Hostal Levante

The two-star Hostal Levante resides in a beautiful building (built in 1903) which once held Barcelona’s first telephone company. Situated a half block away from Carrer Ferran and Plaça Juame I, the family-run Levante places guests just around the corner from all the action in the Gothic Quarter.

The Hostal Levante offers 55 large, spic-and-span rooms, some with balconies looking onto the surrounding cobblestoned streets. Rooms are simple yet spunky, with standard hotel bedding, coordinating accent walls and the occasional piece of artwork. Furnishings are functional and Ikea-esque.

Rooms have Wi-Fi and heating, but no televisions. Some are air conditioned (ask ahead), and fans are provided to the other rooms.

Rooms have private bathrooms. Bathrooms are ample, with new fixtures and towel dryers that also serve as heaters. Be sure to pack your own toiletries and hair dryer.

Owner Leonardo Sauignnano gave the Hostal Levante a facelift a few years back, adding nice extras like a few vending machines, a TV lounge and free Wi-Fi throughout. It seems he stopped short of interior decorating, though—there isn’t much “personal touch” here (the lobby feels a bit like a waiting room).

But still, who cares? The rates are reasonable, the location unbeatable and the service is friendly. Breakfast is not provided, but there are a few nearby cafés where you can pick up a morning bite.

Sauignnano also rents apartments for longer stays, and their nightly rates are a steal. The apartments are also located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.

Location

Staying in the middle of the Barri Gotic, or Gothic Quarter, means a little more work getting from the airport to the hostal, but the location is worth the extra fuss. From the Hostal Levante, it’s an easy walk to the Cathedral, the famous palm-clad Plaça Rieal, Las Ramblas and cool live music spots like Harlem Jazz Club and Jamboree.

While this is a fun area to be call home base, it also has a couple drawbacks: At night the small streets around Plaça Rieal are filled with partiers, beer-slingers, shady characters and pickpockets. That said, If you keep your wits about you, you’ll be fine. However, it can be noisy.

There are many fine eateries in the Gothic Quarter—and many overpriced tourist joints. How to tell the difference? If the menu is in 10 languages, it’s probably a touristy place! Avoid eateries along Carrer Ferran.

Transportation

Subway: The Levante’s Metro line is the Green Line/L3 and its closest stop is Liceu, which is about a six-minute walk from the hostal. You can also catch the Yellow Line/L4 from the Jaume I stop at the end of Carrer de Ferran.

From the Airport: To reach the Levante from the airport, take the Areobús to Plaça Catalunya. From here, it's a 10- to 15-minute walk (or a short cab ride) to the hostal. You can also take the RENFE Cercanías train from T2 to Passeig de Gracia, where you can catch the Green Line/L3 Metro to Liceu.