Central Hostal – what was that address again?

The Hostal Central, so good they named it twice – or more accurately, so good that there are two of them!

What is sometimes known as BCN Hostal Central is on Ronda de la Universitat, 11 whereas the plain and simple Hostal Central is on Carrer Diputació, 346.

As well as having the same name, both places have reputations of offering their guests good value, clean, basic accommodation in popular parts of Barcelona.

BCN Hostal Central

The BCN Hostal Central, to begin with, is just a couple of minutes walk from Las Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia. With a mix of single and double rooms – some of which have their own bathrooms – this small and cosy hostel is actually spread over several completely renovated flats, meaning that some of the rooms have pleasant enclosed terraces overlooking the street. Conversely, some of the single rooms can be very much on the small side.

The current owners have been at this Hostal Central for 8 years now and are very determined to offer their guests excellent value for money. Although there is not a kitchen, there is a coffee lounge, free internet, television and maps available for guests, who come here from all over the world.

The hostel is very close to the Metro stations at Universitat and Catalunya.

Hostal Central

The ‘other’ Hostal Central, very close to Tetuan Metro station and also the bus station of Estació del Nord, has just 13 rooms but is situated in a delightful late 19th Century modernist building. In addition to single and double rooms, there are several suites that are suitable for large groups or families. Again, most of the rooms have their own bathrooms. Completely refurbished in 2008, this hostel has the added benefit of both central heating and air conditioning – with the bonus of sound proofed windows. Free WiFi connections are available in all of the rooms.

A browse through the various Travellers’ Review sites that abound on the internet now will show you how the vast majority of guests at both of these hostels have found them to be comfortable, clean and relatively cheap. Because they are both smaller than some of the other Barcelona hostels, they are also not as likely to be quite noisy at night although, inevitably, there are times when returning partying guests can cause irritations.

If you want somewhere affordable and basic – whilst being clean and secure – then either one of these two Hostal Centrals could be just the place to go.

Make sure you know which one you’ve chosen, though. I imagine they’ve had quite a few people turn up at the wrong one!

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