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Spic-and-span rooms, some with en-suite bathrooms, and a friendly, international staff, make for a great, all-round hostal . Ask for an exterior room, most of which have wrought-iron balconies that are perfect for checking out the Barri Gòtic action below.

From the lovely, Modernista elevator to the individually-wrapped soaps imprinted with the Oliva logo, this cheerful, family-run hostal is one of Barcelona’s best. The ornate Modernista building has bright rooms that are sparklingly clean; some have en-suite bathrooms.

A well-run hostal that has been accommodating visitors since 1952. The newly-renovated first floor has airy rooms in tan and blonde wood. The charming older floor upstairs is less expensive, with original tiled floors from the late 1800s. Most rooms have en-suite bathrooms and some have air-conditioning.

Spotless and bright, this central hostal has well-maintained doubles (with or without bath), plus dorm rooms that sleep 4 to 8 people. There are also left-luggage lockers.

This friendly, family-owned hostal is housed in an elegant Modernista building. Simple but well-kept rooms vary in size; if you’d like city views, ask for a balconied room overlooking Carrer Mallorca. For some quiet, opt for a room facing the interior courtyard and garden.

Get your beauty sleep in the snug heart of the Barri Gòtic at this hotel. Newly renovated rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, are done up in light wood and cool colours. The bright breakfast room has balconies overlooking the plaça.

The well-maintained Parisien, with its clean rooms (some with ensuite bathrooms) and a TV lounge, is run by an amiable English-speaking couple. Some rooms overlook La Rambla, while others face a backstreet – less entertaining, but also less noisy.

Don’t expect luxury, but rooms are clean, comfortable and all have bathrooms – and the hostal has a great location round the corner from La Rambla.

A tidy, well-run hostal, which is housed on several floors of an up-market apartment building. The newer rooms all have large bathrooms and airconditioning; some are also equipped with a small refrigerator. Guests have access to a coin-operated, web-connected computer.

If you’re arriving late at the Sants railway station, this hostal , just a ten-minute walk away, is a good bet. Call ahead in high season. Rooms are basic and clean, and all doubles have en-suite bathrooms. There’s a sitting room with TV and you also have use of a refrigerator.