Hostal Nuevo Colón

I ended up walking everywhere because the location was so convenient, with lots of places to eat and drink nearby. The staff were nice, and apart from one bug I saw in the shared restroom, the hostal was clean. My room lights kept flickering, though, and I couldn't use the ceiling fan.

The room was awful. I booked it with a colleague after seeing some really nice pictures online and paid €70, but when I arrived the price had gone back to €30. That left me paying €100 in total, with €80 supposed to come back. I wouldn't recommend this hostel even for a single night.

There was plenty of room for us, with two queen beds, a kitchen, dining table, couch, and space to set down bags and clothes. The room itself was basic, but it was clean and functional. The building is old, so the facilities aren't modern. Wi-Fi, an elevator, AC, and ceiling fans were available, which helped make the stay comfortable. There's no breakfast, but cafés and restaurants are close by, and free luggage storage was a real help. The location worked well: a bus stop is nearby, the nearest metro takes a bit of walking, and Ciutadella Park, the Gothic Quarter, and Arc de Triomf are a short distance away. There's also a train station nearby for trips to the outskirts. Good value if you want space and the basics rather than luxury.

The rooms are basic and a little dated, and some could use renovation. They were acceptably clean, the beds were comfortable, but sound carried through the poor insulation and outside noise could disturb us at night. Wi-Fi was available, though the signal was weak in some rooms. The staff were generally friendly and helpful, and 24-hour reception made late check-in convenient. Prices seemed reasonable for a tourist city like Barcelona, provided you don't expect much comfort. Hostal Nuevo Colón is in the El Born neighborhood, with attractions and public transport within walking distance and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby. Its location is the main draw, so keep expectations for the rooms modest.