Hostal LausanneEditor's Pick

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The two-star, 17-room Hostal Lausanne is located in a beautiful 18th-century building on the popular shopping street, Portal de l’Angel. Not much has been changed in this old beauty since 1900, but its super simple rooms are moderately priced and its location is one of the most coveted in Barcelona.

Apart from its elaborately carved ceilings and outdated chandeliers, the Lausanne’s rooms are basic. Some beds in the triples look like they’ve seen better days, or would be more appropriately called “cots.” (Note to tall folks: Your feet will hang off.) The tiny doubles and singles have standard-sized beds. We recommend asking for the only room in the hostel with a balcony, as it also happens to be quite large. None of the rooms are air conditioned, but fans are available and all rooms have television.

Eleven of Lausanne’s rooms have shared bathrooms, which were remodeled in 2010. These are the nicest communal bathrooms we’ve seen in Barcelona: very chic in stone and tan tiles. We can't say the same of the private bathrooms, which are basic and have about 10 years of wear and tear on them.

For the most part, the Lausanne freels worn, but quiet and cozy. The rate provides good value, especially for doubles with a shared bath. There is a very pleasant lounge area, with sofas, a television and vending machines. The highlight of this antique living room, though, may just be its balcony view, which is as entertaining as it is picturesque. Outside, street performers play an international selection of music, and tango dancers clash with decked-out hip hop performers amidst drooling shoppers.

The Lausanne offers a free Internet station and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Besides the great entertainment and shopping it affords, the hotel’s location is also great for catching everything from buses and Metro to taxis and airport bus. One of Barcelona’s largest supermarkets, El Corte Inglés, is right around the corner, and there are restaurant choices galore in this area, with everything from simple pastry shops to Sushi joints available.

» 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.