Hostal Galerias MaldaEditor's Pick

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It’s not every day that one can stay in a former Marqués palace for €20 a night. With an ideal location in the Gothic Quarter, a short walk from Plaç Catalunya, the 23-room, family-run Hostal Maldà is close to major transportation hubs and important Barcelona sightseeing. Plus it has the best Cheapo rate we’ve seen in Barcelona.

To be clear, the Maldà has seen better days, but its mismatched, funky and family feel is what makes it special. There’s no Internet, no elevator, no air conditioning, no kitchen... Basically there aren’t perks of any kind. But the rock-bottom rates are the same all year round, whether you come alone or in a group.

Each Maldà room is unique. Furnishings are antique, and some are quite worn. Unlike many Barcelona properties, the Maldà’s rooms are large, and thanks to the hostel’s top-floor location in the former palace, light filled. (Note that the trade off for natural light is lugging your bags up the stairs.) All bathrooms are shared, although many of the rooms have sinks and mirrors. Bathrooms, like the rest of the hostel, are old and a bit beaten up, but clean.

The hostel resides in the former palace of Marqués Maldà (Spanish royalty, similar to a Duke), where fountains once gushed and opulence ruled. It shares the great building with a mini-mall offering cafés, shops and even a small cinema, Cines Maldà.

Auora Alverez and her husband have run Hostal Maldà for the past 40 years. The Alverez children are about to take over so their parents can spend most of their time retired in Galicia, but we expect they’ll maintain the hostel’s vibe of a cozy family home, with books on the shelves and a smattering of knickknacks that tell the family’s history. (If you speak Spanish, ask Auora to tell you about the palace and its history—she’s a great story-teller.)

Call to make a reservation with your best Spanish, as Auora doesn’t speak English. Note that the Maldà accepts cash only.

The hostel is a short cobblestoned jaunt from the enchanting Plaça de Pi and its fantastic church. There is no shortage of bars and restaurants in this area and the shopping, especially for art and clothing, is some of the best in town.

» Regina WB

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.