Barcelona hotels: 3 budget favorites in less touristy neighborhoods
We are always big fans of sleeping as close to the center of the city as possible. Staying in the most central locations in Barcelona can save you plenty of time and even money.
But sometimes you just want to get a little bit off-the-beaten-path and out into the city’s excellent neighborhoods where you can feel more like a local than a tourist. Or what if you’re after something a bit more authentic that’s a little bit away from the crowds in the Gothic Quarter and along La Rambla? Here are three excellent hotels that offer a great deal on rooms (some as low at $90 for doubles) as well as a top location just outside the main districts.
Stay close to the beach and the hip El Born neighborhood at Hotel del Mar. Photo: EuroCheapo
Hotel del Mar
Neighborhood: La Ribera
Rates from $136
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The beach and port area of Barcelona are crowded from June to September, but in off-season you’ll have the beach pretty much to yourself. Staying at Hotel del Mar puts you on a little plaza not far from trendy shops and eateries in El Born, but also separate from them (in a good way). Some of the metropolis’ top fish and seafood restaurants are a short walk from this hotel, as is the beach, port and the Gothic Quarter. Locals who live in adjacent La Barceloneta love their ‘hood—and you will, too.
Hostal Girona is a cheapo fav with very low rates in an incredible location. Photo: Regina W Bryan
Hostal Girona
Neighborhood: L’Eixample
Rates from $94
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Passeig de Gracia cuts through the right and left side of the Eixamples. Choose Hostal Girona on the ‘right’ side of L’Eixample (Dreta de l’Eixample) for an affordable room off the main tourist train track. L’Eixample is a vibrant neighborhood where many locals choose to live, and is viewed as the center of the city by many. It can be a little noisy due to traffic, but not because of late-night revelers, an issue at times in the Gothic Quarter and El Raval. If you start poking around, you’ll quickly find an abundant supply of cute clothing boutiques, cool art galleries, homey cafes and great restaurants frequented by residents in this area.
Hostal Centric puts you close to the action without having to deal with the big crowds. Photo: EuroCheapo
Hostal Centric
Neighborhood: L’Eixample
Double rates from $103
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This clean and convenient option has 30 rooms and is set a few blocks off Plaça Universitat, one of the city’s busiest hubs. This particular part of L’Eixample is not a hot spot for tourism or hotels which is good news for those looking for a local feel. Right around the corner from the hostal are two excellent cinemas—Aribau and Renoir—in addition to a wide array of bars and cafes. A short walk from Hostal Centric will put you in El Raval, one of the top areas in Barcelona for nightlife, vintage shopping, hipster hangouts, and kebab stands. The trendy beer bar Fàbrica Moritz is a couple blocks away and open 365 days of the year!
Scoring a good deal
When you consider that over seven million tourists (that’s seven with six zeros!) booked a room in Barcelona last year, it can make sense to search out accommodations that are located just outside of where most visitors are headed. You’ll save a little money and find a little bit more peace and quiet. As always, you can check out our full listings on EuroCheapo to find the best rates at local, independent hotels.
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