Review Boqueria Hostal Barcelona
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| Hostal Boqueria |
Hostal Boqueria is a simple, pleasant and clean hostal based at what many might consider to be the most central of all central Barcelona locations. It sits proudly half way up the Ramblas, opposite the Boqueria food market and the opera venue, the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
The hostal's entrance is basic and it forms part of a larger apartment block. The hostal occupies the 'first' and 'Second' floors of the building. But do not be fooled - the numbering works differently to floor numberings in the UK and the hostal is approximately four floors up.
The Hostal Boqueria lobby is bright and I found that the staff at the front desk are exceptionally friendly and helpful in answering questions. All in all, a stay directly on the Ramblas is not for the faint - hearted - the street is noisy 24/7 and it is necessary to be street wise with your belongings. However, you will find yourself at the very heart of all things Barcelona and for those who like their holidays action - packed this may be the place for you.
Hotel Facilities:
Hostal Boqueria is a hostal rather than a hotel. It, therefore, has basic amenities. There is no pool, fitness centre, restaurant or bar. However, there is a small communal area with seating for approximately three people.
There is one computer available in the communal area. It provides internet and is coin - operated.
Pets are not allowed. Smoking is permitted in the communal areas of the hostal.
The check - in time for the hostal is after 12:00 noon. The check - out time is before 11:00.
There is the option for short stay in the hostal (ie for a number of hours, rather than a whole night). This costs €10.00 per hour and the room must be used for a minimum of 3 hours.
Business Facilities:
There are no business facilities in the hotel. There is no Wi-Fi. However, there is one coin - operated computer with internet access.
Facilities for the Disabled:
There are no facilities for the disabled. The hostal is on the first floor (this is the third floor by U.K standards) and the lift is very small. No rooms have been adapted for wheelchair use.
Rooms:
There are a total of 22 rooms in the hotel over 2 floors. There are single, double and one triple and four person rooms available. This renders the hostal particularly useful for families, as many hotels and hostals in Barcelona have only single and double rooms available.
All of the rooms that are overlooking the Ramblas have balconies. These rooms may be noisy at night, as the Ramblas is a very busy area. However, these rooms have double glazed windows. Those looking for a quieter room should request one on the interior.
An en - suite bathroom, air - conditioning, a television and a hair - dryer are provided in all rooms.
Hotel Location and Facilities:
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| Teatre del Liceu |
The hotal is located at the centre of the Ramblas - Barcelona's most famous street. This offers an opportunity to be at the centre of the Barcelona action. However, it may not be appealing for those looking for a more relaxing city break. The Ramblas is a 24 hour street. During the day it is filled with tourists enjoying the street entertainers and souvenirs. During the night it is full of people who are out to party. You will become accustomed to witnessing troops of Elvises or cowboys in pink hats pass you by as the hen and stag do's hit the town!
If you are hoping to enjoy the Ramblas, but in more relaxed surroundings, it is possible to find hostals in the old town, within a few minutes walk of the Ramblas, that are in a quieter area and are normally priced more cheaply.
The hotel is located close to the Teatre del Liceu. For more information on this, check our Guide to Opera Venues in Barcelona.
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| La Boqueria |
The hotel's namesake is one of Europe's most well - renowned food markets - the Boqueria. This is just across the street from the hostal and is an experience that is not to be missed. It is a great place to visit to learn about Spanish cuisine- all of the essential Spanish ingredients, from saffron, to chorizo to paprika can be found amongst the hundreds of food stalls. It is a roofed area, filled with both tourists filming the weird and wonderful foods and locals doing their 'weekly shop'.
The hotel is located about 25 minutes walk from the Barceloneta beach. However, Barcelona's harbour area is closer, based at the bottom of the Ramblas, 10 minutes walk from the hostal. The harbour area is enjoyable to visit on a sunny day as people sit and soak up the sun on the wooden decking or walk around the shops in the Maremagnum commercial centre.
As the hotel is based on the Ramblas you will find many useful amenities such as a large supermarket, internet cafés, bureaus de change, pharmacies and banks.
The hotel's closest Metro stop is Liceu - less than five minutes walk from the hotel.
How to travel from the airport to the hotel
Private transfer service - Barcelona airport to your hotel or hotel to Barcelona airportIf you don't speak Spanish and you are unfamiliar with Barcelona booking a private airport transfer is a good option to consider. Once booked, you will have someone waiting to meet you at Barcelona airport to take you to your hotel. They will be holding a sign with your name on it. You need to book this service online before you leave by following the links below.
Private airport transfer service
Mini Van Shuttle Transfer To And From Barcelona Airport
If you wish to reserve a shared mini-van transfer from Barcelona Airport to your hotel or vice versa click on the link below. Note that this service is not a private service for you own group but the mini van will be shared with other passengers.
Shared minivan transfer from Barcelona Airport to hotel or hotel to Barcelona Airport
Public transport transfer options
Via Taxi: A taxi from the airport should take about 25 minutes and cost around €25.00 - €30.00 depending on traffic and luggage.
Via Train: The RENFE train leaves the airport every half an hour and will take you to Estacio de Franca in about 35 minutes. A single ticket costs €3.60. The hotel is about 20 minutes walk from the station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the train station if you have lots of luggage. This will take about 10 minutes and cost about €8.00 - €10.00. It is also possible to catch the Metro from Barceloneta metro, close to Estacio de Franca, to Liceu. However, Liceu is on the green line, and this will involve two metro changes to go a very short distance.
Via Bus: Take the 'Aerobus ' to Plaza de Catalunya from directly outside the airport. The Aerobus generally runs every 10- 15 minutes and the journey time is 30 minutes. The hotel is 5 - 10 minutes walk from Plaza de Catalunya, or 10 minutes in a taxi that will cost about €8.00 - €10.00.
In a Nutshell:
Hostal Boqueria is an attractive option for those who wish to stay on the Ramblas. Contrary to many of the hostals offering low standards to unsuspecting tourists, Hostal Boqueria is clean, welcoming and reasonably priced. An ideal option for travellers who do not want to miss a minute of the action.
Hostal Boqueria
First Floor
Ramblas, 100
08002 Barcelona, España
Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3)
