Less Expensive Accommodations
The Truth about Barcelona’s Hostales
As we all know, the dollar is looking pretty shabby compared to the Euro these days. Last I checked it was a depressing $1.50 to €1.00. While many travelers will not be coming to Europe because of this cash crunch, some will still board the silver bird across the Atlantic. Those who do come are usually looking for ways to make the most of their bucks, and finding good accommodation deals is one easy way to make the dollar last. An expensive detail to traveling to Barcelona is paying for hotels. Classically, budget travelers in Europe have opted for hostels or hostales in Spain, which have a communal vibe.
If you are not 19 and prefer a rolling suitcase to a dusty backpack, you still may want to consider a hostel when staying in Barcelona. Most places labeled hostales or pensiónes in the city are simply hotels that didn’t meet all the requirements. For instance, guests may have to share a bathroom or the rooms might be on the small side. For the most part, I think of hostels in Barcelona as B&Bs as many do offer breakfast and are located in old renovated homes. Here are a few of my downtown faves:
No. 1: Hostería Grau
Address:
Carrer Ramelleres 27, Barcelona - +34 93 301 81 35
Located at the intersection of two main pedestrian streets in the center of the city, Grau is an island of tranquility surrounded by constant action. When my mother came to visit me in Barcelona, I had her stay at Grau because I knew it would meet all her standards being clean, central and safe.
The hostel reminds me of a cabin, and is tucked away through an arched doorway which leads into its snug receptions area. Up a flight of wooden stairs is a communal lounge with a TV and stone fireplace. Grau is a hostel and not a hotel because some of its rooms share bathrooms (but there are a few with bathrooms in-suite, too) and because there’s no elevator. That means that if you have a huge bag you need to be able to lug it up a flight of stairs. Other than these two inconveniences, Grau has all the comforts of any other 2-star hotel.
The area around Grau appeals to people of all ages because of its close proximity to Plaza Catalunya and hip location in the alternative gothic area. Here you’ll find rows of music shops and smoke-filled cafes. There are reasonably priced bars and restaurants on Grau’s street as the university in right around the corner. There are only 18 rooms (Single €65, Double €80), but if you can get a reservation at Grau it’s one of the better Barri Gotic options.