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This two-star, twenty-eight room hostal is one-of-a-kind in many ways. Firstly, it is one of the only nice hostals in the area, and the only hostal along this part of posh Rambla Cataluña (not to be confused with Las Ramblas!) Also one-of-a-kind is Neutral's bizarre mirrored lobby, with its bottom-lit fake ferns, and seascape oil paintings.
Neutral's large rooms have not been redecorated since 1960, and the tiled floors date back to the late 1800s. The only sections of the hostal that have enjoyed makeovers are the bathrooms, which are bright, modern, and sparkling.
Rooms have televisions, small writing desks, telephones, and safes. Four rooms have bathtubs and many have balconies with great views of this always bustling area, filled with shoppers, businesspeople and dog-walkers. Internet is not available and fans substitute for air-conditioning, but these are really the only drawbacks. The owners, Señores Ramon and Albert, are very friendly and seem to go out of their way to help guests feel at ease.
Good dining is a snap in this area. Unlike Las Ramblas, which is a tourist trap as far as eating out is concerned, Rambla Cataluña is popular with Catalans and foreigners alike. Neutral is one block from Barcelona's pricey well-to-do shopping street, Psg. de Gracia, and the Metro, bus and taxis. All-in-all, this is a very comfortable hostal in a great part of town.
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