Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 580, Barcelona, Spain | (408) 416-3881
Central location, close to Plaza Catalunya and Universitat Metro station
10-minute walk to shopping and nightlife on Las Ramblas
Bright, modern rooms with balconies and TVs
Configurations range from private doubles to dorms
Pool and terrace chill-out zone plus indoor movie screen
Cafeteria serving breakfast (for a fee)
Kitchen for guest use
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Wi-Fi can be patchy
No kettle in communal kitchen
Quieter vibe than many hostels
Towels must be rented
The TOC Hostel is a modern two-pearl hostel with a great central location, within walking distance of Las Ramblas and the metro. Rooms are bright and simply furnished, with air-conditioning and many have balconies and TVs. It's a laid-back hostel with a quieter vibe than some, and has a nice outdoor deck with a small seasonal pool and seating. The common areas include plenty of chill-out spaces with sofas and a large movie screen, and the cafeteria serves a buffet breakfast. There are simple kitchen facilities, and an evening bar. It's a top choice that will suit many types travelers, but those looking for a livelier base could take a look at vibrant Generator Barcelona -- though it lacks a pool.
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Scene
Trendy hostel with a laid-back urban style
The TOC Hostel is an intriguing budget option. That because it's a study in contrasts, housed in an old building with a classic stone archway leading from the street-side entrance through a tunnel adorned with a charming city skyline line drawing, to the reception desk. Indoors, the atmosphere is trendy, and includes an urban-inspired living area. It's a big space and has the feeling of a converted warehouse, with pockets of comfy sofa seating and a pool table plus a dining room and bar. There are things to look at everywhere, from piles of books and interesting wall art to directions drawn on the floor. The hostel has a laid-back feel and guests here are a young crowd, usually groups of friends with some couples in the mix as well.
Location
Near the university and El Raval, a 10-minute walk to museums and to Las Ramblas
The TOC Hostel is located on Gran Via, one of the main thoroughfares of the city, forming the border between the old quarters of town and the Eixample. It's especially convenient for those looking to be in the University of Barcelona area. There are several cafes and shops in the immediate area, and it's a 10-minute walk to Las Ramblas for shopping and nightlife. It's also less than 10 minutes on foot to MACBA, the contemporary art museum. There's a bus stop opposite the hostel, a two-minute walk across the road, which connects to many parts of the city, including the beach in about 30 minutes, or Gaudi's Park Guell in about 45-minutes. Universitat Metro station is also a two-minute walk away for attractions like Sagrada Familia in 15 minutes. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive away, with connections by bus or train in about 40 minutes.
Rooms
Bright, air-conditioned rooms including dorms and private doubles, most with balconies and TVs
The TOC Hostel offers a collection of room configurations including Suites for Two or Four and Bunk Rooms sleeping up to eight -- with some single-sex dorms. They're bright and airy, with a simple, white-and-cream decor, plus air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi (though it can be spotty). Suites have double beds -- or a double bed and two bunks -- and feature flat-screen TVs, bottled water, storage space for clothing, and either small street-facing balconies or large terraces overlooking the pool deck. Bunk Rooms have lockers for each bed, some have a TV area, and most have a small balcony. Bunks in all rooms are set into the wall, creating a nice private nook for each guest -- each has little hanging storage caddies, lights, and sockets. Most of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, which are modern, with rainfall showers, pump products and some toiletries. Towels are available to rent. Bunk Rooms add double sinks, the larger eight-bed dorms have dual showers, and there are shared bathrooms in addition.
Features
Outdoor deck with small pool, living area with cinema screen, and a buffet breakfast in the cafeteria
Features cover all of the necessities that most hostel travelers would expect, though this property's style puts it a notch above the competition. The hotel has a nice outdoor decked terrace, with a mixture of seating areas, including bar stools, tables, and loungers, plus a small swimming pool with disabled access. The living area off the lobby is spacious, with plenty of sofas, a large cinema screen, and a selection of books and board games, plus a pool table and internet access. Gifts and snacks are available to buy 24 hours a day, and there's a cafeteria that serves a buffet breakfast (for a fee). Basic kitchen facilities including a microwave, oven, and toaster are available for guest use. Unfortunately, there's no kettle. The bar is open in the evening and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hostel.
