Ronda House Hotel

Housed in a six-story building from the mid-20th century, this hotel is the definition of basic. Aside from its breakfast room, which also serves as a bar, there's not much in the way of public space. The lobby has a few black leather arm chairs where guests can hang out and read the free newspapers, but otherwise this is the kind of hotel where guests spend most of their days (and nights) out and about. When it comes to style, the look is budget basic, with lots of old-school details like wood paneling and faux marble in the few common areas. Because of its good location and reasonable rates, the hotel attracts all sorts of travelers, including couples, groups, families, and individuals.

The hotel is located in Barcelona's El Raval neighborhood, a 10-minute walk from Las Ramblas, and 15 minutes on foot to Plaza Catalunya. The area is bohemian and a little scruffy, but wildly popular and buzzing with activity. The streets all around are packed with bars, restaurants, and shops, and the Sant Antoni Metro station is a three-minute walk away. Guests can walk to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) in five minutes and to the hip Sant Antoni neighborhood in eight minutes. Barri Gotic is just across Las Ramblas, and has plenty more historic sights. Gaudi's Palau Guell is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Expect a 30-minute drive to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, or 40 minutes to an hour by public transportation. 

Rooms are plain and dated, with unusual color schemes of burnt orange and blue that don't add much appeal. This takes many shapes, though in some rooms we visited it translated to burnt-orange-and-blue accents walls matched with patterned blue bedspreads and striped blue-and-gold drapery. Furniture also is blue, with wooden trim, and doors are burnt orange as well. One of the biggest complaints here is noise due to thin walls, meaning you're likely to hear everything outside the hotel, in neighboring rooms, and hallways. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall, and safes are hidden in the closet. There are no dressers, but there's a work desk and closets have a few shelves. Air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi come standard, but there are no mini-fridges and maintenance issues have been reported (including poor air-conditioning). Some bathrooms have outdated floral tiling, but others have been updated with more modern accents. They come with shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Small balconies look out on neighboring buildings and the street. Rooms with three or four beds are available for families and groups.

This hotel doesn't offer much in the way of features. A free breakfast buffet is served daily in a bright, sunny breakfast room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Walls are painted in the hotel's signature color of burnt orange. Breakfast selections include breads, fruits, and cereals, as well as bacon, sausage, and eggs. Food gets mixed reviews. This area also has a bar. Vending machines in the lobby dispense soft drinks and water. On-site parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.