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.

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.