Hostal Centric

The Hostal Centric is clean and bright, with 30 recently updated rooms and two shining stars. Located in the mostly residential area surrounding C/ Cassanova, the Centric is at the tail end of Barcelona’s gay zone and the far end of its University area. It’s simple and appeals to the young backpacker as much as it does to the more conservative traveler.

All of the rooms at the Hostal Centric are well-maintained. Décor, which seems to come right off of Ikea’s popular shelves, has been refreshed recently in a wash of modern neutrals.

All rooms have a TV and phone. Some larger rooms have a small love seat, and only superior rooms have a safe and air conditioning (there is also a front desk safe, available for a daily fee). It’s best to ask for a room with a balcony, as these are full of natural light.

The Centric’s spotless tiled bathrooms have basic toiletries. Eight “economic” rooms share facilities. Most private bathrooms have showers only, but bathtubs are available in a few rooms (ask ahead).

The Hostal Centric’s lobby area and reception is basic and no-fuss. There is a small terrace in the back of the hotel, which looks inviting for sipping a drink or reading a book.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. There is no elevator at the Centric which means carrying bags up several flights of stairs. (Super-Cheapos take note: The least expensive rooms are on the fifth floor while the priciest are on the ground floor.)

Location

The best thing about the Hostal Centric is its location—not on the main tourist track yet still close to important sights and transport. Plaça Universistat and the Underground are located three short blocks away, as is Carrer Tallers, an interesting café-lined street where elderly Catalans mix with students and the Goth crowd.

Cinemas Renoir, an English-langauge movie theater, is right around the corner, along with one of our favorite bars/restaurants, El Laurel.

Transportation

Subway: The Hostal Centric is located off the Purple Line/ L2 or the Red Line/L1, both of which stop at Universitat. From there, walk down Rda. Sant Antoni and make a left on Casanova to reach the hotel.

From the Airport: From either terminal, you can take the Areobús Plaça Catalunya and then catch the Red Line/L1 to Plaça Universitat. A slightly cheaper option is the RENFE Cercanías, which departs from T2 about every 20 minutes. Take it to the Clot stop and transfer to the Red Line/L1 Metro to Plaça Universitat.