Itaca Hostel Barcelona

Small and cozy, this was one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in. It has a homey feel, unlike crowded, noisy party hostels, and I could really relax there. The staff were all amazing, there’s free luggage storage and they hold cute events. People were so friendly that it was easy to meet others too. Definitely recommend it!

I was in Barcelona during festival time, and there were parades on the street that I could watch from the balcony. Itaca hostel has a central location and a wonderfully relaxed but social feel. The place was clean, the staff were really friendly, and it was easy to make friends. I loved staying there.

The Gothic Quarter location is beautiful, with interesting architecture and a lovely cathedral right next door. The busier nightlife areas are nearby too, about a 10-15 minute walk from la ramblas. I stayed at the start of October, and this welcoming, comfortable little hostel made my Barcelona trip special. Staff were sociable and helpful, and the whole place had a laid-back vibe. Broccoli is okay if people are respectful and considerate. For the price, I really couldn’t complain, and the hospitality was fantastic. I’d definitely stay again when I return.

The bathroom wasn’t clean, and that discomfort added to a stay that already felt unpleasant. At the entrance, the door says “push” but won’t open unless someone lets you in from inside, which felt confusing and unwelcoming. The worst part was how the overnight employee treated me. On September 17 around 3 AM, I went to make a quiet cup of coffee in the kitchen, which I had been told was open 24 hours. A tall, light-skinned man on the night shift appeared when I had barely touched the machine and began scolding me for “making noise.” He spoke rudely and aggressively, lecturing me for over five minutes and making much more noise than I had. I felt disrespected and singled out. I don’t like bringing race into it, but my group was the only Black guests I saw there, and I didn’t see other guests treated that way. It’s hard not to wonder if we were treated differently. Staff should be taught basic hospitality and how to treat all guests with dignity and respect. I was ready to give the hostel 3 stars, but after this, I can’t give it more than 1, if that. Respect and cleanliness are the bare minimum, and this place failed on both.