Hostal Gat Raval

The one-star Hostal Gat Raval offers 26 stylish rooms in the heart of bohemian Barcelona. Situated on a street that’s home to boisterous bars and intellectual cafés, Gat Raval is a new breed of guesthouse—sleek, modern, efficient and fun.

A group of architects own the Gat Raval (and its sister property Gat Xino), and have renovated it in an avant garde style, where convenience takes center stage. Rooms are tidy and simple with interesting touches and a minimalist look. The concept is to provide everything budget travelers need in a clean, cool atmosphere. Mission accomplished! Big white beds and artistically illuminated headboards add a little sass, and all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, television (some doubles have cutting-edge flat-screens) and heat.

Bathrooms are either private or shared. Some of the rooms with shared bathrooms have in-room showers and sinks. Gel and shampoo are provided in all bathrooms.

A small breakfast is included in the room rate. Wi-Fi and an Internet station are available in the lobby, and both are complimentary. The Gat Raval’s new elevator provides another added convenience.

Location-wise, the Gat Raval is a great home base for seeing a “local” part of Barcelona, since El Raval is not as populated by tourists as other downtown neighborhoods. Here, students meet after classes and trendy cafés mix with falafel stands. (Try Pizza Ravalo for great Italian food and delicious desserts.) Also nearby are fabulous sights like the CCCB Museum, located around the corner from the guesthouse.

The Plaça Universtat, where the airport bus drops off, is about an eight-minute walk from Gat Raval, which is also nearby the Sant Antoni Metro stop.