Barcelona Gràcia

Gràcia is quickly growing in popularity, so it’s best to reserve ahead, particularly in the high season (June through mid-September). Many hostels in Gràcia are on the second or third floor of an apartment building; just look for the buzzer on the ground floor, and the receptionist will ring you in.

Pensión Norma, C. Gran de Gràcia, 87 (☎932 37 44 78). Fontana. Meticulously kept rooms with sinks and wardrobes. The spacious shared bath is clean with speckled tile floors. Free Wi-Fi. Singles €27-32; doubles €38-47, with bath €55-60. MC/V.
Hostal Lesseps, C. Gran de Gràcia, 239 (☎932 18 44 34; www.hostallesseps.com). Lesseps. 16 spotless rooms, each with a high ceiling, classy velvet walls, small desk, TV, and bath. A/C €5. Cats and dogs allowed. Free internet and Wi-Fi. Singles €40; doubles €65; triples €75; quads €90. MC/V.
Pensión San Medín, C. Gran de Gràcia, 125 (☎932 17 30 68; www.sanmedin.com). Fontana. Walking into this hostel is a psychedelic experience: the wallpaper has pink metallic floral swirls. 12 rooms with tiled sinks, TVs, and fans; some have balconies. Free Wi-Fi. Singles €30-38, with bath €39-48; doubles €45-60/€55-72. Special offers sometimes posted online. MC/V.
Albergue Mare de Déu de Montserrat (HI), Pg. Mare de Déu del Coll, 41-51 (☎934 83 83 63; www.xanascat.cat), beyond Parc Güell. Buses #15, 28, and 92 stop across the street. From Vallcarca, L3, walk up Av. República d’Argentina and take the stairs right before C. de Gomis (they’re not far) to cross the bridge at C. Viaducte de Vallcarca; signs point the way up the hill. This huge government-sponsored hostel is gorgeous, complete with private grounds, stained-glass windows, and Alhambra-style tile work. Far from the city center, but the silver lining is a hilltop view of Barcelona and the chance to meet backpackers from all around the world. Multiple common spaces and restaurant. Breakfast included; lunch €7.50. Dinner €3-9. Laundry €4.50. Internet €0.90 per 30min. 6-night max. stay. Check-in 10am-3pm and 4:30-11pm. Check-out 10am. Midnight curfew, but doors open every 30min. Reservations suggested. Dorms €16-26. MC/V.
Hostal Valls, C. Laforja, 82 (☎932 09 69 97). FGC: Muntaner. Walk 4 blocks downhill on C. Muntaner and turn left on C. Laforja. Though this hostel is not close to Gràcia’s nightlife scene, the building compensates with Neoclassical Doric columns and Greek statues. Several large common spaces, including a TV lounge. Wi-Fi. Reservations suggested. Singles €40; doubles €45-70. MC/V.
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Alberg i Residència La Ciutat, C. L’Alegre de Dalt, 66 (☎932 13 03 00; www.laciutat.com). Joanic. Follow C. Escorial for 5 blocks, then cross to C. L’Alegre de Dalt. This hostel also serves as a dorm for Spanish students in Gràcia. The 4- to 10-bed rooms look like they were once brightly painted. Lounge area with TV and kitchen. Each private room has TV, phone, and bath (but no shower). A/C. Breakfast included. Linens €1.80. Laundry €5.40. Free internet and Wi-Fi. Reception 24hr. Dorms €17-20; singles €35-50; doubles €52-60. MC/V.
Aparthotel Silver, C. Bretón de los Herreros, 26 (☎932 18 91 00; www.hotelsilver.com). From Fontana, walk 1 block downhill on C. Gran de Gràcia and turn right on C. Breton de los Herreros; the hotel is on the right. Catering to short-term tourists and long-term residents, Aparthotel Silver has 49 rooms, each with bath, TV, phone, A/C, and cleverly-concealed kitchenettes. The restaurant-bar has a terrace with a small fountain and tables. Wi-Fi €12 for 24hr. Free internet in lobby. Wheelchair-accessible. Singles €80-120; doubles €85-150. MC/V.