VISITING

Hostal Girona

Girona 24, 1-1, Tel. 93 265 0259, www.hostalgirona.com , Per night: €65-€83 double room

Close to Passeig de Gràcia, with en suite rooms available. Tiled floors and a kind of old-world charm are balanced by the simple rooms with pastel-colored walls.

Hostal HMB

Bona Vista 21, 1st floor, Tel. 93 368 2013, www.hostalhmb.com . Per night: €60-€80 double room

Renovated in 2006, flat screen TVs and private bathrooms kick the usual hostal stay up a notch. Rooms are minimalistic but spacious enough while the proximity to Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya is a definite plus.

Hostal Goya

Pau Claris 74, 1, Tel. 93 302 2565, www.hostalgoya.com . Per night: €70 double without en suite; €80 double en suite; €90 double en suite w/ balcony

The lovely attention to detail and décor is impressive, with a clear focus on class and comfort. Central location in the Eixample district, near Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia. En-suite rooms are available as are en-suite with balconies. Expect tiled floors and lots of pillows.

Hostal BCN Port

Avinguda Parallel 15, entl, Tel. 93 324 9500, www.hostalbcnport.com . Per night: €55-€85 double room

The big draw of this place is the five-minute walk to the beach, while Las Ramblas is also nearby. While rooms are a bit small, all have a spacious en-suite bathroom.

Hostal Rembrandt

Portaferrissa 23, Tel. 93 318 1011, www.hostalrembrandt.com . Per night: €50-€65 double room

Rooms have a subtle elegance and style, with a wash basin stand in each. A continental breakfast area extends into a neatly manicured courtyard.

Hostal L’Antic Espai

Gran Via 660, pral, Tel. 93 304 1945, www.anticespai.com . Per night: €70-€130 double room

En suite bathrooms, antiques, and individually decorated rooms with a pinch of chintz are charming. Choose a Fifties' style room or a Louis XV theme complete with gilt mirrors and candelabras. An outdoor courtyard is a nice touch while Passeig de Gràcia and Las Ramblas are a short walk away.

Hostal Gat Raval

Joaquín Cosat 44, 2a, Tel. 93 481 6670, www.gataccommodation.com . Per night: €60-€82 double room

With the same white and lime décor, Gat Raval looks similar to its sister hostal, Gat Xino (see below). Rates are a bit lower here due to the communal bathrooms. Local art gives each room its own flavour.