el Jardi

Upon entering the el Jardi hotel, guests are greeted with an old, brick stone arch on the wall, with a plaque explaining that it dates back to the 16th-century and was part of a stage coach inn. The arch’s preservation is why guests must climb a flight of stairs to reach the lobby and tiny elevator. The modest lobby is small and consists mostly of a reception desk and a couple of basic wooden chairs. Peach colored walls pep up the fairly dull space. The color scheme extends to the adjacent breakfast room, a simple but pleasant, sunlit space furnished with blonde wood tables and chairs. Framed pieces of colorful contemporary artwork dot the walls. There's a small balcony with a table and chairs that overlooks the sidewalk cafes and crowds on the bustling square below. Overall, it's a simple, no-frills place that attracts budget tourists who are enticed by this excellent Gothic Quarter location and want to spend most of their time out exploring.

Location is a big attraction for this hotel, as it's situated in one of the Gothic Quarter’s busiest areas near two squares. It’s a great walking district with narrow streets lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. The Liceu subway station is a two-minute walk away, as is Las Ramblas. Popular attractions like Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Liceu Opera House, and Cathedral Barcelona de la Seu are all about a three-minute walk from here. The Picasso Museum and El Born district are about 10 minutes on foot, and the aerobus artery at Plaça Catalunya can be reached in seven minutes. Port Vell is 15 minutes by public transit or about 20 minutes on foot, while the main train station is about a 15-minute drive or 20 minutes by public transportation. Barcelona's El Prat Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive, or around 50 minutes by public transportation.

Decor in guest rooms mirrors the no-frills nature of the hotel itself. Though tidy and clean, the spaces are sparsely decorated and very basic. The walls are light yellow, except for the dark brown walls behind the beds. Floors are off-white tile, and beds are covered by tan spreads. Reddish brown wood furniture includes headboards, armoires, doors, and bureaus that hold the 20-inch flat-screen TVs. Bed options include two twins or one double in Basic, Standard, and Large categories that are divided by interior and exterior views. The larger exterior rooms have balconies overlooking the lovely streets of the old city, but the interior rooms have no views -- some of them look into the elevator shaft. Rooms are small and cramped, even by European standards. Twin beds in Basic Rooms abut the walls and provide only a small space between them to walk. They also have no chairs. Some of the larger rooms have sleeper sofas. The armoires offer ample space for storage and include safes. Bathrooms are small, but rather nice for a budget hotel. They have beige tile walls, white ceramic sinks, and have small glass shelves above them. Some rooms have shower/tub combos with sliding glass doors, while other rooms have walk-in shower inserts. Toiletries are provided. Ambient noise from the streets and other guests can be heard. Free Wi-Fi is accessible in the rooms.

Amenities are limited at this budget hotel, but include an expanded continental breakfast; it's free for bookings made directly through the hotel’s website -- otherwise it incurs a reasonable extra fee. There's also a beverage vending machine in the breakfast room. The reception desk is staffed 24/7 and offers free daily newspapers. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the property, which is nonsmoking and air-conditioned. The lobby has a computer station that guests can use. Guests with mobility issues should note that they must take a flight of steps from the street level to access the reception desk and elevator on the first floor. Parking is not available in the immediate area, and drivers must have access passes to gain entry into the area.