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Hostal Ciudad Condal

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n2dwoods
n2dwoods
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Hostal Ciudad Condal

  • September 1, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by n2dwoods from Plainsboro, New Jersey
Hostal Ciudad Condal

First, let me explain that in Spain, "hostal" is different than "hostel." That said, a hostal is a smaller hotel, like a guesthouse, or a few floors of a larger building that it is used as a hotel.

Second, I will say that it is a little tough to find this place, given that there really is no sign. So, know the address, memorize it, and be on the lookout for street numbers.

If it is nighttime when you arrive, you will need to buzz in at the doorway to be let in. Once inside, go straight to the tiny elevator and hit the button marked "Hostal." I still don't quite understand Spanish floor numbers--the hotel lobby is two flights up from the ground floor though.

When I arrived, it was the afternoon and there were 3 staff members at the desk. Only one knew some English, so be prepared to show your passport. What's a little confusing about the hotel is how they work the keys. You need to leave your passport or ID at the front desk, and then they walk with you to your section of the hostal (in my case it was down one flight). The person on staff unlocks a main door leading to 4 rooms, and then hands you the key to your room. When you want to leave your room, you need to return the key to the front desk.

As for the room itself, I got a single with bathroom. There was a full/double-size bed, a closet, nightstand, flat-panel TV, and a bathroom with a shower stall. Everything was clean, though a bit small. I had a frosted window which overlooked an alley/airshaft, but I wasn't there for the view. I chose this hotel because it said it had air conditioning, but be warned it is only turned on for the whole place, and at the discretion of the management. It was hot in August, but it wasn't unbearable.

As for the location, I felt very safe here (I am a petite single female). With the multiple lock process to get into the room, it was very secure. The street where it's on is a little quiet, but there are a number of cafés and hotels on the street and it was never deserted. It is about 2-3 blocks from the metro station Passeig de Gracia, which is a fairly main stop.

It is also just a few blocks away from the famous street Las Ramblas. I spent every night in Barcelona there, as it really seems to be the center of everything. The Spanish enjoy the nightlife, and the streets were far more crowded at 2am than at 7am! It's also very near to the Eixample, which has many bars and nightclubs.

All in all, this was a good choice for the money, and I would stay here again. If you're more interested in location than size of your room, I recommend it!

From journal A Few Days in Barcelona

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