Condestable

The one-star Hotel Condestable used to be a two-star property, and it’s currently striving to get that lost star back. The simple hotel is located smack dab in the center of the city (which is both good news and bad news), and a friendly staff and easy access to transportation are its main assets.

Quick read

Pros: Very central location. Helpful staff. Clean. Large, cheap breakfast. Can be a good deal in low season.

Cons: Noise from the street and sometimes from other rooms. Basic and a little shabby.

Rooms

It’s pretty clear why the Hotel Condestable has lost a star. Its 80 guest rooms are worn—sofas have a few stains, beds are small, furniture is scratched and the linens seem to date from 1983. That said, they come in a variety of configurations (from singles to quads) and will do the trick for the unfussy traveler on a budget. Plus, there is a makeover underway (so be sure to ask for a remodeled room).

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a safe, phone and TV with international channels. If you’re bringing a laptop, mention it when checking in and request a room with a large safe box.

About half of the Hotel Condestable’s rooms have balconies, which could be nice if you’re a smoker (since the entire hotel is non-smoking). However, the view is not stellar, and since the hotel is located on one of the city’s busiest downtown streets, noise could be an issue.

Bathrooms

The private bathrooms are large and no-frills but quite clean. They provide the basics: shower gel, shampoo, soap, a hair dryer and towels. Some rooms have bathtubs (ask ahead).

Hotel

The Hotel Condestable offers a breakfast buffet for just €8, a deal for eggs, sausage, pastries, juice, coffee and tea. (Most hotels in the area charge €10 and up for the same spread.)

There are also vending machines and lounge areas on most floors of the hotel. Unfortunately, there is no computer station, but Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

The verdict: Overall, this hotel is a bit ragged and will surely benefit from renovation. However, it’s clean and central, with a welcoming, professional staff. And a low-season rate of €60 for a double is a good deal. A high-season rate of €160, on the other hand, is not.

Location

For those looking to be in the center of the action, the Hotel Condestable is well located. From this area, transportation is a snap, and the hotel is within walking distance of Plaça Catalunya. Plus, getting here from the airport bus is effortless. We will note, though, that being in a major tourist hub can have its drawbacks, a main one being that the area is almost always hectic and crowded.

A word of warning: Eating out around the Condestable is tough. Most places cater to tourists and are therefore overpriced. Keep this in mind and avoid most of the eateries surrounding the hotel. We recommend any of the bars and restaurants on nearby Tallers Street, and anything around the CCCB museum is good.