Hostal Gat Raval

( 1 star , Barcelona , Spain )

The young and hip gravitate to the area with the most underground nightclubs per square kilometre in Barcelona, namely the Raval, and the Hostal Gatraval is where they sleep. The Raval is packed with hot bars and cheap and good eats. Go out at night to Joaquin Costa Street to Bar Benidorm with its eclectic décor and great indie, electro and rock music. More of a Brit pop fan? Manchester Bar is right up the street. Ease into the next day, and head down to Barceloneta beach for a coffee at one of the many chiringuitos (bars on the beach) and start working on that tan. Once you’re ready for some culture and history, the apartment is close to the Gothic Quarter and Cathedral with its towering Gothic (or are they Romanesque? Someone forgot their art history lesson…) spires. Explore the winding medieval streets and find traces from the Roman wall which once surrounded the city. After sunset, get dolled up for another night of fiesta.The Hostal Gatraval radiates cheerfulness and style in its every one of its 24 rooms. The photos speak for themselves, and the owners incorporated their own flair into the colour scheme of the rooms. The logo is a black cat, and the hostel’s name Gatraval combines the Catalan word for “cat” and its location, the hip and young Raval. Image is key at Gatraval and no detail has been overlooked. The modern rooms are all equipped with TV, heating, air conditioning and safety box. Being a tech-savvy, cybercool hostel there is of course, free internet access in the lobby as well as plenty of tea and coffee to keep you buzzing. Some of its rooms overlook the sharp and elegant lines of the contemporary art museum (MACBA). The friendly staff give insights into where to go in the city. The hostel is a very short walk to Las Ramblas and Plaza de Cataluña. You’ll be in the centre of the city and will be able to get just about everywhere from Plaza de Cataluña. Great place to meet other travellers.