Barcelona: Where to Stay [Hotels]

No matter what area of Barcelona you hope to stay in and what attractions you want to visit, there are thousands of hotels to choose from. I've listed my favourite choices below, organised by area. I particularly recommend the Medium Hotel chain for travellers on a budget. I have booked with them myself and can say unequivocally that they offer excellent accommodations at very reasonable prices.

Ciutat Vella

This area is Barcelona's old town. Situated in the heart of Barcelona, it encompasses the Barri Gotica and Las Ramblas. Area attractions include Plaça Catalunya, El Mercat de Sant Josep and Gran Teatre de Liceu. Ciutat Vella is a lively, action-packed neighbourhood, but beware- it can be noisy all night long.

Hotel Medium Monegal - Pelai 62      (M) Catalunya

Basic but comfortable and clean accommodation in the centre of Barcelona. Continental breakfast is included with some reservations.

Eixample

Constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries, this area connects old Barcelona to the towns that once surrounded it. Area attractions include two of the houses built by Antoni Gaudi; Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, and the Sagrada Familia Cathedral.

Hotel Caledonian - Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 574       (M) Universitat

Beautifully furnished and maintained hotel on the outskirts of Eixample. Lively nightlife in the streets nearby.

Hotel del Comte - Disputacio 148      (M) Urgell

Budget accommodation near the University of Barcelona campus. Excellent price/quality parity.

Hotel Medium Aristol - Cartagena 369      (M) Guinardo

One Suitcase, Seven Shopping Bags stayed here! I can't say enough good things about this hotel. It is immaculately clean and quiet, with beautiful sweeping views of the hills of Barcelona. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Metro stop Guinardo is only a hop, skip and a jump away. Transportation to all major tourist attractions is seamless. Excellent restaurants nearby. La Sagrada Familia Cathedral is within easy walking distance.

Gracia

The town of Gracia was established in 1626 by Carmelite monks. It was annexed by Barcelona in 1897. Area attractions include Park Guell and the third of Antoni Gaudi's famous houses; Casa Vincens.

Hotel Ronda Lesseps - Ballester 77-81       (M) Lesseps

With an excellent location near Park Guell, this hotel is ideal for travellers who love to explore the outdoors.

Horta-Guinardo

This is a quiet, hilly neighbourhood. If you want a restful, tranquil place to return to after a busy day of sightseeing in bustling Barcelona, Horta-Guinardo is an excellent choice.

Hotel Alimara - Berruguete 126      (M) Mundet

A picturesque terraced property near Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron has been designed to let in the most sunlight possible. If you don't mind travelling a bit further to tourist destinations, this is an excellent choice; the scenery is breath-taking.

Les Corts

The business and financial centre of Barcelona, Les Corts is also home to Camp Nou, the training ground of Barcelona's Football Club. This area is a must for European Football fans.

Aparthotel Atenea - Joan Guell 207-211      (M) Maria Cristina

Part of the City Hotels chain based in Barcelona, this four-star establishment is modern and stylishly furnished.

Sant Marti

Until recently, Sant Marti was the industrial centre of Barcelona. With a border on the Mediterranean, the neighbourhood has become a thriving residential community with beautiful beaches. Area attractions include Avenida Diagonal and Agbar Tower.

Hotel Vincci Condal Mar - Cristobal de Moura 138      (M) El Maresme Forum

With a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and unusual elliptical shape, this stylish boutique hotel is ideal for travellers who want somewhere to stay, not just a place to sleep.

Sants-Montjuic

Occupying one fifth of Barcelona's total area, this neighbourhood was the site of the 1992 summer Olympics. Area attractions include the Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic, Palau Sant Jordi and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

Expo Hotel Barcelona - Explotacion Hotel Expo Sa Mallorca 1-23      (M) Sants Estacio

If you plan on taking in any football matches while in Barcelona, this Expo Hotel Barcelona is an ideal place to stay; Camp Nou, located in Les Corts, is just one short kilometre away.

Hotel Parallel - Calle del Poeta Cabanyes 5-7      (M) Parallel

A budget hotel that can be booked for bargain prices through Expedia. Don't expect too many luxuries, just a clean, affordable place to sleep.

Sarria-Sant Gervasi

Originally a Roman colony, Sarria-Sant Gervasi is made up of four small villages- Sarria, Vallvidrera, Santa Creu d'Olorda and Sant Gervasi. The area still has quaint village feeling, with narrow streets and unique homes.

Hotel Zenit Barcelona - Santalo 8      (M) Hospital Clinic

If you want to explore Sarria-Sant Gervasi, this hotel is the perfect starting point. The neighbourhood is quiet, and there will be few other tourists around.