Ciudad Condal

( 2 stars , Barcelona , Spain )

For a central hostel located on the swish Rambla de Catalunya with basic, comfortable rooms, the Hostal Ciudad Condal is a great value. This beautiful street is packed with boutiques and restaurants and is parallel to the smart Passeig de Gracia which is home to some of the city’s Gaudi buildings. Head down to Las Ramblas, the main artery of the city flanked by the historical Gothic Quarter. Explore the Old Town and see evidence of the city’s former Roman walls and it’s magnificent gothic Cathedral. The fascinating Palau de la Musicais a concert hall where classical, gospel and the occasional Woody Allen clarinet concert takes place - the building has a whimsical, unique colourful design. At night go down to the Raval area for the hippest nightlife, with bars such as the quirky Benidorm on Calle Joaquin Costa and the old theatre-turned-club, La Paloma on Calle Tigre. Dos Trece on C/Hospital spins great music (they even have their own radio station), and mixes tasty cocktails. All the rooms in this central, clean hostel have en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, heating and TV. A short walk along this gorgeous street with modernist buildings takes you to Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas - a 10-minute walk. This is a very lively area during the day but quiet and peaceful during the night. The area is central and well connected by public transport, just beside Provenca (FGC) and Diagonal (line 3) metro stations. Finally, this hostel offers free private parking spaces (subject to availability).