Hostal Excellence

I have stayed in many budget hotels all over Europe and found Hostal Excellence to be outstanding value. The location is its best asset, right off Placa Catalunya, dead center in Barcelona. Make sure you know where you are going beforehand as its a little hard to find especially in the dark (look for a simple metal door with colorful grafitti - ring buzzer). The little street it's on has some very nice reasonable restaurants. PACK LIGHT for this hotel. There is no elevator and you need to go up 2 flights of stairs. The stairwell is well lit, contrary to some reviews( switch is by the door).The hotel is very basic but spotlessly clean. Rooms are smallish but well appointed for the price. Shared bath accommodations are not a problem- it's a very small hotel with several very clean baths. The front desk staff were extremely nice and helpful. The beds were comfortable and good size. Tv was small but adequate. Some rooms had small balconies. This was a very quiet hotel. No breakfast is served, but coffee and hot water were available (bring a good instant coffee with you). Be warned the front desk is not manned until 9am. The desk is open until midnight, but can be extended to 2am checkin if requested at booking. There is baggage storage at the hotel. Make no mistake, this is a budget hotel. It is well positioned and a fantastic bargain in central Barcelona. (note: the best way from the airport is by Aerobus. 6€ each way, pay on bus. Drop off at Placa Catalunya, only a couple blocks from the hotel. Pack light. Check Google Earth to see the entryway - it's obscure).