Eye-catching architecture, vibrant nightlife and a world class food scene would alone make this one of the great global metropolises, but what adds to Barcelona’s appeal is its coastal location, with a superb stretch of beach and state-of-the-art marina lending a relaxed, breezy air to the city. It was the Catalan modernist Anton Gaudi whose highly individualised works have given Barcelona such a distinct appearance, but venture inside some of its famous art institutions and you’ll find further evidence of the city’s artistic heritage, including works by Pablo Picasso whose career was heavily influenced by his years spent in the Catalan capital.
For affordable accommodation, visitors to Barcelona have plenty to choose from. Most of its hotels are located in the city centre, and you’ll inevitably pay a premium here, but if you’re happy to be positioned a little further out, there’s a wide range of cheap hotels to be found in Barcelona’s outskirts too. However, if a central location is important to you, you’ll find a huge choice of basic but clean guest houses (known as ‘pensiones’) dotted throughout the centre, especially around the famous Las Ramblas thoroughfare. To help you, we’ve picked out 10 of the best cheap hotels in Barcelona based on price, location and guest reviews.
NH Barcelona La Maquinista
From €77/ night
Located next to the Sant Andreu District in the northern reaches of Barcelona, this mid-range hotel is well positioned for exploring all the city has to offer, from the bustling shopping centre just seconds away to some of its world-renowned landmarks. Guest rooms are brightly decorated and come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a work desk and a safe. There’s an on-site restaurant that serves a daily buffet breakfast as well as lunches and dinner. There are also several transport links nearby connecting guests to the rest of the city.
Hotel Travessera
From €94/ night
Situated just moments away from Gaudí’s Parc Güell, one of Barcelona’s most fascinating places of interest, this hotel benefits from a tranquil setting. Guest rooms are air conditioned and offer free WiFi, as well as a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries. A daily breakfast buffet is served in the hotel’s dining room and there’s also a 24-hour reception and a tour desk where guests can ask for information about the city. Alfons X Metro Station is only 550 yards away and regular buses to the city centre also stop directly outside the hotel.
Catalonia Park Güell
From €95/ night
A rooftop swimming pool is unarguably the stand-out feature of this mid-range hotel located in a residential area just outside the city centre. There’s also a restaurant, bar, sun terrace and two function rooms, while guests have free access to a number of international newspapers and magazines. Rooms, meanwhile, are simple and comfortable and come with air conditioning and satellite TV. The famous Parc Güell is just seconds away on foot and there are a number of bars and restaurants within walking distance as well. Vallcarca Metro Station is 350 yards away, connecting to the city centre.
H·TOP BCN City
From €85/ night
Ten minutes on foot from this hotel will see you arrive at one of Barcelona’s truly iconic landmarks – the Sagrada Familia. The city centre is not quite walkable – except for the seriously energetic – but there are a number of transport link nearby that will take you there in no time at all. As for the hotel itself, guest rooms feature simple décor, a private bathroom and a work desk. Amenities include a 24-hour reception, an internet corner with computers available for complimentary use, and vending machines for snacks and drinks. A number of bars and restaurants are within easy reach.
Sunotel Junior
From €69/ night
This hotel has a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city and during the summer months there’s also a hot tub and swimming pool up there too. Guest rooms are air conditioned and come with satellite TV and a private bathroom. Buffet breakfasts are served each morning in the dining room and nearby is a square lined with restaurants and cafés. Renowned attractions including Gaudí’s Casa Milá, Las Ramblas and FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium are both a short bus or metro ride away. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
Ronda House
From €108/ night
Located a short walk from Las Ramblas, this hotel enjoys a prime setting with all of Barcelona’s most famous attractions within easy reach. Air conditioned guest rooms are equipped with private bathrooms and satellite TV. Daily buffet breakfasts are served in the on-site café and there’s also a separate restaurant where guests can enjoy lunches and dinners and a bar that’s ideal for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps. The renowned MACBA Art Gallery is just 5 minutes’ walk away and a metro station can also be found nearby connecting to all parts of the city.
Amra Barcelona Caspe
From €110/ night
This modern guest house is just seconds away from the bustling Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas, placing its guests at the heart of the city action. Amenities and facilities include a pretty terrace, a bar-cafeteria and a tour desk where guests can purchase tickets for city attractions and excursions. There’s also bike and car rental, luggage storage and an airport shuttle service. Air conditioned rooms come with a TV and a private bathroom with hairdryer, and some have a balcony with scenic views across the city. Notable tourist attractions such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are easily reachable on foot.
Hostal Fontanella
From €56/ night
Centrally located and with a metro station directly next door, this guest house is a convenient choice for those keen to explore the city and its furthest reaches. The hotel’s architecture is also noteworthy, housed in a renovated Modernist building dating back to the late 19th century. Guest rooms are brightly furnished and decorated and have a ventilator fan and a TV, while some also have a balcony. Elsewhere in the property, there’s a tour desk and a vending machine serving free hot drinks. A wide array of shops, bars and restaurants are virtually on the hotel’s doorstep.
Hotel Laumon
From €98/ night
Also next door to a metro station, although further out from the centre, this is another hotel that offers easy access to all corners of the city. Modern and stylish, its guest rooms feature air conditioning, a plasma TV and a private bathroom, and WiFi is also offered. Buffet breakfasts are served each morning and there are also vending machines selling snacks and drinks. Bicycle rental can be arranged at the hotel and staff can also help with tourist information and ticket reservations for city attractions such as museums and shows. The city centre is around 25 minutes away by metro.
Hotel La Casa del Sol
From €127/ night
An outdoor pool and picturesque garden views are some of the eye-catching amenities at this mid-range hotel located north of the city centre. Guest rooms are air conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a 24-hour front desk, as well as bike and car hire. Free WiFi is also available troughout the property. Famous city landmarks including Casa Batllo and Sagrada Familia can be easily reached on foot and Barcelona El Prat Airport is just over 8 miles away.