Hostal River

For travelers looking to save a bit of money, this simple guesthouse has rates that are hard to beat given the prime location -- just don't expect much in the way of style. The impression from the outside isn't anything to write home about, and signs of age are evident in peeling paint, rust, and other time-worn scars. Guests enter through a glass door and pass through a hallway to climb the stairs to the second floor for reception. Inside, things are significantly brighter and more pleasant. As this is an old building, hallways can be narrow and the reception area is cramped, but there is also a common room with places for guests to sit and read or make a quick meal. That being said, most guests spend their time out exploring the city, rather than at the hotel. Hostal River is geared toward budget-minded couples and groups of friends looking for an inexpensive place to stay in a central location. Keep in mind that there is no elevator and staying here requires navigating stairs.

This hotel is located in the El Raval neighborhood, just off Las Ramblas. This is one of the trendier areas in the old city, with a vibrant mix of bohemian culture, Middle Eastern and South Asian communities, university students, and all manner of tourists. There are tons of cafes and restaurants in nearly every direction, and it's only a two-minute walk to Las Ramblas, the pedestrian heart of Barcelona. Gaudi's Palau Guell is five minutes away on foot, while MACBA -- the city's contemporary art museum -- is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Barri Gotic is also less than 10 minutes away on foot (as is the Barcelona Cathedral), while the uber-hip El Born District is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The Liceu Metro station is a three-minute walk from the hotel, next to the famed opera house of the same name, making trips around the city easy. It's about 25 minutes to Sagrada Familia by metro and 15 minutes to the beachfront Barceloneta neighborhood. The Barcelona–El Prat Airport is about 25 minutes away by car or 40 minutes by public transportation. Unfortunately, the neighborhood is known for pickpocketing and purse snatching, so travelers should be cautious. 

Rooms are simple, but clean, and come with twin or double beds, sinks, tile floors, a small table or nightstand, a kettle for heating water, sheets and bedspreads, and fans. Air-conditioning is not available. The look is plain and generically modern, with IKEA-style light wood-veneer furniture and bright linens on beds. Some use a communal bathroom with a shower/tub combo, bidet, and wall-mounted sink. Other have en-suite bathrooms that are small and basic, with showers, shower gel, shampoo, and towels. Hairdryers and irons are available by request at reception. Rooms are cleaned daily, and we did notice the smell of cleaning products when we visited. Views are of the backs of adjacent buildings and the alley. Windows open for fresh air, but keep in mind that noise from the street or interior rooms may be audible. 

This basic no-frills hotel doesn't have much in the way of features. The one common room is a cozy space off the lobby with a black loveseat and chairs for lounging. A microwave and small sink are convenient for preparing quick meals on-site, and there's a table and chairs where guests can dine. Red curtains and place mats add color. A small balcony looks out onto the street. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.