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This one-star hostal is in the center of "Bohemian Barcelona," with Calle Joaquin Costa's boisterous bars, intellectual cafés, and other fabulous sights (like the CCCB Museum right around the corner) nearby.
The Gat Raval is a new breed of hostal: sleek, modern, efficient, and fun. Rooms are simple with interesting touches and a minimalist look. The idea of the hostal is to provide everything the budget traveler needs in a clean, cool atmosphere for a fair price.
The rooms at Gat Raval feature big white beds and artistically illuminated headboards. Some doubles have cutting-edge, flat-screen televisions. A group of architects own the hostal (along with Hostal Gat Xino, its classier sibling) and have renovated it in an avant-garde style. Breakfast is included in the price, as is Wi-Fi and use of the kitchen. All the 26 rooms have air conditioning and many have balconies. Rooms with shared (and sparkling!) bathrooms are available too.
One drawback is the lack of elevator; another is the dimly-lit stairwell. (The latter is all the more jarring considering the overall bright and pleasing nature of the hostal.) This area doesn't have easy Metro access, so be prepared to walk a few blocks or take a cab. It's also a good idea to have a map with you to find the hostal, though really, it's not too difficult.
This is a great place to stay to see a "real" part of Barcelona, where students meet after classes (the University is in this area) and trendy cafés mix with Falafel stands.
Hostal Gat Raval's price is a bargain for the rooms and probably worth the minor hassle involved to find it.
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