Barcelona L’Eixample Esquerra

L’Eixample, the spacious neighborhood known for its open, tree-lined avenues and significant gay population, is a great place to stay in a four- or five-star hotel. Translation: there are not many budget hotels, hostels, or pensiones in this peaceful, largely residential neighborhood. Also, long blocks make for long walks—if you do decide to stay here, be aware that it may take you awhile to get to dinner.

Hostal Residencia Neutral,Rambla de Catalunya, 42 (☎934 87 63 90). Passeig de Gràcia. Walk up the Passeig de Gràcia to the Carrer del Consell de Cent. Cozy upholstered chairs and mosaic tile floors make the antique but well-kept rooms feel immediately like home. The location can’t be beat. Each room comes with TV, fan, and Wi-Fi; some have balconies that open onto La Rambla de Catalunya. Breakfast €8. Singles with shower €35; doubles with shower €60, with bath €65. MC/V.
Pensión Aribau, C. Aribau, 37, 1st fl. (☎934 53 11 06; www.hostalaribau.com). Pg. de Gràcia. Most of the hostel’s 11 rooms have TVs and A/C. Ask for one with a balcony overlooking a terrace. Reserve at least 1 month ahead in summer. Singles and doubles €55, with bath €65; triples €70/80. AmEx/MC/V.
Hostal Eden, C. Balmes, 55 (☎934 52 66 20; hostaleden@hotmail.com). Pg. de Gràcia. From the Metro, walk down C. Aragó past Rambla de Catalunya to C. Balmes and turn left. Modern, well-kept rooms are equipped with TVs, lockboxes, and fans; most have large baths. Free internet and Wi-Fi. Singles €25-30, with bath €35-45; doubles €35-45/50-60. AmEx/MC/V.
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Pensión Cliper, C. Rosselló, 195 (☎932 18 21 88). Diagonal. Follow C. Rosselló for 3½ blocks. Pensión in Modernista building boasts large, antique rooms with high ceilings that have seen (much) better days. A step down from other listings in terms of quality. Also a step down in terms of price. Your call. €15-20 per person, €40 with shower.