Hostal Barcelona Centro

I nearly missed my flight because I couldn't get my luggage, and a guest happened to open the door for me. I'd been told to collect my bags before 5:00 PM, so I arrived at 3:50, but reception was empty and I hadn't been given an access code. I called the emergency number several times; nobody answered, and there was no way to leave a message. Later the hotel said staff had unexpectedly left the desk and apologized, but offered no compensation. At first they said I hadn't tried to contact them. When I showed proof of the calls, they said they hadn't received any messages, even though their emergency line doesn't accept voicemails. Poor organization, no help, and dishonest service.

Erica and the rest of the staff were really nice. They put out tea, coffee, muffins, and beers for free every day. From the hotel it's a six-minute walk to the aerobus from plaça Catalunya, and about half an hour on foot to the beach.

We stayed in a triple room, and the only small issue was that the single bed's mattress dipped a bit in the middle. The room was clean and warm in winter, and the staff were friendly. The place is on the first floor of an old building with beautiful doors and a staircase. Casa Batllo and Casa Mila are within walking distance in the Gothic Quarter, while Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas are also relatively close. I thought it was great value for money and would highly recommend it.

My friends and I paid a lot for a Deluxe room with three single beds, but we were actually given one single bed and one double bed. When we asked the hostel admin why the room didn't match the pictures, they said the hostel had many problems and the photos were old. I tried contacting the manager and got no reply. How can guests pay so much and then be given a different setup, only to be ignored when they raise it? This is the worst hostel I've stayed in. I would never recommend it. If you don't want to be cheated, avoid this place.