated elevator system. It’s a bit of a maze, but that adds to the "secret club" feeling.
The rooms—they call them "profiles"—range from standard doubles to the Grand Suite. If you can, aim for a room with a view of the Cristina Enea Park. Waking up to all that greenery right outside your window, while being inside a concrete monolith, is a trip. The beds are famously comfortable. One Shot puts a lot of emphasis on their "extra-comfortable" mattresses. It's not just marketing speak; you’ll probably oversleep.
One thing that catches people off guard is the art. Every One Shot hotel acts as a temporary gallery. They rotate photography exhibitions constantly. You might walk past a haunting portrait of a fisherman one month and a series of abstract architectural shots the next. It makes the hallways feel less like a hotel and more like a curated experience.
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The Neighborhood: Egia vs. The Old Town
Egia is often called the "Soho of San Sebastián." It’s right behind the main train station (Donostia-San Sebastián). This makes One Shot Tabakalera House incredibly convenient if you’re coming in by rail from Madrid or Paris.
But here’s the thing: Egia is uphill.
Walking to the Old Town (Parte Vieja) for pintxos takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s a nice walk through the park or over the Maria Cristina Bridge. However, if you have mobility issues, the location might feel a bit detached. On the flip side, you’re away from the tourist swarms. You get to see how locals actually live. You’ll find better coffee prices and craft beer bars that aren't trying to upsell you on a "tourist menu."
The Tabakalera Factor
You can't talk about the hotel without talking about the building itself. It’s a behemoth. Inside, you’ve got:
- An independent cinema (Saturdays are great for weird documentaries).
- A massive library with a dedicated music section.
- The "Ubik" creation library where people are 3D printing stuff.
- Multiple exhibition halls.
- A rooftop terrace with one of the best 360-degree views of the city.
Staying at One Shot Tabakalera House gives you a "backstage pass" to all of this. You can grab a coffee, wander into a contemporary art show, and be back in your room in five minutes. It’s a dream for anyone who likes culture but hates the effort of planning "museum days."
Dining and The Pintxo Reality
The hotel doesn't have a massive, five-star restaurant on-site, but it doesn't need one. You’re in San Sebastián. If you eat in your hotel every night, you’re doing it wrong.
That said, the breakfast is solid. It’s a buffet, but a high-quality one. Think local cheeses, Iberian ham, and actually good espresso. For dinner, most guests head out. But don't sleep on the Tabakalera's own cafes. There’s a spot called Taba on the ground floor. It’s a bakery/pizza place/bar. It’s where the artists and students hang out. The sourdough is legit. It's cheap, it's loud, and it's vibrant.
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Potential Dealbreakers
I’m going to be real with you. This place isn't for everyone.
If you want a bellhop in white gloves and a marble lobby, go to the Hotel Maria Cristina down the street. It’s beautiful, but it’s a different world. At One Shot, things are more DIY. It’s a four-star hotel, but it has a youthful, almost hostel-on-steroids energy.
The lighting in the rooms can be a bit "moody." Translation: it's dark. They use a lot of spotlights and indirect lighting. It looks great on Instagram, but it’s a pain if you’re trying to find a black sock at the bottom of a suitcase.
Also, the soundproofing is generally good, but remember: you’re in a public building. During the day, there are workshops, kids, and exhibitions happening. It’s a hub of activity. If you want absolute silence 24/7, a factory might not be your first choice.
A Note on Sustainability and Impact
Repurposing old buildings is inherently more sustainable than building new ones. The Tabakalera project saved a historic landmark from demolition. By staying here, you're supporting a business model that values urban heritage.
The hotel also tries to limit single-use plastics. You’ll see large-format amenities in the bathrooms. The quality is high—they usually use premium brands that actually smell like plants and not chemicals. It’s a small detail, but it reflects the overall "thoughtful" vibe of the brand.
Why Choose One Shot Tabakalera House?
The name "One Shot" refers to photography—the perfect moment, the unique frame. That’s exactly what this hotel offers. It’s a unique frame for San Sebastián.
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You’re close to the Kursaal Congress Centre, making it a favorite for people attending the San Sebastián International Film Festival. If you're lucky, you might even spot a director or an actor in the elevator. The hotel feels like it belongs in that world of cinema and storytelling.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
Don't just book the cheapest room. Look for the "Executive" or "Suite" options if the price difference is small. The extra space in these specific rooms makes a huge difference in how you experience the architecture.
How to get there:
If you're flying into San Sebastián (EAS), it’s a 20-minute taxi ride. If you’re coming from Bilbao (BIO), take the PESA bus. It drops you off at the Donostia bus station, which is literally right next to the Tabakalera building. You just walk across the plaza.
What to do nearby:
- Cristina Enea Park: Right behind the hotel. It’s home to free-roaming peacocks and some of the oldest trees in the city. Perfect for a morning run.
- Dabadaba: This is a cult-classic music venue in Egia. If you want to see a weird synth-pop band or a local DJ, this is the place. It's a five-minute walk from the hotel.
- The Rooftop: Go to the 5th floor of the Tabakalera. Even if you aren't staying in a room with a view, you can see the whole city from here for free.
When to visit:
September is the sweet spot. The weather is still warm, the Film Festival brings a buzz to the building, and the summer crowds have thinned out just enough to get a seat at a bar without elbowing someone.
One Shot Tabakalera House isn't just a place to stay; it's a statement. It says you value design over tradition and neighborhood vibes over tourist convenience. It’s easily one of the most interesting hotels in Northern Spain. If you want a story to tell when you get home, stay here.
To make the most of your trip, download the Tabakalera cultural agenda PDF before you arrive. Many of the events—like film screenings or basement concerts—are free or very cheap but require booking in advance. Check the schedule for "Prismas," the guided tours of the building’s history, which will give you a much deeper appreciation for the walls you're sleeping within. Finally, make sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes with good grip; the hills of Egia and the cobblestones of the Old Town are unforgiving on flimsy footwear.