Party hostel right on lively Placa Reial
Air-conditioned dorms with curtained bunks and outlets in the lockers
Female-only dorms are available
Lounge with foosball, pool table, music, and a TV
Free breakfast and evening pasta meal
Rooftop terrace with bar open until late with a happy hour
Self-service washers/dryers with free detergent
Daily free walking tours of the city
Free internet stations and Wi-Fi
Rooms can be noisy at night
Bunks have no individual lights
Many freebies only come with direct bookings
Two-pearl Kabul Hostel is a self-labelled party hostel which sits on Placa Reial -- one of the top spots for nightlife in the city -- and just steps from lively Las Ramblas. There's a casual, pub-like style throughout the common spaces, which are outfitted with games, vending machines, and internet stations, plus a bar on the rooftop terrace. The 24 air-conditioned dorms are simple, but include welcome touches like curtained bunks and outlets inside the lockers. Dorms come in a range of configurations, such as twin and female-only dorms, and the largest has 22 bunks. This is a good value for its central location, but travelers wanting a quieter vibe in a similar area might prefer Pension Segre, which has some en-suite rooms, though rates are higher.
Scene
Party hostel with plenty of chill-out space and a lively vibe
Kabul Hostel labels itself a party hostel. And there's no illusion that it's anything else -- from its location in the heart of the city's top nightlife spot to the pub-style lobby with foosball and billiards. Arched windows in the lobby lounge look out over the plaza outside, vending machines line one wall, music pumps day and night, and sports events play on the TVs. There's another lounge space on the roof, with sofas made from pallets, lip-shaped seats, and bright orange chairs and tables. It's a laid-back hostel with a lively atmosphere, and attracts young guests from around the world who mix easily in the common areas and on the bar crawls.
Location
On lively Placa Reial, close to Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter
Kabul Hostel is located right on Placa Reial, which is the center of Barcelona's nightlife, especially for the younger crowd. The surrounding area is a maze of narrow streets that constitute the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), and this part of town is a great place to wander. Major nearby sights include Barcelona Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. There's a range of shopping nearby as well, including boutique shops on Carrer d'Avinyo (a five-minute walk away) and commercial stores on Avinguda del Portal de l'Angel, which is 10 minutes away on foot. Las Ramblas is a few minutes' walk from the hotel as well. Gaudi's popular Sagrada Familia can be reached by bus or metro -- the nearest station is Liceu -- in about 25 minutes, and it's around a 40-minute trip to Park Guell. Barcelona Sants station is a 20-minute journey from the Drassanes Metro station. Transit time to the airport is 45 minutes by public transport, or a 25-minute cab ride.
Rooms
Variety of dorms from twin to 22-bed configurations, with secure charging points and curtained bunks
Dorms at the Kabul Hostel range from twins to 22-bunk rooms, with female-only dorms available. Decor is simple and cheap, with white bunks and red sheets, plus tile floors. Beds have curtains for privacy, and come with blankets and small towels. Unfortunately, there are no individual lights in the beds. Card-operated lockers with charging points come with each bunk. Some rooms have a small balcony overlooking the plaza and all are air-conditioned. Keep in mind that this is a party hostel and noise is a constant issue. There are male and female shared bathrooms, which have sunny yellow decor and include showers and hairdryers. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms.
Features
Lively lobby lounge, free breakfast and evening pasta meal, and rooftop bar terrace
Kabul Hostel's main lobby lounge is packed with entertainment, including a pool table, foosball, chess, TVs showing sports events, five internet stations with printing, and free Wi-Fi. There are a collection of vending machines selling drinks and snacks, plus a microwave and hot water for drinks. The hostel provide a free breakfast and an evening pasta dish. The rooftop terrace has plenty of seating and a bar open until late. It serves a popular happy hour. There are many free touches that are unusual in many hostels, such as a laundry room with free detergent and free walking tours of the city. It's worth noting that many of the freebies are just for direct bookings.