However, the timing of the Catalan version of Valentine’s Day—Sant Jordi Festival—has always made a bit more sense to me. The holiday is held on the 23rd of April each year, when spring has officially sprung with love and pollen blowing in the air. What says “amor” more than beautiful Barcelona in full bloom!

Book stalls fill the streets in Barcelona on Sant Jordi’s Day. Photo: Regina W Bryan

Sant Jordi Festival

For Sant Jordi’s Day, either a book or a rose are given as gifts. Men, you’ll want to look for a few select red roses to give to the special women in your life. Women, you’ll need to browse the many book shops and book stands that set up on La Rambla and get a paperback for the important men in your life. These are the rules, and as someone who appreciates both flowers and reading, I like to break them!

Where to stay for an affordable romantic getaway

If you’re traveling through Barcelona in April with that special someone, look for rooms in these hotels that make the perfect escape for lovey-dovey couples.

The rustic lounge is a perfect spot to cozy up for the evening. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Cozy charm in the city – Hosteria Grau

Doubles from: $83 to $143

Privacy is key to romance, so avoid the backpacker hostels and instead go for double room at Hosteria Grau, one of the coziest hotels in the city center. The two-star rooms are cute and clean, and the staff is incredibly helpful. Furthermore, Grau is a couple blocks from La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia, where much of the Sant Jordi fun will take place.

The stylish and romantic rooms at Hostal Goya are a real bargain for Barcelona. Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

Designer decor – Hostal Goya

Doubles from: $97 to $152

Ambiance is important if you’re on a romantic escape. Avoid faded rooms with questionable artwork and amateur silk flower arrangements, and instead book at Hostal Goya, a chic option in L’Eixample. Goya’s interiors are some of the best we’ve seen in Barcelona budget hotels. You’ll be wowed by not only the modern tiled floors, the abundance of natural light and the elegant attitude—but also the very affordable price!

Wonderful city walks are just outside the door of Hotel Banys Orientals. Photo: Andrej Nicolas

Old city strolls – Hotel Banys Orientals

Doubles from: $138 to $145

What’s more romantic than wandering the old city with your lover, arm in arm? Not much. So make sure to book at Hotel Banys Orientals in El Born for lots of cobblestone charm. Picture yourself sipping Spanish wine in front of Santa Maria del Mar Church, and then window shopping at the many boutiques near Banys Orientals.

Bonus tip: Not only is love in the air, but spring, and the months of April and May, are some of the best months to visit Barcelona because the weather is gorgeous, and the city is a lot less crowded than summer. Enjoy!

The post Budget romantic hotels in Barcelona to celebrate Sant Jordi Day appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

• Also see our complete list of Barcelona neighborhoods in our city guide.

Where to eat

The Santa Caterina Market is one of the prettier in the city. I prefer it to La Boqueria. Find seasonal foods here as well as bakeries and bars. You can’t miss it from the outside, it’s the enormous structure with the undulating rooftop.

Santa Caterina Market

Tapas at Santa Caterina Market

What to drink

Have a glass of wine at Vila Viniteca’s La Teca bar. They have a wide selection of Spanish wines, cold tapas and cheeses (over 300 types of cheese!).

Wine in El Born

What to see

Santa Maria del Mar Church is a stunner, even if you’re not much for religious architecture. Some people like it better than the Cathedral… take a look inside and decide for yourself.

Santa Maria del Mar

Where to dine

Have lunch or dinner at the tucked-away Salero Restaurant, which serves seasonal, Mediterranean dishes.

Salero

Salero in El Born

Take a stroll

Barcelona is a city to walk in. There are balconies to ogle, architecture to ponder, window shopping galore, and excellent people watching to boot. Wander the maze of streets in El Born for an hour or so to get a feel for it.

Wander El Born

Have a snack

Have a coffee and a tasty snack at Cafe del Born Nou. Find a seat inside or search out their terrace seating.

Snack on some fluffy pastries.

Where to stay

The Hostal Nuevo Colon is located in El Born, and is recommended as a great value.

And don’t miss…

All the amazing street art in the area.

Street art in El Born

Counting street art in El Born

The post Barcelona Neighborhood Snapshots: El Born appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As the weather warms up, consider a hotel near the beach. La Barceloneta is Barcelona’s closest and most popular beach, not too far from El Born and the Gothic Quarter. It’s a fun area to have lunch in, and while many do swim along La Barceloneta, it is not as clean as other beaches in the city.

And as an important note, whenever you’re on a Barcelona beach, watch your valuables. (Read my previous posts on Barcelona’s best beaches.)

Park Hotel

Avenida Marques de Argentera, 11
La Ribera
Doubles from: $112 to $203

The large, three-star Park Hotel offers 91 rooms and a fresh, contemporary style. In addition to being near myriad cafés and restaurants, the Park is located just a few blocks from the port and beach, making it ideal in the summer months.

Hostal Orleans

Avenida Marqués de la Argentera, 13
La Ribera
Doubles from: $66 to $92

A stay at the two-star Hostal Orleáns is like a visit to a friendly aunt’s house. In this case, the aunt would be Fina Ibañez, proprietor of the comfortable, family-run abode, where the price is right and the “frills” are found in pink lacy bedspreads and a simple television lounge. It’s a 10-minute walk to the beach and a 5-minute walk to the port from here.

Planning your day is as easy as grabbing a bike and hitting the boardwalk if you’re staying at these hotels.

Hotel del Mar

Pla de Palau, 19
La Ribera
Doubles from: $99 to $152

Situated between the Gothic Quarter and the beach, the 72-room, two-star Hotel Del Mar is a primo spot for seeing the best of both Barcelona worlds: history and seaside.

Hostal Nuevo Colon

Avenida Marqués de Argentera, 19
La Ribera
Doubles from: $55

The one-star Hostal Nuevo Colón, which has been run by the Tobella family for 80 years, is a welcoming, no-frills establishment with some of the best rates we’ve seen in Barcelona. There’s not a lot of flair here, but the effortless, fun location—within walking distance of the beach, boardwalk, Maritime Museum and La Barceloneta—makes the Nuevo Colón a smart budget pick.

Want more? Check out our full listings of Barcelona hotels.  And don’t forget to leave any questions or comments in the box below.

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