Mare Nostrum Hostal

The breakfast had something for every taste, and the reception staff made us feel at home as soon as we arrived. Everything was spotlessly clean. The rooms are small, but laid out well and very practical. Being right on La Rambla, in the heart of the city, made it easy to explore. We had a fantastic stay and would highly recommend the hostel.

We had an easy, efficient check-in, and the room was clean, comfortable, and well looked after. The staff were friendly, and everything we needed for a short stay was there. It was also a great base for exploring the city and its attractions on foot. We enjoyed staying at Hostal Mare Nostrum and would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere convenient and comfortable in the heart of Barcelona.

The rooms are on the small side, but they were clean and well kept, and the price was good for what you get. The whole staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. It's right in the city center, with a metro station close by. I highly recommend it.

La Boqueria is about a two minute walk away, and Carrefour is around seven minutes on foot, with smaller supermarkets nearby too. The hostel is right on La Rambla, so the location is its biggest advantage. The street outside was under construction, as was La Rambla itself, which took away some of its usual atmosphere. Taxis and Ubers are better dropping you across the street because of the construction. We picked this place in the same area as the hotel we wanted was already fully booked. The photos and reviews looked promising. Our main hassle was the luggage. Reception is up about two flights of stairs, and there was no elevator or help getting the bags up. The elevator only goes from reception to the upper floors, so we had to carry everything down again at checkout. Heavy bags would make this a real consideration. The room was okay, but narrow for three people, and the bathroom was cramped, with the toilet and shower in one space, so water gets everywhere when you shower. Beds were fine, the room was cleaned daily, and towels were changed every day. The walls are thin, so you can hear people in other rooms. We were glad we brought slippers, since none were provided. There was decent storage in open cabinets, and the room had good lighting. Ivan at the front desk on our third night was warm, welcoming, and helpful, which made things better. The place is very much a case of getting what you pay for. It was an okay stay, and could work if you want an affordable base in a very central spot and just need the basics, as long as you're prepared for the stairs and limited space.