The question isn't whether or not to travel in this economy, it's how to travel smart and get the most value out of your trip. Hotel Central editor Susan O'Keefe begins a series of posts that will feature affordable lodgings that don't break the bank, but are also worthwhile for their location, amenities, and unique character--real gems you should know about. Along with great hotels, she'll share strategies, deals, and insider tips on the destinations. And we encourage you to share your own lodging finds and recommendations for things to do in the city featured.
So now go, get traveling.
Somnio Hostel, Barcelona
Who was it that said young people traveling preferred no-frills hostels that featured loud common rooms and the aesthetic of grafitti and neon colors? Situated in the heart of Barcelona--just blocks from Plaza Catalunya and the start of Las Ramblas is Somnio Hostel, a hostel/hotel hybrid or "boutique hostel," as owners Lee Gonzalez and her sister Lauren like to call it.
Located on the second floor of a turn-of-the-century buildling, the one-year-old Somnio (which means to dream in Latin) features ten sunny guest rooms (singles, doubles, and dorm-style). Along with the hostel's refreshing interiors, a main draw is service. Receptionists speak English and willingly provide recommendations on attractions and walks in the city, as well as coordinate tours, dinner reservations, and transportation for guests. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, computer use, and luggage storage after checkout are an added plus. Rooms feature comfortable beds with quality linens, large windows, and cozy details like reading lamps and chairs. Guests will enjoy relaxing in the interior patio or sipping a local cava and mingling with other visitors (from 67 countries just this past year) in the lobby.
So now go, get traveling.
Somnio Hostel, BarcelonaWho was it that said young people traveling preferred no-frills hostels that featured loud common rooms and the aesthetic of grafitti and neon colors? Situated in the heart of Barcelona--just blocks from Plaza Catalunya and the start of Las Ramblas is Somnio Hostel, a hostel/hotel hybrid or "boutique hostel," as owners Lee Gonzalez and her sister Lauren like to call it.
Located on the second floor of a turn-of-the-century buildling, the one-year-old Somnio (which means to dream in Latin) features ten sunny guest rooms (singles, doubles, and dorm-style). Along with the hostel's refreshing interiors, a main draw is service. Receptionists speak English and willingly provide recommendations on attractions and walks in the city, as well as coordinate tours, dinner reservations, and transportation for guests. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, computer use, and luggage storage after checkout are an added plus. Rooms feature comfortable beds with quality linens, large windows, and cozy details like reading lamps and chairs. Guests will enjoy relaxing in the interior patio or sipping a local cava and mingling with other visitors (from 67 countries just this past year) in the lobby.
The sisters plan to expand with a second hostel in Barcelona and
other cities in Spain including Valencia, Madrid, and Sevilla, before
branching out in the rest of Europe. IT says: You go, girls. Rates for a double room with bathroom start at $100, singles run about $55.
Insider Tip:
Somnio is located around the corner from two famous Antoni Gaudí
buildings--Casa Batllo and La Pedrera. A unique way to visit La Pedrera
is to catch a concert there. Concerts run all year, but there's nothing better than listening to live jazz at sunset on the roof with a glass of cava in hand. Tickets are less than 10 euro and are sometimes offered free.
Read More: More cheap stays were chosen in the recent "Hoscar Awards." And check out Barcelona's eco-friendly Urbany hostel.
Photo: Somnio Hotel, Barcelona
Read More: More cheap stays were chosen in the recent "Hoscar Awards." And check out Barcelona's eco-friendly Urbany hostel.
Photo: Somnio Hotel, Barcelona
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won't comment on the room rates nor the service since I haven't been there but I witnessed the efforts and time, body and soul, of the two girls owner of this hostel and since then I anticipated the success that this hostel will get and in no time...
worth give it a try oneday.
SAM
I absolutely love Barcelona! I have visited this city many times and look forward to my next trip back!
In the upcoming weeks, I'll be writing a feature on Barcelona in my travel blog: http://studenttravelblog.wordpress.com
Hey check this out.
I’ve been in Barcelona many times and there’s always the problem of transportation from the Airport to the city and vice versa. I found one discount card that gives you loads of offers (more than 150) including Clubs, Bars, Restaurants, Tours, Museums, Shops, and the best of all for your case, a taxi driver that gives you a good discount to trips to the airport and from the airport to the city and also trips around the city!
Check it out at www.ConnectClub.com
Enjoy Barcelona
What a beautiful Barcelona Spain hotels, Barcelona become one of the most famous city in Spain that is why hotel is all around, there are lots of accommodation to choose from.
Viajar inteligentemente a una ciudad tan bella como lo es Barcelona, requiere que uno busque alojamiento en Hostels y albergues, los cuáles son muy bien equipados y a un costo más que accesible para el turista.
Great to see some positive pre-empted information about the city. Cushman and Wakefield recently voted Barcelona as number 4 in Business capital for Europe and Time Out Guides voted Barcelona as 5th city in the world as a tourist destination! Considerable savings can also be made renting Apartments for rent in Barcelona instead of hotels in Barcelona, especially for group bookings, too.
Traveling the smart way is the key which determines the outcome of any vacation. A vacation to a place as fabulous as Barcelona (in fact the whole of Spain is)needs to be properly planned (flight bookings, local transportation, hotels & accommodations etc.)
One should always be on the lookout for special deals and discount packages which are offered by hotels & travel sites....