But while the center of Barcelona can be fun, with plenty of fascinating sights on offer, the bars, eateries and boutiques here are always a bit more spendy, cashing in on the fact that you don’t know the exchange rate, or the local cost of things.

One way to avoid getting gouged is to stay in parts of the city which are less frequented by tourists. Here are a few hotels that get our stamp of approval for being “off the beaten tourist track”:

Take a break with a game of ping pong at the HelloBCN Hostel.

Poble Sec

HelloBCN Hostel
Lafont, 8-10
Doubles from $80 to $134

Quickly becoming the next “hip” spot in Barcelona, a title that El Raval has had for years, Poble Sec has always been a working-class neighborhood behind Barcelona’s theater district, on the foot of Montjuïc Mountain.

HelloBCN Hostel is a superb 148-bed establishment located right around the corner from Paral-lel Metro stop, the Apolo Club and concert hall, and the countless bars, shops and restaurants in Poble Sec.

The hostel is decorated in red, charcoal and metal tones, with numerous black leather sofas throughout. It’s comfortable, it’s cool. There is always music playing, and the vibe is inviting and festive.

Most of Poble Sec is on a hill, and walking up it can be brutal. However, HelloBCN is right at the beginning of this incline, meaning it’s easy to get to with bags and backpacks in-tow.

The Astoria Hotel provides a swanky setting off the beaten track.

Eixample (upper)

Astoria Hotel
Paris, 203
Doubles from $94 to $257

You won’t find many tourists here unless they are lost or going to the Astoria Hotel. Though the Astoria is tucked away in the upper Eixample, it’s actually not far from Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona’s main shopping drag where many a Gaudí building are located.

The 114-room Astoria Hotel is a splurge-worthy pamper palace and one of the top three-star hotels we’ve seen, with great extras like a fitness center and rooftop swimming pool.

The Hostal Girona may be a hidden gem, but it’s still close to most major sights!

Eixample (lower)

Hostal Girona
Girona, 24 1º-1ª
Doubles from $67 to $114

Staying at Hostal Girona means that even though you’re off the tourist track, you’ll still be in the heart of town, with all the benefits that provides.  In close proximity, you can find the Gothic Quarter, Plaça Catalunya, the metro, the bus, Parc de la Ciutadella, Gaudí sights, and many restaurants, bars, and cafes.

The hostal has all the perks of being in the center without the excessive noise, pickpockets, and price gouging. The 19-room pension tends toward bare-bones, but it’s spic-and-span and its peak season rates top out at €60 for a standard double.

Do you stay “off the beaten path?”

Have you stayed in a hostel or hotel in Barcelona and loved its non-touristy location? Let us know!

The post Barcelona: Best “off the beaten path” hotels for Cheapos appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Keep the weather in mind while you’re looking for a hotel. Ask yourself these questions:

– Will my room have air conditioning?
– Will my room have a fan?
– Will my room have a window?
– Will that window open onto a noisy street, meaning I won’t be able to sleep?

If the heat bothers you, you’ll want to pay more and get A/C. To avoid noise from the street with the window open, don’t stay in the center of the city.

Here are a few hotels we like for the summer, for different reasons:

The Hostal Nuevo Colon’s proximity to the beach makes it a prime summer pick.

Hostal Nuevo Colon

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

No air conditioning here, but there are fans. Ask for an interior room if you’re worried about noise from the street coming through an open window. The Nuevo Colon makes the list because it’s very close to the beach, which is excellent from June to October.

The air conditioning at the Hostal Orleans can be a lifesaver in August

Hostal Orleans

Avenida Marqués de la Argentera, 13
La Ribera
Doubles from $65

Like the Hostal Nuevo Colon, the Hostal Orleans is just a short walk to the beach or breezy Barceloneta. This hostal, however, offers air-conditioned rooms, which is almost a must in August, when the heat and humidity in the city are dialed up all the way.

The Hotel Banys Orientals provides a bit of summer luxury at Cheapo rates.

Hotel Banys Orientals

Calle Argenteria 37
La Ribera
Doubles from $130

A step (or three) up from both hostals, this hotel is one of our favorites, located not too far from the beach in the Born area. Not only does it have A/C, it also has a bar where you can have a refreshing cava mimosa and cool off in the evenings.

More ways to beat the heat

Keep in mind that Eixample hotels and hostals will also be good options, as the Eixample, especially in August, is less touristy. Anything on La Rambla and around Pl. Catalunya will be noisy.

Anything to add?

Do you have your own advice on how to take the ‘hot’ out of ‘hotel?’ How about any other questions or comments about summer in Barcelona?  Let us know by posting in the comments section below.

The post Barcelona’s best hotels for the summer months appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.