Itaca HostelEditor's Pick

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The cozy-cool Hostal Ítaca has a sort of “summer camp for adults” feel. Located very near the Cathedral in Barri Gotic, it’s a great pick for backpackers and solo travelers.

The Ítaca offers four shared rooms, all large and sparkling, with bunk beds lining the walls and natural light streaming from old-fashioned windows. We thought it clever that lockers were located outside the rooms (anyone who has ever returned to their hostel at 4 a.m. knows why). All rooms have fans and free Wi-Fi but not much else in the way of amenities. Shared bathrooms are separate for ladies and gents and have several shower stalls and sinks. They are new, clean and no-nonsense.

The sweet and helpful owners, Cristina and Nuria, have created a welcoming communal vibe. It’s easy to meet fellow travelers while relaxing with free coffee and surround-sound reggae in the dimmed light of the mural-painted lounge, and the larger upstairs common space is furnished with a couple comfy couches and a guitar for guests to strum. The vibe throughout is a bit bohemian and very relaxed, but also spic-and-span and orderly.

Downstairs, Internet is available for €.80 cents per half hour, and the centerpiece of this fun hostel is an ample kitchen with two large refrigerators where guests can keep snacks. Other perks? Breakfast is available every morning for the low price of €2.50, a complete steal.

The Ítaca also offers two apartments and five private rooms in another building a couple streets away. These are colorful and fun in a hippie-meets-Ikea sort of way. The privates share bathrooms and a kitchen.

The Ítaca’s unbeatable location on the quiet street Ripoll places travelers out of the hubbub but still near the action. Try the €10.00 menu del dia (three courses plus wine) at Bun Bi Vietnam, a fun new Asian restaurant around the corner.

» 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.