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It's impossible to beat Maldà's authentic charm and rock-bottom prices. After all, it's not every day you can stay in a former Marqués palace for €15 a night. Each of Malda's 23 rooms are different in design and set-up, but as a general rule, most have a sink, mirror, and hand towel instead of en suite baths.
The Maldà is not easy to find as it is located in the depths of Barcelona's Barri Gòtic neighborhood. Still, it's worth the trouble. With the help of a good map and a bit of luck, it's possible to eventually locate the family-run hostal located inside the boutique-packed shopping center, Galerias Maldà.
The hostel takes its name from the former Marqués Maldà—a Marqués is Spanish royalty, similar to a Duke—who owned the now renovated palace before going into debt and losing everything. In his old palace, where fountains once gushed and opulence ruled, Hostal Maldà, along with numerous shops, cafés and even a small cinema, now sits.
Besides its historically fascinating past, the hostal is a short cobblestone jaunt from the enchanting Plaça del 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. Here you'll find all the big internationals such as Zara and Mango, as well as national clothing chains like Escorpio and Casas. Best of all, small designers from Barcelona, hidden in hole-in-the-wall storefronts, take up shop next to fashion's "big dogs."
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