Follow our tips to save on your Barcelona hotel.

Despite its popularity, Barcelona is a bargain for travelers, particularly when it comes to food and drink. But what about accommodations?

While rooms in the Catalan capital may be substantially cheaper in comparison to other large European cities, there are a few tricks to getting the best possible price on your accommodations.

And all things considered, wouldn’t you rather spend a little less on a place to lay your head to have even more euros for tapas and wine?

More tips for Barcelona
• The 10 best cheap hotels in Barcelona 
• A Budget travel guide to Barcelona
• How to survive Barcelona’s top 4 attractions

How to save on your hotel in Barcelona

No matter when you’re planning your trip, for maximum savings, it’s important to pay close attention to the details. Location, type of accommodations, and when to book are all key. Read on for our advice on how to save on your hotel in Barcelona.

Are you ready to spend a few days in Barcelona? Check rates for Barcelona hotels now.

Stay near the center of Barcelona to be close to the action.

1. Stay somewhere central but not too central

Resist the temptation of staying too close to La Rambla or Plaça Catalunya. Beyond budget considerations, these areas of town are less desirable because of the noise factor, too. And it’s not just your room that will cost substantially more in these neighborhoods — food and drink are priced higher, too.

Related: Is La Rambla a tourist trap? 5 Tips for strolling like a local

Other neighborhoods that can get a little noisy include Raval, Plaça Reial, and Gaixample, Barcelona’s boisterous gay neighborhood. So what’s our recommendation for a centrally located but quiet and budget-friendly neighborhood? Stay in Eixample, especially from around Comté d’Urgell Street until Plaça Espanya.

2. Always stay near transit

Depending on the time of year and what’s on in the city, you may want to stay a little bit outside the center or even in one of Barcelona’s sleeper communities like Sant Adría or Badalona. Barcelona is easy to navigate and the inexpensive transit system makes sleeping a little bit further afield worth the savings — sometimes — as long as you’re near a metro or bus stop, less than one zone away. At approximately €1 per ride (if you buy a 10-ride pass), hopping the metro into the center to see the sights is easy, even on a tight budget.

3. Select your dates carefully

Before you book plane tickets, check out this calendar of Barcelona events. If there’s a major conference or big sporting event going on, room rates are guaranteed to go way up. Summer, Christmas, late spring, and early fall are also high-occupancy times of the year for hotels. For the best possible rates on a room, plan a visit from mid-January through March. For more information, check out our guide to beating the crowds and saving money on your Barcelona hotel.

Hostal Benidorm. is a renovated two-star stay right on Las Ramblas.

4. Avoid staying weekends when possible

Unless you want to stay in Barcelona’s businessy upper districts (Sarria and Diagonal), room rates almost always go up weekends. Why? Barcelona’s a popular weekender destination for Spaniards living elsewhere in Spain, as well as folks from all over Europe.

Related: 7 Rookie mistakes to avoid on your first trip to Barcelona

5. Book a refundable room in advance

This is especially true if you plan to stay in the Catalan capital during peak season or dates coinciding with major events like the Mobile World Congress. If you find a reasonable rate on a centrally located room, book it at a refundable rate, even if you have to pay a little more. That way you can always cancel your reservation if you find a better deal, or change your plans.

6. Shop last-minute deals

If you’re more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants traveler, this is the option for you. Wait until the last possible minute — same-day deals are often exceptional if you book online. We’ve found that in-person, last-minute room rates are atrociously expensive, as many desk clerks assume you’re not willing to walk away and find another spot.

Check rates on CheapoSearch for last-minute deals.

You can choose from cheap dorms or private rooms at Hostal Fernando.

7. Consider staying at a hostel or pension

While you won’t always have an elevator or a private bathroom in a hostel or pension, sometimes it’s worth schlepping up the stairs with your luggage and sharing the shower with the room next door for the savings. Just don’t forget to bring your flip-flops!

Related: Hostal? Hostel? Hotel? Understanding Barcelona’s accommodation options

Have you been to Barcelona? What are your best tips for saving on accommodations in the city? Share in the comments below.