Truth be told, though, most of the hotels and hostals featured on EuroCheapo’s Barcelona page have “character.” These select few, however, go above and beyond, and stand out for their unique personality and quirky vibe.

Galerias Malda
Del Pi 5 1/1
Barri Gotic
Doubles from €20 to €30

Taking the “Personality Prize” is definitely the Malda, if such a prize existed. It’s not everyday that one can stay in a former Marqués palace for €20 a night. Each of the Hostal Maldà’s 25 rooms is unique. Furnishings are antique—and some are quite worn. It’s bare-bones all the way at this budget palace, but unlike many Barcelona properties, the Maldà’s rooms are large, and, thanks to the hostal’s top-floor location, light filled. (Note that the trade off for natural light is lugging your bags up many stairs.) Family-run, the Malda—and it’s owners—will make you feel at home.

With the view at the Mar-Luz, it’s impossible to forget that you’re deep within the Gothic Quarter.

Pension Mari-Luz
Palau 4 2º 1ª
Barri Gotic
Doubles from €45 to €75

If the passage of time, and age, give way to character and a strong “personality,” then Pension Mari-Luz has it in its 18th-century walls. This budget-friendly pension is situated deep inside the Barri Gotic, in an area oozing historic charm.

As is typical in Barcelona, the rooms are small at the Pension Mari-Luz. The furnishings are simple and spare: beds or metal bunks, plus maybe a utilitarian nightstand or small desk. Hanging artwork adds pops of color here and there.

The fireside lounge in the Fashion House gives it a cozy, welcoming personality.

Fashion House
Bruc, 13 Principal
Eixample
Doubles from €50 to €150

Both the place and the owners make this B&B a winner. It’s got flair! It’s got an amazing patio for lounging! It’s got a dramatic fireplace! The Fashion House feels like a “real” house with a cozy, laid-back energy about it. The charismatic Italian owners have paid lots of attention to detail and cleanliness, and their hard work shows—the place is spotless.

The Hotel Banys Orientals blends personality with class.

Banys Orientals
Calle Argenteria 37
La Ribera
Doubles from €100 to €105

Personality can also be bold and chic! Such is the case at this long-time cheapo fave, Banys Orientals, in La Ribera/Born area. The outstanding three-star Hotel Banys Orientals offers 43 rooms in a sought-after setting on Carrer Argenteria, a picture-perfect cobblestone street lined with unique boutiques and bars.

Share your thoughts

Barcelona is full of hotels with tons of personality. Have you stayed in a place with a style all its own (in a good way)? Tell us about it by leaving a comment in the box below.

Want more?

For even more Barcelona hotels, including plenty with vibrant personalities, check out out Barcelona hotel guide.

The post Barcelona: Four cheap hotels with personality appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Getting hostal

Hostals are a budget-friendly type of accommodation found throughout Spain (and Central and South America) that offer private rooms, usually with private bath, without some of the other services commonly offered by hotels. They may not serve breakfast, and reception hours will probably be limited. Furthermore, they tend to be small, family-run affairs.

For these reason, hostals are generally cheaper than hotels, and make a great option for Cheapos. In our guides to Barcelona and Madrid, we recommend and review as many hostals as hotels.

Comparing options

Our Barcelona-based correspondent Regina recently penned a lengthy article outlining the many accommodation options in the city. She includes what to expect in the rooms, and how much you should expect to pay.

These include:

* Hotels: €70 and up – 24-hour reception, private rooms and bath, breakfast served.

* Hostals and pensions: €40 and up – smaller operations, limited reception, private rooms and usually private bath.

* Hostels: €20 and up – dorms and private rooms, usually shared bath, breakfast (and often other meals) available.

* Apartments: €90 and up – furnished flats with kitchen.

For much more on this subject, including her favorite examples of each, read Regina’s introduction to Barcelona’s hotels, hostels, and hotels.

The post Hostal? Hostel? Hotel? Understanding Barcelona’s accommodation options appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Casa Batlló & La Pedrera: Astoria Hotel
Doubles from €70

This is also one of the best value hotels we’ve seen in the Eixample neighborhood in up-town Barcelona. Astoria Hotel is located close to Casa Batlló and La Pedrera which are both located on Pssg. de Gràcia.

My favorite Gaudí structure  is Casa Batlló, a cobalt and kelp-green apartment building that shimmers in the sun for tourists. Gaudí did not fully design these luxury apartments, but revamped the building between 1904 and 1906 for Josep Batlló i Casanovas. Not far from Casa Batlló is La Pedrera, which was was built between 1906 and 1912 as a high-end apartment building. Declared a Wold Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, it’s possible to visit the Espai Gaudí, El Terrat and El Pis de La Pedrera plus an art museum (free) with rotating exhibitions inside this impressive building.

A room at the Gat Xino puts you close to the Palau Guell.

Palau Güell: Gat Xino
Doubles from €65

Staying at Gat Xino will put you close to a lesser-known Gaudí palace, Palau Güell. Built between 1886-1888, this was the Güell family palace.

Wealthy Mr. Güell was one of Gaudí’s main supporters and because of him we also have Park Güell, which makes for an impressive visit on a clear, sunny day. Palau Güell was closed for restoration for a few years but is now open for visits.

La Sagrada Família: Hostal Central Barcelona

Finally, my pick for glimpsing Gaudí’s most famous, unfinished building is Hostal Central Barcelona, located a few blocks from the “sandcastle” Basilica. (Here’s a list of other affordable hotels near La Sagrada Familia.)

If you see no other Gaudí sight, see this one. Gaudí took on La Sagrada Familia project in 1883 and died before it was completed. Construction continues now, and in the last seven years I’ve seen it morph considerably.

Mass is held at La Sagrada Família and if you’re religious this could be quite a unique experience, plus you’ll not have to pay an entrance fee if you’re going to a service.

To read more hotel reviews, visit our guide to cheap hotels in Barcelona.

The post Barcelona: Best hotels for sleeping near Gaudí architecture appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.