The Rough Guide to Barcelona 8 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

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Youth hostels
The number of youth hostels in Barcelona has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Some traditional backpacker dives survive here and there, but they have largely
been superseded by purpose-built modern hostels with en-suite dorm rooms as
well as private rooms. They compare well in price with budget rooms in the
very cheapest pensions, and Internet access, self-catering kitchens, common
rooms and laundry facilities are standard. If you don’t have your own sleeping
bag or sheet sleeping bag, most places can rent them to you. Security is pretty
good at most hostels, with staffed reception desks and 24hr access common-
place, but you should still always use the lockers or safes provided.You only need
an International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) card for a couple of places,
but you can join on check-in. Rates given below indicate the low-season and
high-season range, and some places offer discounts for longer stays.
safe, well-run choice, and good value for
money. From €70.
Les Corts
For location, see map, pp.140–141.
Princesa Sofia Pl. Pius XII 4 T935 081 000,
W ; MMaria Cristina. A
classic – one of the first five-star hotels in
town thirty years ago – and well placed for
shoppers, with wide-ranging city views from
the upper floors. It still exudes old-school
charm (the concierges know everything)
though the warm-toned rooms, massages
and treatments in the Aqua Diagonal
Wellness Centre, pool (with retractable roof)
and superior club rooms and lounges offer a
more contemporary experience – the
Barcelona football team stays and eats here
before every home match. An immense
buffet breakfast is served in the Contraste
restaurant – which also has a pretty patio
for summer dining. From €140, club rooms
from €210.
Tibidabo
For location, see map, p.133.
Gran Hotel La Florida Carreterra Vallviderera a
Tibidabo 83–93, 7km from the centre T 932 593
000, W . Describing
itself as an “urban resort”, the five-star,
hillside Gran Hotel La Florida re-creates the
glory days of the 1950s, when it was at the
centre of Barcelona high society. Its terraces
and pool all have amazing views, while
some rooms and suites have a private
garden or terrace and a Jacuzzi – sea-view
rooms are charged at a premium. There’s
also a spa, restaurant and poolside bar.
Book in advance online from €175,
otherwise from €400.
Barri Gòtic
For locations, see map, pp.54–55.
Itaca c/Ripoll 21 T933 019 751, Wwww
M Jaume I. Bright and
breezy converted house close to the
cathedral, with spacious rooms (sleeping
eight or twelve) with balconies. Dorms are
mixed, though you can also reserve a
private room or apartment (sleeps up to 6).
With a hostel capacity of only 30 it doesn’t
feel at all institutional. There’s a kitchen and
book-exchange service, and coffee and
breakfast available. Dorms €18–26, private
rooms €50–65, apartments €100–120.
Kabul Pl. Reial 17 T933 185 190, Wwww
M Liceu. A budget travellers’
haven in the heart of the old town, with pool
table and terrace, and weekly pub crawls to
help you get acquainted. A big, monastic-
style common room-cum-bar overlooks the
square. It has a reputation as a bit of a party
place, but it’s safe and welcoming enough.
Rooms vary in size and number of beds
(sleeping four to twenty, no private rooms)
and the price includes breakfast and free
Internet access. No phone reservations in
summer. €20–27.
El Raval
For locations, see map, pp.66–67.
Barcelona Mar c/de Sant Pau 80 T 933 248
530, W ;
ACCOMMODATION
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Youth hostels